Understated Elegance
Cadillac's new Seville is the right mix of power and style

The Seville's refined appearance is strong but understated	Cadillac Seville Engine: 32-valve DOHC V-8 Displacement: 4.6 liters Horsepower: 300 @6000 rpm Torque: 295 lb-ft @4400 rpm Drivetrain(s): 4-speed automatic with Performance Shift Algorithm Wheelbase: 112.2 inches Cargo/Trunk Space: 15.7 cu ft Fuel Capacity: 18.5 gallon Base Price: $46,000
Cadillac has some lofty goals for the new generation Seville. General Motor's luxury division is boldly attempting to brand its top-of-the-line sedan as a world-leader in the luxury elite. With sites set on Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, and Jaguar, the Seville is competing against reputations that until recently were largely superior.

The newest Seville has quickly closed that gap. An example of the confidence shown by Cadillac was its plan to unveil the car not in Detroit but in Germany at the Frankfurt Auto Show. First sales were earmarked for the competitive Japanese market complete with right-hand drive.

Cadillac can do this because the Seville was designed from the beginning as a world-car. Much thought was put into International specifications, including length and width, fuel requirements, even language readouts for the dash. All these were incorporated in the engineering process to allow all models to be easily produced at one assembly center.

One area receiving little revamping was the exterior styling. Market research indicated this was the one spot that buyers were the most resistant to change. The evolutionary development, while uniquely American in appearance, is in keeping with this most conservative of market segments. The hard-edge appearance of before, from the hood's "power dome" to the high decklid at the rear, has been kept but softened, giving the car a powerful presence.

The solid feel in the Seville can largely be attributed to GM's third generation G-body chassis.

Over 50 percent stiffer than before, the chassis incorporates other body-strengthening measures including hydro-formed tubes (an idea borrowed from the Corvette), one-piece floorpan, and a cross-car beam to solidify the instrument panel and steering column.

Aiding this is a two-inch wider track and one-inch longer wheelbase attached to a revamped MacPherson-strut suspension in front and multi-link design at the back. Cadillac's Variable Road Sensing Suspension, a feature that automatically adjusts the rate of the shocks, from firm to soft, for improved handling and ride quality regardless of road conditions, complete the package.

Engine choices still center on the much-loved Northstar powerplant. Delivering up-to 300 blp@6000 rpm and 295 lb-ft@4400 rpm (in STS trim), the 32valve DOHC aluminum V-8 continues to excite with its smooth but quiet output, and noted reliability and durability.

The four-speed automatic transmission, on the other hand, features a first for Cadillac: Performance Shift Algorithm (PAS). It uses sensors to evaluate the driver's intentions, evaluate and respond like a manual transmission for spirited driving. PAS monitors conditions like brake and throttle application and automatically adjusts with the correct gear.

Safety features include ABS, traction control, and Cadillac's StabiliTrak, an integrated vehicle stability control system guided by sensors to assist the driver through precarious driving conditions.

The interior is where Cadillac truly shines. Much thought has gone into the inviting environment, from its color-keyed layout to the touches of wood and leather. The instrument cluster's electroluminescent analog gauges give a warm but discrete look, and the switches respond with a quality feel. One unique feature is the optional adaptive driver's seat, featuring multiple air cells that sense the body's pressure points and adjust accordingly. The Bose 4.0 sound system will be the envy of every audiophile, with its 425 watts of power and eight speakers including 12-inch subwoofer.

Other features include the RainSense automatic wiper control that monitor rain hitting the windshield and vary accordingly. The optional OnStar driver assistance system has been upgraded to go beyond the basic direction updates of before to include vehicle diagnostics and even the ability of unlock the doors if locked unintentionally.

Driving the Seville is a genuine treat. Cadillac has worked hard to dispel the image of a maker of unresponsive, oversized cars. The Seville has the makings of a vehicle that meets or exceeds the technical and performance standards set by its import competitors. Though at first the car could be dismissed as merely a simple redesign, better but similar to before, the car exudes a seriousness of purpose lacking from American automotive manufacturing of the past.

Chris TayIor is marketing director of The Lane Report and an auto enthusiast.

Back to July Issue

Back to Automotive Index

Copyright 1996-98, by Kentucky Business Online, LLC.  All rights reserved.

Editorial content is copyright 1998, Lane Communications Group
All editorial materials is fully protected and must not be reproduced in any manner without prior permission. 

Buzzword and the Buzzword balloon are registered trademarks of Buzzword, Inc.  The Lane Report is a trademark of Lane Communications Group.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.