2005 CADILLAC STS: SOPHISTICATED PERFORMANCE AND LUXURY

Published: 11.12.2004
All-new Sigma-based Car is Highly Crafted Entry into Global Luxury Performance Sedan Market

Cadillac Signature Design Vocabulary

Rear-Wheel- or All-Wheel-Drive Performance

Northstar 4.6-liter V-8 VVT or 3.6-liter V-6 VVT

Dynamic Integrated Chassis Control Systems for Balanced Ride & Handling


The 2005 Cadillac STS is the luxury nameplate's all-new luxury performance sedan. It has been designed, engineered and executed to deliver precision craftsmanship, outstanding performance, and sophisticated luxury in a distinctly American package.

Based on General Motors' new rear-wheel-drive Sigma architecture, which also is the foundation for Cadillac's entry-luxury CTS sedan, CTS V-series high-performance sedan, and SRX luxury performance utility - the STS is designed to compete head-on with world-renowned prestige sedans in markets around the globe.

“Our long-term goal for Cadillac is to become the Standard of the World once again,” said Mark LaNeve, general manager for Cadillac. “In order to succeed globally, we have to build vehicles that have outstanding performance, exceptional quality and reliability, and meet the demands of the most discerning car buyers. “The STS represents the latest step in that direction.”

From its Cadillac-signature bold exterior styling to its outstanding power and road capabilities, the STS is the product of unwavering attention to detail. More than 1,000 criteria points have been strictly adhered to throughout development of the vehicle. The result is outstanding fit and finish, overall harmony, refined performance and purposeful innovation.

“We feel very comfortable calling this a finely crafted car, but we also realize that's the price of entry into this category,” said Jim Taylor, GM vehicle line executive, prestige vehicles. “The STS has simply been engineered to more than hold its own when matched against some of the best prestige luxury sedans in the world.”

While its overall shape brings a faster profile and more rake than its CTS sibling, it's done so in the context of elegance and grace. Overall, the STS is 196-inches long, 72.6 inches wide and 57.6-inches high, making it the largest sedan offering in the Sigma-based family.

The exterior fit and finish on the STS is taking Cadillac to the next level of refinement and exemplifies the attention to detail seen throughout the vehicle. Body and exterior dimensions are precisely executed. Radii on major body components, such as the hood and deck lid, are tight and contribute to its crisp exterior appearance. Doors-into-roof construction and a super plastic-formed aluminum deck lid ensure a clean and refined exterior.

All interior gaps also achieve exceptionally close tolerances, enabling a tight, well-crafted appearance throughout. Eucalyptuses wood and/or in-mold processed, dent and mar resistant aluminum trim is found on the steering wheel, center console, instrument panel, and door armrests.





Premium materials and fabrics are used throughout the interior. Dual-firmness Tuscany all-leather seats, available as heated and ventilated, are specially tanned for a softer feel. Spray-skinned urethane/natural grained surfaces on the door and instrument panel ensure an inviting, tactile touch, as do the headliner and interior pillars, which are soft backed and covered with a Monaco woven fabric.

V6 3.6 L VVT (LY7).


In terms of performance, the STS will be available with a 255-horsepower 3.6L
V-6 in a rear-drive configuration, or the 320-horsepower Northstar 4.6L V-8 in both rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations. Both engines incorporate variable valve timing (VVT) and are mated to widely acclaimed 5-speed automatic transmissions with Driver Shift Control.

While the STS is true to Cadillac's performance-oriented roots, a host of chassis refinements ensure that it hits the “sweet-spot” of ride and handling, resulting in a ride that keeps drivers fresh and comfortable without sacrificing the driving experience.

V8 4.6L VVT (LH2).


Road impacts and other harsh inputs are effectively absorbed and dissipated through ride-tuned tires, dampers, suspension components and bushings, as well as improved structure in body to chassis interfaces and additional refinements in the engine mounts.

Integrated chassis control technologies include a two-mode Magnetic Ride Control offering performance or touring selections, four-channel StabiliTrak, and an available high-precision ZF steering gear.

Technological appointments on the STS are plentiful, purposeful, and driver oriented. Such applications include an Easy Key system; Smart Remote Start system (not available in Europe or Russia); Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Intellibeam; re-configurable, four-color Head-Up Display (HUD); heated and ventilated seats; and heated steering wheel.

Of particular note is an available up-level infotainment system, which includes one of the industry's first OEM-installed, surround sound audio systems. The cabin is immersed with 15 speakers from Bose Corporation. The 5.1 Bose system also has an integrated six-disc CD/DVD changer and is capable of playing a broad array of formats including DVD-A, CD, and MP3. It includes an eight-inch VGA quality touch screen and advanced navigation. In addition, the system has Bluetooth capability, advanced voice recognition, and OnStar.

Like its Sigma-based siblings, the all-new STS will be built at GM's state-of-the-art Lansing Grand River assembly center in Lansing, Mich., beginning in the summer of 2004.

The STS is expected to arrive in Cadillac showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2004.

Beginning in 2005, the STS will be available in Europe, Japan, Russia, Middle East, South Korea, Taiwan and Israel.





Dimensions


Exterior

Wheelbase (mm): 2956

Overall length (mm): 4986

Overall width (mm): 1844

Overall height (mm): 1463

Track (mm): front: 1569;

rear: 1581

Curb weight (kg): 3.6L automatic: 1750;

4.6L automatic:1779;

4.6 automatic w/AWD: 1919

Weight distribution (% front / rear):

V-6: 52 / 48;

V-8: 54 / 46

Interior

Head room (mm): front: 983

rear: 962

Leg room (in / mm):

front: 42.6 / 1082

rear: 38.3 / 972

Shoulder room (in / mm):

front: 58.6 / 1488

rear: 57.4 / 1458

Hip room (in / mm):

front: 54.6 / 1387

rear: 55.6 / 1412

Engine

3.6L V-6

Type:60-degree 3.6L V-6 VVT (variable valve timing)

Displacement (cc): 3564

Bore & stroke (mm): 94 x 85

Compression ratio:10.2:1

Horsepower (hp / kw @ rpm):255 / 190 @ 6500

Torque (Nm @ rpm): 252 / 339 @ 3200

Northstar 4.6L V-8

Type: 90-degree 4.6L V-8 VVT (variable valve timing)

Displacement (cc): 4565

Bore & stroke (mm): 93 x 84

Compression ratio : 10.5:1

Horsepower (hp / kw @ rpm): 320 / 238 @ 6400

Torque (Nm @ rpm): 315 / 459 @ 4400

Transmissions

5-speed electronically-controlled automatic with lockup torque converter, Driver Shift Control, and Performance Algorithm Liftfoot

Hydra-Matic 5L40-E (V-6 )

Hydra-Matic 5L50-E (V-8 )