Cadillac DTS
Encyclopedia
The Cadillac DTS is a full-size luxury sedan
produced by General Motors
, an American automobile company. The DTS replaced the Cadillac DeVille
as General Motors' largest luxury car for the 2006 model year. This renaming followed new styling conventions set by the earlier CTS
and STS
.
The first version of the DTS was initially shown at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show
on February 9.
's Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly
factory from 2005 through May 2011. The "Luxury" models were priced at US$46,280 for the 2010 model. Even though priced lower than the rear-wheel drive STS
flagship, the DTS is longer than the STS.
One major feature change from the Deville to the DTS was the elimination of the standard 6-passenger seating configuration for non-limousine
models. However, such capability remains an optional feature for fleet clients. It had a square clock but circular gauges.
The DTS incorporates the K-platform
as denoted by the 4th letter in the VIN, and is powered by the 32V Northstar V8
, which produces 275 bhp in "Standard", "Luxury" and "Premium" trims. The DTS "Platinum" is equipped with 292 bhp version. The DTS has standard industry features including multiple airbags, xenon high power headlamps, leather seating, and power seats. Options include navigation system, Magnetic Ride Control
(magnetic ride control on performance models only), moonroof, chrome wheels, heated/cooled seats, and a heated steering wheel. A fully loaded DTS costs approximately $55,000(US) depending on color choice and options. A new DTS Platinum Edition was released in 2007 with special interior trim, badging and other luxury features. GM phased out all GM badges from vehicles on the 2010.5 models, including the Cadillac DTS.
, this version was being touted as having greater rear legroom. Early DTS-L Cadillacs are easily recognized by the wider rear C-pillar, similar to the one used on the older Fleetwood 75 Series. This was necessitated by the use of the standard length DTS rear door, which left a strange looking space between the rear wheelwell and door. In 2008 a new version, with longer rear doors, was introduced. This change also meant that the C-pillars became considerably slimmer. Despite these efforts, the small production DTS-L soon disappeared from the marketplace.
See: 2005 Cadillac DTS Presidential State Car
A specially designed and outfitted armored vehicle with DTS styling and a high-roof fitted to a GM four-wheel drive chassis was used in the second inauguration of U.S. President George W. Bush. While details of the modified vehicle, codenamed Stagecoach, remain classified, previous such vehicles indicate that it would have been upgraded with advanced armor and safety features in order to protect the president from various threats.
Its successor entered service with President Barack Obama on January 20, 2009. According to GM, the manufacturer, the "2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine" is the first not to carry a specific model name. The vehicle is a combination of a Cadillac limousine body on the chassis/platform of a GMC Topkick commercial truck and bears styling cues from the CTS and Escalade models as opposed to the DTS.
according to the March 2011 issue of Car and Driver. The original plan was reported to be a rear-drive sedan, powered by the new Ultra V8 engine
(replacement for the Northstar), to bow for 2010. GM later stopped development of new North American Zeta
-based models and canceled the Ultra V8 engine. A V-12 based on the Ultra V-8 was reported to be considered but cancelled some time ago. Most recent reports have stated Cadillac's new car will instead utilize the new Epsilon II-based Super Epsilon platform. Other reports maintain that Cadillac is still continuing with a rear-drive platform, perhaps an updated version of the GM Sigma platform
Chinese Cadillac SLS or stretched CTS platform. Instead of the Northstar or Ultra V-8, LS
V8 engines would be used.
Luxury vehicles
Luxury vehicle is a marketing term for a vehicle that provides luxury — pleasant or desirable features beyond strict necessity—at increased expense ....
produced by General Motors
General Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
, an American automobile company. The DTS replaced the Cadillac DeVille
Cadillac DeVille
The de Ville was originally a trim level and later a model of General Motors' Cadillac marque. The first car to bear the name was the 1949 Coupe de Ville, a prestige trim level of the Series 62 luxury coupe. The last model to be formally known as a de Ville was the 2005 Cadillac Deville, a...
as General Motors' largest luxury car for the 2006 model year. This renaming followed new styling conventions set by the earlier CTS
Cadillac CTS
The Cadillac CTS is a mid-size car manufactured by the Cadillac marque of General Motors currently available in three body styles: Sedan, Coupe, and Sport Wagon. It was introduced in 2002 as a sports sedan, replacing the Cadillac Catera. The CTS and the supercharged CTS-V variant have been named...
and STS
Cadillac STS
The STS is a mid-size luxury sports sedan / executive car manufactured and sold by Cadillac. It is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with performance algorithm shifting and driver shift control.- Origins :...
.
The first version of the DTS was initially shown at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show
Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is held annually in February at Chicago's McCormick Placeconvention complex. It is among the largest auto shows in North America....
on February 9.
Production and specifications
The DTS was manufactured at GMGeneral Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
's Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly
Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly
Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly is a General Motors automobile factory straddling the border between Detroit and Hamtramck, Michigan. It is located about three miles from corporate headquarters and has been used for production of Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile, and Cadillac products.-History:The site...
factory from 2005 through May 2011. The "Luxury" models were priced at US$46,280 for the 2010 model. Even though priced lower than the rear-wheel drive STS
Cadillac STS
The STS is a mid-size luxury sports sedan / executive car manufactured and sold by Cadillac. It is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with performance algorithm shifting and driver shift control.- Origins :...
flagship, the DTS is longer than the STS.
One major feature change from the Deville to the DTS was the elimination of the standard 6-passenger seating configuration for non-limousine
Limousine
A limousine is a luxury sedan or saloon car, especially one with a lengthened wheelbase or driven by a chauffeur. The chassis of a limousine may have been extended by the manufacturer or by an independent coachbuilder. These are called "stretch" limousines and are traditionally black or white....
models. However, such capability remains an optional feature for fleet clients. It had a square clock but circular gauges.
