Archive for category Cadillac
Cadillac Eldorado Convertible – A Brief History
Posted by in Cadillac on July 13, 2011
The Cadillac Eldorado model was a personal luxury vehicle and the one in American that had the longest run in the market. The Eldorado was the only one sold after the 1998 model year. This model of Cadillac was part of the Cadillac line of models from 1953 to 2002. Its main competitors are the Buick Riviera and the Mark Series. The name of this model ‘Eldorado’ is Spanish and means ‘the gilded one’. The South American Indian tribe chief uses this name as well probably because that he would wash off the gold dust that was sprinkled in his body by diving into a lake during a ceremony. This name also refers to the cities of fabulous riches on the South American Continent which inspired several European expeditions.
The History
The ‘Eldorado’ name was proposed for a special show car built in 1952 for marking Cadillac’s Golden Anniversary. To be precise, the model was the result of an in-house competition that was won by Mary-Ann Zukosky, a secretary in the company’s merchandising department.
According to Palm Springs Life magazine, the name Eldorado stems from a resort destination in California’s Coachella Valley that was a favorite of
General Motors executives, the Eldorado Country Club. Anyway, the name was adopted by the company for a new, limited-edition convertible that was added to the production line in 1953.
The Cad models named Eldorado were always near the top of the manufacturers product line although cars bearing the name varied considerably in bodystyle and mechanical layout during this long period. Nevertheless, with exceptions for the Eldorado Brougham models of 1957-1960, the most expensive models were always the opulent, long wheel-based “Series 75″ sedans and limousines.
The Development in the 1990s
1992
In 1992, a new Eldorado appeared. It was slightly bigger than its predecessor, but it was so much more adroitly styled that it seemed greatly so. The window glasses were once again frameless, and shortly after introduction Cadillac’s excellent new Northstar V8 became available. This combination of sleek styling and increased power seemed more like the great Eldorados and this got good reviews for this model. The sales went up, though never again at record heights. People who purchased this preferred the four door model Cadillac Seville, a trend that was clearly indicated by the sale figures. This automobile continued for the rest of the decade with incremental changes and moderate sales., Its former running mates Toronado and Riviera were discontinued at this time and by the end of the century it was becoming clear that the end of the Eldorado was probably coming as well. Read the rest of this entry »
2008 Cadillac DTS
Posted by in Cadillac on July 13, 2011
For a long time the DeVille has been a well known car made by Cadillac; however, now the DTS has replaced this car. This is a front wheel drive vehicle that does a great job of replacing the full size DeVille. Some of the changes you’ll notice on the new DTS include an OnStar system in the car, a new key fob, and chrome wheels that come standard.The new DTS was first introduced back in 2005 at the Chicago Auto Show, and it is continuing to be a big hit with the new 2008 model that is available. However, this is a new single model strategy, which means that there is only one interior and one exterior available, but there are several different options packages that are available for purchase as well. The DTS is powered by one of two different Northstar V8 engines and it now contains six airbags as well.
On the Outside
If you take a look at the outside of the 2008 Cadillac DTS, you’ll notice that it has more clean lines and a certain architectural style to it. In fact, the new style is just a bit like the new STS sedan. On the front you’ll find an egg crate style grille that has a wreath and crest badging in the center. There are also xenon headlights featured in the front and LED taillights in the back. The deck lid rear panels are new as well.
There are several available technologies as well, including Magnetic Ride Control, and StabiliTrak stability system that comes with brake assist. You’ll also find that 17 inch chrome wheels now come standard with the car, although you can choose to have the 18 inch chrome wheels if you want them. The 2008 Cadillac DTS has a wheelbase that is 115.6 inches and it is a total of 207.6 inches long and the width is 74.8 inches, which is quite a large vehicle.
On the Inside
On the inside of the car, it can hold 5-6 people fairly comfortable, and you can choose between a bench in the front, or bucket seats. The instrument panel is a bit different then the one in the previous DeVille and it has been moved forward and lowered as well. You can get an analog clock in the car and you can even have the trim upgraded to burl wood if you are willing to pay a bit extra.
For climate control, you get a tri zone automatic climate control feature that comes standard. There are other features available as well, such as cooled and heated seats in the front, heated seats in the seats, remote start, folding mirrors, wipers that senses rain, a steering wheel that is heated, and even a heater for the windshield washer fluid. You can also get a 6 CD changer that is able to play MP3s, XM radio, adaptive cruise control, and rear parking assistance. A few other optional features include OnStar, a navigation system that is DVD based, and step by step navigation. Read the rest of this entry »