General Motors
The STS is the product of unwavering attention to detail. More than 1,000 criteria points were strictly adhered to throughout development of the vehicle. The result is outstanding fit and finish, refined performance and innovation focussed on enhancing the driving experience. While it bears a faster profile with more rake than the smaller CTS, the overall shape has been softened compared to the first of the new-generation Cadillacs. Overall, the STS is 196 inches long, 72.6 inches wide and 57.6 inches high, making it the largest of the new-generation mid-size luxury sedans so far. 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 decklid, are tight and contribute to its crisp exterior appearance. Doors-into-roof construction and a single-piece superplastic-formed aluminum decklid ensure a clean and refined exterior. All interior gaps also achieve exceptionally close tolerances, enabling a tight, well-crafted appearance throughout. Eucalyptus 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."Our long-term goal for Cadillac is to become the Standard of the World once again. 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."Mark LaNeve, general manager for Cadillac
In terms of performance, the STS will be available initially with a 255 hp 3.6 L V-6 with rear-wheel drive, or the 320 hp Northstar 4.6 L V-8 in both rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. The 4.6 L Northstar is expected to deliver 0 to 60 mph performance at or less than 6.0 seconds while V-6 and AWD V-8 models are targeted to achieve 0 to 60 mph in under 7.0 seconds. Both engines are matched to 5-speed Hydra-Matic transmissions with Driver Shift Control. According to Jim Taylor a V6 model with all-wheel drive will be available at a later date. GM's new-generation six-speed automatic transmissions and an STS V-Series with over 500 hp are also expected in future. 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. 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 fully automatic hydraulic load-leveling shocks on base models which adapt automatically to different loads and road conditions; Magnetic Ride Control offering performance or touring selections with pneumatic load-levelling on higher models; four-channel StabiliTrak; and high-precision ZF steering gear available as an option in the top V8 model. Technological appointments on the STS are plentiful, purposeful, and driver oriented. Such applications include passive keyless access and push button starting; a Smart Remote Start system which adjusts personalisation and comfort settings from as far as 200 feet (not available in Europe or Russia); and available Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with re-configurable, four-color Head-Up Display (HUD); Intellibeam automatic high-low beam HID xenon lighting system with dynamic headlamp leveling system (standard on export vehicles); heated and ventilated seats; and heated steering wheel. Of particular note is the optional 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 wireless 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, MI, 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. E-Segment V8 Luxury Sedan Comparison Table"We feel very comfortable calling this a finely crafted car, but we also realize that’s the price of entry into this category. 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."Jim Taylor, GM vehicle line executive, prestige vehicles
E-Segment V6 Luxury Sedan Comparison Table