Cadillac DeVille
|
Cadillac Coupe DeVille Sedan Deville |
|
|---|---|
| Production period: | 1959-2005 |
| Class : | Upper class |
| Body versions : | Sedan , coupe , convertible |
| Previous model: | Cadillac Series 62 |
| Successor: | Cadillac DTS |
The Cadillac DeVille (also: Cadillac De Ville , de Ville and deVille from French "the city") was a series of the Cadillac brand belonging to the US automobile company General Motors . After certain equipment lines of other Cadillac models had already received the additional designation DeVille, the Cadillac DeVille became an independent model series from 1959, which was offered in various series until 2005 as a two-door Coupe DeVille and as a four-door sedan Sedan DeVille ; At times a four-seater convertible was also part of the range. Cadillac's DeVille, which competed primarily with the Continental or town car models from the Ford brand Lincoln and with Chrysler's Imperial series, was the best-selling luxury car of American origin for many years. The positioning of the series within the Cadillac model range changed several times over the years.
The Coupe DeVille, in particular, is mentioned many times in music or films, including in Chuck Berry's 1955 song Maybellene .
Model name Coupe DeVille
The name Coupe DeVille refers to a body shape that was widespread in the automotive sector in the first half of the 20th century, especially in the upper-class segment. Typical of a Coupé de Ville (French for city coupé, English also: Town Car ) was an open compartment for the chauffeur and a separate passenger compartment with a fixed metal roof. Coupés de Ville existed as superstructures for horse-drawn carriages as early as the 19th century. In the automotive sector, they were commonly used as representative vehicles.
Coupé-de-Ville-style bodies were nothing special to Cadillac. Up until World War II , numerous independent bodybuilders in both the United States and Europe offered such bodies, using chassis from any luxury manufacturer. Chassis from Rolls-Royce , Bentley or Packard were often dressed as Coupés de Ville. In the 1930s, Cadillac offered coupé de ville bodies for its sixteen-cylinder models for a number of years. They were commonly referred to as town cars and were manufactured by Fleetwood .
The Cadillac models, known as Coupé de Ville from 1949 onwards, took up the name of this special body shape, but were not Coupés de Ville in the technical sense, because the driver and passenger compartments formed one unit and were completely roofed over.
The spellings vary. In addition to “DeVille”, the spellings “De Ville”, “deVille” and “de Ville” can be found in various work publications.
Background: Cadillac Series 62 DeVille
The term DeVille first appeared at Cadillac in the post-war period in 1949. In this and the following eight years, the Cadillac de Ville was not an independent model. Rather, it was just a particularly high-quality version of the Cadillac Series 62 .
In the 1940s and 1950s, General Motors' luxury brand Cadillac was divided into four series, which were later reduced to three. Until 1951, the Series 61 Cadillacs was the base model. The Series 62 , which became the baseline in 1952 after production of the Series 61 had previously been discontinued, was ranked as the middle series . Both series were available as a two-door coupe and a four-door sedan. The next higher market segment occupied the Series 60 , which was only offered as a four-door sedan. Finally, the Series 75 representative vehicles were intended for chauffeur driven operations. Cadillac pursued the concept of unitary construction at this time. This means that all four series are technically and stylistically based on the same construction. They differed from one another in terms of their different wheelbases, external and internal decorative elements and equipment features.
The Motorama prototype
.jpg)
Cadillac's first Coupe de Ville (still in separate spelling) was a show car that was shown publicly at the Motorama Exhibition in New York City in January 1949 . It was a two-door, four-seat notchback coupé based on the long Series 60 chassis. The Coupe de Ville had a hardtop roof in a contrasting color from the rest of the body and dispensed with a fixed B-pillar . The notchback design was a novelty, because the coupé versions of Cadillac's production models were equipped with a hatchback body at the time. The de Ville show car had a one-piece front windshield, a three-piece rear window that was pulled into the side of the C-pillar, and eye-catching chrome ornaments. In the interior it was equipped with a telephone and writing facilities such as a voice recorder. The car remained unique in this form. It was in regular operation until 1957 and is now occasionally shown at exhibitions.
The series versions
.jpg)
Cadillac took over some elements of the show car for the production version of the DeVille, which was based on the shorter chassis of the Series 62. Like the show car, the production version of the de Ville was also a notchback coupé. The design of the rear side windows has also been adopted.
