2007 Cadillac XLR Press Release
Press Release: Cadillac Moves into Second Phase of Renaissance
For immediate release
GM Media
LOS ANGELES – Few automotive brands have achieved what Cadillac has in recent years – a complete product renaissance and extreme makeover of dramatic proportions. The first phase established Cadillac's new design and serious performance. Now, this historic renaissance moves into a second, even more ambitious era focusing on more elegant product executions.
The 2007 model year marks an important milestone in Cadillac's march back to prominence among the world's finest luxury brands. The completely redesigned family of Escalade SUVs aims to extend Cadillac's leadership in that luxury category. The SRX crossover boasts a more luxurious new interior, in addition to its award-winning performance. And, the landmark V-Series cars (XLR-V, STS-V and CTS-V) continue to explore the potential of the division's performance, luxury and exclusivity.
This new phase of the division's renaissance aims to continue Cadillac's noteworthy progress in dramatic designs and enhanced performance. “Phase two” also adds a renewed emphasis on more elegantly detailed products. This will be achieved with a blend of advanced technology with hand-craftsmanship that harkens back to Cadillac's origins as a custom luxury coach builder. The new interiors of the SRX crossover, as well as the STS-V and XLR-V, feature interior components cut, sewn and wrapped by hand, bringing extreme accuracy and attention to detail.
The Supercharged Northstar V-8 engine powering the STS-V and XLR-V is hand-assembled to exacting standards at GM's Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich. Each engine is built from start to finish by a single expert craftsman. The new Escalade features a distinct and luxurious new interior,
with touches such as sleek, blue-tinted instrument gauge needles and high technology features such as power release second-row seats and a rearview camera system.
Here is a summary of Cadillac's new product initiatives for 2007.
Escalade – The all-new 2007 Cadillac Escalade, the next generation of the iconic luxury SUV, establishes a new level of power, style and elegance and introduces the next step in Cadillac's ongoing renaissance.
Based on General Motors' all-new full-size SUV platform, the '07 Escalade features new powertrain, chassis, safety and interior systems. These integrated systems deliver the most powerful, efficient luxury SUV in the segment, led by a new 6.2L all-aluminum V-8 engine with variable valve timing technology delivering 403 horsepower (301 kW)* and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm).*
Escalade has a sleeker, cleaner and more athletic form with improved aerodynamics, while appearing smaller in stature than its predecessor. It is instantly identifiable and incorporates styling cues from Cadillac's landmark Sixteen concept vehicle, including a more detailed signature grille, front fender vent ports and layers of chrome accents.
An all-new interior is a cornerstone of the new Escalade and sets a new standard for refinement. The warm and inviting interior is complemented with premium materials and a distinct layout not shared with any other GM full-size SUV.
Cadillac Escalade is available now in dealer showrooms.
Escalade EXT – The all-new 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT brings unmatched versatility to the completely redesigned Escalade family of luxury SUVs. Its unique Sport Utility Truck (SUT) body style gives it a part-SUV, part-pickup profile, blending functionality with luxury.
With the industry-exclusive Midgate panel, owners can easily convert the EXT from a five-passenger SUV into a two-passenger pickup with 9 feet of protected and secured storage. The Midgate, located behind the rear seat, can be folded into the cabin, enabling the cargo area to expand from 5 feet to 8 feet, for a total of 101 cu. ft. in secured volume. A lockable standard tonneau cover protects items in the cargo bed, or can be removed entirely for added space.
Escalade EXT is identical to the standard-length Escalade from the front doors forward, and is as long as the extended-length ESV model. The EXT shares all the comprehensive upgrades of the new Escalade. It has a sleek, clean and athletic form with improved aerodynamics. The Escalade EXT with all-wheel drive arrived in dealerships in summer 2006.
Escalade ESV – The 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV, also all-new, is the largest member of the family, offering maximum passenger accommodations and cargo capacity. Combining power, size and strength with trademark Cadillac styling
and technology, the full-size Escalade ESV complements the Escalade and Escalade EXT.
Like its siblings, the ESV features new powertrain, chassis, safety and interior systems. Escalade ESV is identical to the standard Escalade from the front
doors forward.
STS-V – The supercharged 2007 Cadillac STS-V is General Motors' most intense expression of Cadillac power and performance yet. It has the sophistication of its STS sibling, yet elevates the performance and luxury attributes of the brand's growing V-Series lineup. The STS-V debuted in late 2005, representing an historic combination of performance technology and
hand-crafted elegance.
The 469-horsepower STS-V is the most powerful Cadillac ever. It is capable
of exceptional performance for an automobile of its size. Each 4.4-liter Supercharged Northstar V-8 engine is hand-assembled to exacting standards
at GM's Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich., and is built from start to finish by a single expert craftsman.
The 2007 STS-V also marks the initial phase of Cadillac's cut-and-sew approach to interiors, with extensive use of leather-wrapped interior surfaces created by craftsmen who cut, wrap and sew leather components individually.