The DTS incorporates the K-platform
GM K platform (FWD)
The General Motors K platform was an automobile platform designation used for front wheel drive Cadillac models beginning in 1980. It replaced the rear wheel drive K platform....
as denoted by the 4th letter in the VIN, and is powered by the 32V Northstar V8
Northstar engine series
The Northstar engine series of automobile engines is General Motors' most technically complex 90° V engine architecture. The family is most associated with Cadillac's Northstar V8, but the family has also seen use at Oldsmobile...
, which produces 275 bhp in "Standard", "Luxury" and "Premium" trims. The DTS "Platinum" is equipped with 292 bhp version. The DTS has standard industry features including multiple airbags, xenon high power headlamps, leather seating, and power seats. Options include navigation system, Magnetic Ride Control
Magneto rheological damper
A magnetorheological damper or magnetorheological shock absorber is a damper filled with magnetorheological fluid, which is controlled by a magnetic field, usually using an electromagnet. This allows the damping characteristics of the shock absorber to be continuously controlled by varying the...
(magnetic ride control on performance models only), moonroof, chrome wheels, heated/cooled seats, and a heated steering wheel. A fully loaded DTS costs approximately $55,000(US) depending on color choice and options. A new DTS Platinum Edition was released in 2007 with special interior trim, badging and other luxury features. GM phased out all GM badges from vehicles on the 2010.5 models, including the Cadillac DTS.
| Model | Year | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Luxury I, II, III |
2006 | 4.6 L Northstar LD8 V8 | 275 bhp at 5200 rpm | 292 lbft at 4400 rpm |
| 2007–2008 | 275 bhp at 6000 rpm | 295 lbft at 4400 rpm | ||
| Standard Luxury Premium |
2009– | |||
| Performance | 2006 | 4.6 L Northstar L37 V8 | 291 bhp at 5600 rpm | 286 lbft at 4400 rpm |
| 2007–2008 | 292 bhp at 6300 rpm | 288 lbft at 4500 rpm | ||
| Platinum | 2009– | |||
DTS-L
Especially for the limousine market, the lightly stretched DTS-L was released in November 2006 for the 2007 model year. Developed and finished by AccubuiltSuperior Coach Company
Superior Coach was once a school bus body and professional car manufacturer, but today it focuses on building hearses and is located in Lima in Allen County, Ohio.-History:-Garford Motor Truck Company:...
, this version was being touted as having greater rear legroom. Early DTS-L Cadillacs are easily recognized by the wider rear C-pillar, similar to the one used on the older Fleetwood 75 Series. This was necessitated by the use of the standard length DTS rear door, which left a strange looking space between the rear wheelwell and door. In 2008 a new version, with longer rear doors, was introduced. This change also meant that the C-pillars became considerably slimmer. Despite these efforts, the small production DTS-L soon disappeared from the marketplace.
Presidential State Car
A specially designed and outfitted armored vehicle with DTS styling and a high-roof fitted to a GM four-wheel drive chassis was used in the second inauguration of U.S. President George W. Bush. While details of the modified vehicle, codenamed Stagecoach, remain classified, previous such vehicles indicate that it would have been upgraded with advanced armor and safety features in order to protect the president from various threats.
Its successor entered service with President Barack Obama on January 20, 2009. According to GM, the manufacturer, the "2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine" is the first not to carry a specific model name. The vehicle is a combination of a Cadillac limousine body on the chassis/platform of a GMC Topkick commercial truck and bears styling cues from the CTS and Escalade models as opposed to the DTS.
Next generation
The automotive press has reported that the next full-size Cadillac will be called the XTSCadillac XTS
The Cadillac XTS is an upcoming full-sized luxury car from the Cadillac brand of General Motors.. It is based on an enlarged version of the Epsilon II platform. The XTS will replace both the DTS and the STS sedans. It will begin production in early 2012 at the Oshawa Assembly Plant...
according to the March 2011 issue of Car and Driver. The original plan was reported to be a rear-drive sedan, powered by the new Ultra V8 engine
GM Ultra Engine
Ultra was the codename for General Motors' next-generation family of DOHC V8 engines that was being developed to replace the Northstar as the V8 engine of choice for GM's premium vehicles...
(replacement for the Northstar), to bow for 2010. GM later stopped development of new North American Zeta
GM Zeta platform
Zeta was the original name for General Motors' full-size rear-wheel drive automobile platform. The architecture was engineered by Holden of Australia and was most recently referred to as the "Global RWD Architecture". The GM Zeta replaced the Australian V-body and was considered as the replacement...
-based models and canceled the Ultra V8 engine. A V-12 based on the Ultra V-8 was reported to be considered but cancelled some time ago. Most recent reports have stated Cadillac's new car will instead utilize the new Epsilon II-based Super Epsilon platform. Other reports maintain that Cadillac is still continuing with a rear-drive platform, perhaps an updated version of the GM Sigma platform
GM Sigma platform
Sigma is General Motors' mid-size rear-wheel drive automobile platform. The architecture debuted in 2002 with the 2003 Cadillac CTS and is adaptable for all-wheel drive and extended wheelbase versions...
Chinese Cadillac SLS or stretched CTS platform. Instead of the Northstar or Ultra V-8, LS
GM LS engine
The GM LS engine family is an engine design intended as the only V-8 engine used in General Motors' line of rear-wheel-drive cars and trucks. The LS series was a "clean sheet" design with little in common with the classic Chevrolet small block V8...
V8 engines would be used.