The production model was introduced by Cadillac in the second half of the 1949 model year, which began in the fall of 1948. The Coupe DeVille stood next to the also two-door Club Coupe , which this year still had a hatchback body. Unlike the Club Coupe , it was equipped with electric windows and leather-covered seats as standard. At US $ 3,497, the Coupe DeVille cost almost US $ 500 more than the Club Coupe and almost reached the price of the Series 62 Cabriolet. In the (short) first model year, 2,150 copies of the Coupe de Ville were built.
In the following years, the DeVille made all stylistic changes that Cadillac made to the Series 62. This affected the design of the windshields, which gradually took on the shape of panoramic windows, as well as the development of the tail fins. With the 1950 model year, the two-door hatchback version of the Series 62 was discontinued. The two-door base model of the series, which initially continued to be called the Club Coupe and from 1952 only a Coupe , was now, like the DeVille, a hardtop coupé with a notchback and without a B-pillar. Outwardly, both models differed primarily in their individual chrome applications and their equipment, which in the case of the Coupe DeVille was significantly higher quality. In terms of price, the Coupe DeVille was regularly US $ 400 to 500 above the base coupe. Almost the same number of copies were made of both versions each year.
For the 1956 model year, Cadillac introduced a four-door version of the DeVille, which was named Series 62 Sedan DeVille. It complemented the Series 62 Four Door Sedan , which became the brand's four-door base model. Analogous to the Coupe DeVille, the Sedan DeVille was also equipped with a higher quality than the base model. The Series 62 Sedan DeVille had a hardtop roof, so not the continuous B-pillar of the regular Series 62 Four Door Sedan of that time. It also didn't have a third side window between the rear door and the roof end, making it look sportier than the base model. The Series 62 Sedan DeVille is considered the first mass-produced four-door hardtop . In its first model year it sold significantly better than the base model; With 41,732 copies, its production exceeded that of the base model by more than 50 percent. The Series 62 Sedan remained successful in the following two years.
1959–2005: Cadillac DeVille as an independent series
Inspired by the great success of the Coupe DeVille and the Sedan DeVille, Cadillac spun off the DeVille models from the Series 62 series, starting with the year of construction 1959. The DeVille was thus an independent series, which initially received the model designation Series 63. It was positioned above the Series 62 but below the Series 60 Special. This remained so beyond 1964, when the designation Series 62 was dropped and replaced by the Calais model series . Only when Cadillac introduced a smaller-sized new edition of its standard models in the course of so-called downsizing in 1977 did the Calais series disappear. This made the Coupé and sedan version of the DeVille Cadillac's base model, ranking above a luxury version now known as Fleetwood Brougham . The last versions of the DeVille, which were offered at the beginning of the 21st century, were again the top models of the brand.
First generation: 1959–1960
| 1st generation Cadillac DeVille | |
|---|---|
 Cadillac Coupe DeVille (1959) |
|
| Production period: | 1959-1960 |
| Body versions : | Coupé , convertible |
| Engines: |
Petrol engines : 6.4 liters (239–250 kW) |
| Length: | 5639-5715 mm |
| Width: | |
| Height: | |
| Wheelbase : | 3289-3302 mm |
| Empty weight : | 2036-2138 kg |
The first generation of the DeVille corresponded technically and stylistically to the vehicles of the Series 62 series. Outwardly, there were only minor deviations, especially in the emblems and the lettering on the body. The DeVilles were offered as two-door coupe and four-door sedans. There were no convertibles in the DeVille range; they were only offered in the Series 62 and - with improved equipment and a significantly higher price - as Eldorado Biarritz.
design
Cadillac's 1959 model year was exceptional because of its body design. Because of the strikingly designed tail fins, these models were considered " the automotive symbol of the 1950s"; they were "both the climax and the final word of the wildest styling epoch in the history of the automobile."
The design of the 1959 model year was the last regular work of long-time GM designer Harley Earl . In terms of style, the cars had no references to the previous models. The body, which was basically the same for all series of the brand, was generally lower and slimmer than the massive 1958 models. The sides of the car tapered towards the rear and ended in round openings that were modeled on the outlet of an aircraft nozzle. Above them were exceptionally high and pointed tail fins, in which two rocket-shaped taillights were integrated on each side of the vehicle. According to critics, the tail fins reached “almost ridiculous” dimensions in this model year. The rear wheels of the new model were covered by the fenders and the front end was made slimmer. In addition, the wide rear bumper in the grill design had taillights on the side, which were reminiscent of the outlets of rocket nozzles. Their shape and height were a reaction to the Chrysler models of 1957 and 1958 designed by Virgil Exner , whose tail fins were higher than those of the Cadillac vehicles. With the design of the 1959 vintage, the GM designers wanted to surpass the Chrysler lines again.