XLR-V – The 2007 Cadillac XLR-V is a landmark car in Cadillac's long history. XLR-V elevates the performance and luxury attributes of the brand's growing
V-Series lineup to the fullest extent.
XLR-V is the quickest, most agile and most exclusive Cadillac ever offered. Launched in early 2006, the supercharged XLR-V also adopts Cadillac's cut-and-sew philosophy.
The 443-horsepower supercharged Northstar V-8 engine powering the XLR-V is hand assembled to exacting standards at GM's Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich. Like with STS-V, each engine is built from start to finish by a single expert craftsman.
SRX – The award-wining SRX luxury crossover enters the 2007 model year with a redesigned interior. The all-new cockpit is more luxurious and spacious, featuring a new instrument panel, hand-wrapped upper trim, console, center stack, door trim, wood trim, analog clock and steering wheel.
The instrument panel and door trim use Cadillac's new cut-and-sew interior process. The vehicle's new cockpit is hand-built, in the same painstaking fashion Cadillac applies to the limited-production STS-V and XLR-V models, bringing elite craftsmanship into the heart of the luxury marketplace.
New for 2007 is the 6L50 Hydra-Matic six speed transmission that provides increased performance and fuel efficiency. First introduced on Cadillac's acclaimed STS-V and XLR-V Series in 2006, the new transmission is now standard for rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive V-8 models.
DTS – The redesigned and renamed DTS debuted last year, continuing the legacy of the DeVille, its former iteration, which commanded nearly 50 percent of sales in its segment for nearly two decades.
For 2007, Cadillac refines DTS by adding more standard equipment and revising its interior and exterior color palettes.
For 2007, chrome wheels – with new center caps now featuring the wreath and crest rendered in color – are standard on all models. Popular options such as XM Satellite Radio, cargo mat and rear sunshades – previously available on top-of-the-line packages – are now expanded to become included on more of DTS's several packages.
In addition, the DTS receives a distinct Cadillac keyfob that will begin appearing across many Cadillac models in 2007, with a more refined appearance in a more compact package. The DVD navigation system adds maps for Korea and Taiwan, and Arabic replaces Italian on the driver information center. The analog clock on the instrument panel has also been revised for better readability.
XLR – The Cadillac XLR retractable hardtop convertible is a striking presence, and in 2007, two new special-edition XLR models – XLR Platinum and Passion Red – add exclusivity and elegance to Cadillac's landmark roadster. Platinum, first used on a special Escalade model, is Cadillac's designator for special-edition vehicles that inject even more luxury to the brand's portfolio.
Cadillac also debuted a Passion Red Special Edition XLR model for 2007, featuring a chrome grille, 18-inch chrome wheels and numbered sill plate. Cadillac will manufacture 200 units of this 2007-only special model. The Passion Red XLR follows 2006's Star Black special edition that was quickly sold out.
The XLR also upgrades to a six-speed automatic, features Generation 7 OnStar technology for 2007 (for more information, see the OnStar overview in the corporate book) and adds a redesigned key fob unique to Cadillac.
STS – The STS luxury performance sedan delivers sophisticated luxury and rear-wheel/all-wheel drive capability in a contemporary package.
New for 2007 is the 6L50 Hydra-Matic six speed transmission that provides increased performance and fuel efficiency. The transmission, first introduced on Cadillac's acclaimed STS-V and XLR-V in 2006, is standard on AWD and RWD V-8-equipped models. The new transmission features a generous 6.04:1 overall ratio that delivers strong launch acceleration yet provides “tall” overdrive ratios that decrease engine rpm to enhance fuel economy and reduce noise levels while cruising at highway speeds. Estimates by GM engineers have shown nearly 7 percent improvement in 0-to-60 mph times and up to a 5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency.
CTS – The 2007 CTS extends the impressive record of success for Cadillac's popular and distinctive luxury sport sedan. Built on GM's acclaimed and Cadillac exclusive luxury rear-wheel-drive structure, CTS set the groundwork for the award-winning SRX and standout STS. As a result of its design and performance, CTS has become a long-term sales success for Cadillac, with annual sales increasing through the car's first four model years in the marketplace, an industry rarity.
For 2007, the CTS adds OnStar's Connections and Directions to its NavTraffic service. Connections and Directions features access to driving directions, vehicle diagnostics, remote door unlock, stolen vehicle location assistance, concierge services and much more.
CTS-V – The 400-horsepower (298 kW) CTS-V is the founding member of Cadillac's V-Series, a club of exclusive vehicles that represent the full expression of Cadillac performance and luxury.
Designed to compete with the world's absolute best high-performance sedans, CTS-V is the production counterpart to Cadillac's CTS-V race car that is the defending champion in the SPEED World Challenge GT series.
Based on Cadillac's performance-oriented rear-drive luxury architecture, CTS-V is a highly refined high-performance luxury sedan. The CTS-V features a 6.0L
V-8 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and performance-tuned suspension, as well as numerous exterior and interior design touches.
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Contact:
David Caldwell
Cadillac Communications