The Coupe DeVille had a curved, steeply sloping roofline at the rear. For the sedan, Cadillac offered two different forms of roof design for the first time: a version known as Six Windows had a curved roofline similar to the coupé and had three windows on each side of the vehicle (driver's door, rear door, rear side window). In addition, a version with a horizontal roof and a large rear panoramic window was on offer. In this version, the rear window was bent into the sides of the vehicle and extended to the end of the rear door. This version only had two side windows (one in each door). It was therefore called the Four Windows; an alternative designation that refers to the horizontally running roof is flat top .
technology
Like all other Cadillacs, the DeVille had an X-shaped ladder frame to which the body was bolted. All DeVille models used an eight-cylinder V-engine, the displacement of which had been increased to 6.4 liters (390 cubic inches). The performance was specified with 325 hp. A 345 hp version of this engine, which Cadillac also had on offer, was not used regularly in the DeVille models; it was reserved for the high-priced Eldorado line.
Furnishing
The standard equipment of the DeVille was more extensive than that of the regular Series 62 models. The standard equipment included, power steering, automatic transmission, electrically adjustable seats, windscreen wipers with two speeds and chrome-plated hubcaps.
Changes for 1960
For the 1960 model year, Harley Earl's successor, Bill Mitchell, revised last year's design slightly. He took over the basic body of the 1959 models, but turned away from their stylistic extremes in details. The tail fins were lower and the rocket-shaped light units were omitted. Instead, the taillights were integrated flush with the end of the tail fins. The decoration of the radiator grille was also made more objective. Otherwise, the range of bodies remained unchanged. There was also the Coupe DeVille with a flowing roofline and the Sedan DeVille with two or three side windows. The engine was also not revised.
production
Cadillac's standard models from 1959 and 1960 were successful on the market. Cadillac produced over 142,000 cars in the 1959 model year; nearly 114,000 of these were Series 62 and DeVille vehicles. In 1960 Cadillac produced another 112,175 vehicles from both series. Production was almost equally divided between the DeVille series and the Series 62 in both years. The most successful single model in the DeVille series was the 6 window sedan from model year 1960, while the 4 window sedan of the same year was the rarest model.
A Coupe DeVille was priced at US $ 5,252 and the sedans were priced at US $ 5,498. Thus, the DeVilles were priced around 400 to 500 US $ each over the identical Series 62 models. The prices changed remained constant for 1960.
gallery
Coupe DeVille (1959)
Jewel-style radiator grille (1959)
Sedan DeVille 6 Windows (1959)
Sedan DeVille 4 Windows (so-called Flat Top ) (1959)
Cadillac Sedan DeVille 1960 (left) and 1959 (right)
Coupe DeVille (1960)
Interior (1960)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Second generation: 1961–1964
| 2nd generation Cadillac DeVille | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Cadillac Coupe DeVille (1961) |
|
| Production period: | 1961-1964 |
| Body versions : | Coupé , convertible |
| Engines: |
Petrol engines : 6.4–7.0 liters (239–250 kW) |
| Length: | 5639-5715 mm |
| Width: | |
| Height: | |
| Wheelbase : | 3289-3302 mm |
| Empty weight : | 2036-2138 kg |
For the 1961 model year, the Cadillac models were redesigned and revised in the technical area. The cars were again given a flatter front. If the radiator grille was previously enough under the double headlights, these now represented its limitation.
In 1962 the grill was flattened again and received a wide, chrome-plated, horizontal central bar. In 1963 there was a completely new grille that was split horizontally. The twin headlights, still side by side, were smaller, and underneath were parking and turn signal lights. The tail fins became smaller and the oval taillights took on an elongated, vertical shape. 1964, there were little stylistic changes, but a new cc engine with 7030, the 340 hp (250 kW) at 4,600 min -1 gave.
In 1964, a Cadillac Cabriolet also bore the DeVille logo and name for the first time.
The Coupe DeVille, like the other Cadillac models, grew considerably between 1949 and the early 1970s and also increased engine power. In 1973 the cars had a 102 mm larger wheelbase, were 432 mm longer and were more than 400 kg heavier. Their V8 engines had grown from 5.4 liters to 7.7 liters.
Third generation: 1965–1970
| 3rd generation Cadillac DeVille | |
|---|---|
 Cadillac Coupe DeVille (1965) |
|
| Production period: | 1965-1970 |
| Body versions : | Sedan , coupe , convertible |
| Engines: |
Otto engines : 7.0–7.7 liters (250–276 kW) |
| Length: | 5690-5715 mm |
| Width: | |
| Height: | |
| Wheelbase : | 3289 mm |
| Empty weight : | 2014–2125 kg |
In the spring of 1965, the Coupe DeVille was completely redesigned, but retained its wheelbase of 3,289 mm. The sweeping tail fins disappeared and were replaced by small vertical fins and the rounded body lines were replaced by a clear, angular styling. There was also a new rear bumper and tall, elongated taillights. At the front, the side-by-side double headlights were replaced by one on top of the other, which made an even wider radiator grille possible.
There were curved side windows and the sedans with B-pillars found their way back into the Calais and DeVille series. The 60 Special series cars also got B-pillars, whereby the hardtop sedans with six windows were omitted. The 60 Special also got its exclusive wheelbase of 3,378 mm back, while it had only had a 3,289 mm wheelbase from 1959 to 1964.
Even if the sales figures for the 1965 elegantly redesigned Coupe DeVille set new records, this model only took second place behind the Sedan DeVille. In the 1965 model year, an impressive 43,345 Hardtop Coupe DeVille and 19,200 DeVille Cabriolets were sold. The models 68357-J to 68367-F of the Coupe DeVille cost between US $ 5,419 and US- $ 5,639 ex-factory as hardtop coupes or convertibles.
The hardtop was available with a vinyl roof for an additional charge of US $ 121. The displacement of the engine had grown to 7.0 l and its output to 340 bhp (250 kW). All four DeVille models had small nameplates on the rear fenders over the side moldings. The rear registration plate sat in the middle of the clear, symmetrical rear of the vehicle.
In 1966 there were only cosmetic changes to the body and the DeVille series again differed in the Tiffany-like model plates on the rear fenders above. The standard equipment followed the pattern of previous years. Cadillac signs and V-shaped moldings on the front and back were the hallmarks.
During the 1966 model year, sales of the very popular Coupe DeVille exceeded the 50,000 mark for the first time, but were still below those of the four-door Sedan DeVille. All closed DeVille models had chrome frames and chrome manhole strips on the side windows. An automatic level control was now standard. There were new engine mounts and a quieter, patented exhaust system. The hardtop weighed 2,020 kg, the convertible 2,014 kg.
The prices had risen compared to the previous year and ranged between US $ 5,339 and US $ 5,555. When the 1966 model year ended in the summer, 50,580 Coupe DeVille had been sold.
In 1967 the Coupe DeVille was significantly revised. Noticeable styling details included a strong, forward-sloping front of the vehicle, a long, textured body line, and new rear fenders with more than a small hint of tail fins. The honeycomb-shaped radiator grille stretched across the entire width of the vehicle and was surrounded by double headlights arranged one above the other for the third year now. Rectangular parking lights were found in the outer ends of the grill.
Slightly different moldings and a somewhat more comfortable interior set the DeVille models apart from the Calais models. There were also the little Tiffany-style labels on the rear fenders. Coupe Deville and Calais models received a new elegant roof line, which was inspired by the Florentine show car from the 1964 World's Fair in New York .
As with the show car, the recessed glass of the triangular windows made the rear window look like a sail.
The equipment list of the Coupe DeVille (1967 model) contained the same equipment as the Calais plus electric windows, rear cigarette lighter and two-way adjustable front seats. The 1967 Cadillac offered additional advantages with a pull-out fuse box and a safety lock on the front seat backs on two-door models.
Fourth generation: 1971–1976
| 4th generation Cadillac DeVille | |
|---|---|
 Cadillac Coupe DeVille (1972) |
|
| Production period: | 1971-1976 |
| Body versions : | Coupé , pickup |
| Engines: |
Petrol engines : 7.7–8.2 liters (140–276 kW) |
| Length: | 5735-5867 mm |
| Width: | 1941-2032 mm |
| Height: | 1367 mm |
| Wheelbase : | 3302 mm |
| Empty weight : | 2121-2287 kg |
The Coupe DeVille remained a hardtop coupé up to and including the 1973 model year, but in 1974 it became a coupé with B-pillars and the then modern small round windows behind the B-pillars (“Opera Windows”).
The Sedan DeVille remained a hardtop sedan until 1976. New rectangular headlights with flashing lights around the corners of the vehicle appeared in 1975 and the grille was no longer recessed. The 7.7 liter engine phased out in 1975, making the 8.2 liter V8 the only engine available.
Rear view
Cadillac Coupe DeVille (1975)
Fifth generation: 1977–1984
| 5th generation Cadillac DeVille | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Cadillac Coupe DeVille (1978) |
|
| Production period: | 1977-1984 |
| Body versions : | Coupe |
| Engines: |
Otto engines : 4.1–7.0 liters (92–143 kW) Diesel engines : 5.7 liters (77–88 kW) |
| Length: | 5613-5618 mm |
| Width: | 1894-1941 mm |
| Height: | 1382-1387 mm |
| Wheelbase : | 3086 mm |
| Empty weight : | 1714-1896 kg |
.jpg)
For the 1977 model year, Cadillac introduced a new generation of luxury models. The Calais, which had previously assumed the role of the basic model under the DeVille, was omitted; thus the DeVille became Cadillac's new entry-level model.
Downsizing
The new development of GM's upper-class models was characterized by so-called downsizing , a process of length and weight savings that can be traced back to the oil crisis in the 1970s. As a result, the new full-size model was the first Cadillac of the post-war period, which was significantly shorter and lighter than its predecessor. The length of the vehicle was reduced by 250 mm and the wheelbase by 216 mm. The width remained almost identical. Regardless of this, the engineers succeeded in significantly increasing the amount of space in the vehicle compared to the previous model. An increase in the vehicle height by 70 mm also contributed to this. Overall, the weight was reduced by 340 kg.
Motorization
The large 8.2 liter eight-cylinder engine was discontinued in all Cadillac models at the end of the 1976 model year. In the standard series (including the Eldorado) it was replaced by a 7.0 liter new design. In 1980 this engine also gave way to the even smaller 6.0-liter eight-cylinder, which was equipped with cylinder deactivation from 1981. Depending on the load, four, six or eight cylinders worked. Problems with the reliability of the 6.0-liter unit prompted Cadillac to offer its own HT engine with an aluminum block from 1982. From 1981, a 5.7 liter eight-cylinder diesel engine was available as an alternative, which Cadillac obtained from Oldsmobile. This construction was also problematic.
Model description
The “d'Elegance” package continued to be offered for the Coupe DeVille in 1977. The three-chamber taillights that clung to the vehicle corners were only installed in model year 1977 (they did not appear again until 1987). The popular Cabriolet version of the Coupe DeVille had a lined vinyl roof in the rear half. 138,750 Coupe DeVille were sold that year.
In addition to a revised radiator grille, there were narrow, vertical taillights in the 1978 model year, which were integrated into the end caps of the rear bumper and also contained the rear side marker lights. (Cadillac used this arrangement for many years; the DeVille until 1999 and the Fleetwood until 1996). New in 1978 was a "Phaeton" package for the DeVille. It contained a simulated convertible roof, special decorative stripes, imitation wire wheels and the designation “Phaeton” instead of the usual “DeVille” lettering on the rear fenders. Inside it offered leather seats and a leather steering wheel. The package was available in the exterior colors “Cotillion White” (with a dark blue roof), “Platinum Silver” (with a black roof) and “Arizona Beige” (with a dark brown roof). In 1978, 117,750 Coupe DeVille were sold.
Because major changes were planned for 1980, there was only a minor facelift in the summer of 1979 . a. included a new grille. The three models with 3,086 mm wheelbase were the same as in the previous year. The Coupe DeVille was Cadillac's entry-level model after the Calais was lost in 1977 and cost US $ 11,728. The “Phaeton” package was still available in white and silver and also in “Western Saddle Firemist” (with leather interior in “Antique Saddle” and dark brown roof). "Arizona Beige" was omitted.
In the movie Goodfellas - Three decades in the Mafia by Martin Scorsese is the Coupe DeVille (1979), that of Henry Hill (played by actor Ray Liotta is) driven, equipped with a "Phaeton" package in "Western Saddle Fire Mist".
In the spring of 1980 there were the planned major changes, whereby the wheelbase and interior remained the same. The body has been completely redesigned. The special equipment "Phaeton" expired.
The Coupe DeVille now had full chrome frames for the windows; the chrome-plated plastic grille looked like a Rolls-Royce and had vertical struts. This pattern reappeared in the Brougham (1989-1992).
At the end of 1980 there was also a 4.1-liter V6 engine from Buick with four-way carburetor as an economy engine, which was the first time since 1914 that Cadillac had an engine with fewer than eight cylinders. The standard engine that year was the 6.0-liter V8. The Coupe DeVille was priced at US $ 12,899.
In 1981 Cadillac had big problems with the 6.0 liter V8 GM engine. Despite many customer complaints, Cadillac defended the microprocessor-controlled engine and even offered extended warranties. There was also the 5.7 liter V8 diesel from Oldsmobile again. The Buick V6 with automatic transmission was back in 1981 after it was only offered for a short time in the spring of 1980. Cadillac now had the Cimarron with front-wheel drive as a new entry-level model and the Coupe DeVille slipped one step up; it cost US $ 13,450. The new grille consisted of small squares like 1979. This grill design reappeared in 1987/1988. In 1982 there were only a few changes, which consisted of a new radiator grille (which remained the same until 1986), a revised rear light / parking light combination and a new rim design.
The biggest change, however, was the new 4.1-liter V8 engine, which replaced the Frug 6.0-liter V8. This came back in 1982, but only for the Pullman limousine Fleetwood 75. The new engine had digital fuel injection, free-standing cast iron cylinders in a cast aluminum block and was connected to a 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission . On request, there was also the Buick V6 or the V8 diesel from Oldsmobile. The Coupe DeVille now cost US $ 15,249.
1985-1988
| 6th generation Cadillac DeVille | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Production period: | 1985-1988 |
| Body versions : | Coupe |
| Engines: |
Otto engines : 4.1–4.5 liters (92–114 kW) Diesel engines : 4.3–5.7 liters (62.5–77 kW) |
| Length: | 4953-4989 mm |
| Width: | 1822-1842 mm |
| Height: | 1397 mm |
| Wheelbase : | 2814 mm |
| Empty weight : | 1492-1557 kg |
At the beginning of 1985 the DeVille was downsized again and this time it lost 665 mm in length and 360 kg in weight.
It now had front-wheel drive and was built on the new GM-C platform. Until 1986 there were still diesel engines, optionally a 4.3-liter V6 or the well-known 5.7-liter V8.
For 1988 the new 4.5-liter V8 engine with 155 hp (114 kW) replaced the old 4.1-liter V8.
Production of the tenth series also ended at the end of 1988.
1989-1993
| 8th generation Sedan DeVille | |
|---|---|
 Cadillac Sedan DeVille (1989-1993) |
|
| Production period: | 1985-1993 |
| Body versions : | Limousine , coupe |
| Engines: |
Gasoline engines : 4.1–4.9 liters (101–149 kW) Diesel engine : 4.3 liters |
| Length: | 4950-5220 mm |
| Width: | 1820-1860 mm |
| Height: | 1390-1400 mm |
| Wheelbase : | 2810-2890 mm |
| Empty weight : | 1600-1800 kg |
When the model changed in 1984, the DeVille series made a radical change in terms of dimensions and drive. For the first time, the drive layout with transverse engine and front-wheel drive, which was previously only known from compact vehicles, found its way into the luxury class with a V8.
At the end of the general downsizing of vehicle dimensions that began in the late 1970s, the dimensions here were also considerably more compact than in the previous models. A sophisticated space economy ensured that this was not felt in the interior.
For the 1989 model year, GM returned to the classic dimensions and let the sedan DeVille sedan and the technically largely identical Fleetwood grow again. On the one hand, through the exclusive use of the previously optional variant with a longer wheelbase and, on the other hand, through a redesign of the rear section, which is completely made of plastic and whose tail light arms have been pulled significantly further back. Weight optimization and corrosion prevention also took place here through the use of plastic fenders.
On the drive side, the very comfortably shifting 4-speed automatic transmission remained the whole time, the HT series engine was allowed to grow in 1989 with a moderate increase in output from 4.1 to 4.5 liters and in 1991 to 4.9 liters, at least to catch up with the competition, which is now completely superior in terms of engine performance.
The chassis offered a real independent suspension and was designed for maximum comfort for the entire duration. There was also an optional air-pressure-assisted level control for the rear axle, which, however, worked very slowly and even when the ignition was switched off. The brake system featured internally ventilated disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear with an air pressure-controlled automatic release, i.e. H. the parking brake released automatically when you move the automatic lever from P to R or D. To be more active, you still had to press a pedal. For the model year 1990 there was an ABS in the Sedan DeVille for the first time. The instrument panel remained largely unchanged for the duration of the run, only the instrument cluster was available with a classic dial or green LED digital speedometer, flanked by a large number of indicator lights for various on-board computer functions. The simple two-spoke steering wheel was swapped for one with a driver airbag in the 1990 model year.
1993-1999
| 9th generation DeVille | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Cadillac DeVille (1993-1997) |
|
| Production period: | 1993-1999 |
| Body versions : | limousine |
| Engines: |
Petrol engines : 4.6-4.9 liters (149-224 kW) |
| Length: | 5326-5329 mm |
| Width: | 1943-1946 mm |
| Height: | 1422-1433 mm |
| Wheelbase : | 2891 mm |
| Empty weight : | 1796 kg |
In the fall of 1993, the DeVille was redesigned and received the same GM-K platform as the Seville . The body got a facelift , but the wheelbase remained the same at 2891 mm - in contrast to the 2819 mm of the Seville. Production was relocated to Hamtramck (Michigan). This generation of models was particularly popular with older customers.
The DeVille Concours took place in conjunction with the new Northstar V8 engine with 270 hp (201 kW), while the more simply equipped models continued to be equipped with the well-known 4.9-liter V8 engine until 1996. This year the base model got the Northstar engine with lower power, the Concours got the high-performance engine with 300 hp (224 kW). The DeVille Concours replaced the Sixty Special , which was only produced in 1993 .
At the beginning of 1997 the DeVille received an extensive facelift and the equipment line d'Elegance , known from the Coupe DeVille , with which the Cadillac Fleetwood was to be replaced. The facelift included changes to the bodywork in the area of the rear wheel cutouts as well as a new bonnet and new fenders. There were also redesigned details such as the radiator grille, headlights, bumpers and trim.
Inside there was a slightly changed instrument panel and new inside door handles.
The Sedan DeVille was now simply called "DeVille". In the interior, the car was given a new dashboard, on which the edges of the passenger airbag were no longer visible, new interior door panels with side airbags and the new OnStar system.
| model | Model year | Displacement | Motor series | Engine design | Max. power | Max. Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 1994-1995 | 4.9 l | V8 | 200 hp (149 kW) at 4100 min -1 | 373 Nm at 3000 min -1 | |
| 1996-1999 | 4.6 l | Northstar | V8 | 275 hp (205 kW) at 5750 min -1 | 373 Nm at 4750 min -1 | |
| Concours | 1994 | 4.6 l | Northstar | V8 | 270 hp (201 kW) | 407 Nm |
| 1995 | 275 hp (205 kW) at 5750 min -1 | 373 Nm at 4750 min -1 | ||||
| 1996-1999 | 4.6 l | Northstar | V8 | 300 hp (224 kW) at 6000 min -1 | 400 Nm at 4400 min -1 |
1999-2005
| 10th generation DeVille | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Production period: | 1999-2005 |
| Body versions : | limousine |
| Engines: |
Petrol engines : 4.6 liters (205–221 kW) |
| Length: | 5263 mm |
| Width: | 1892 mm |
| Height: | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase : | 2929 mm |
| Empty weight : | from 1721 kg |
In August 1999, the Deville was fundamentally revised for the first time since autumn 1993, which led to the last generation of the model. On the outside, the car featured a more aerodynamic design. In the interior it received a new instrument panel, new door panels and seats. For the first time, a night vision system was used, which reflected an image recorded by an infrared camera in the radiator grille in black and white via the HUD into the windshield.
The DeVille from model year 2000 was the first production model in the USA to have LED taillights (like the Alfa Romeo 166, which was launched in Europe in autumn 1998 ). The d'Elegance equipment was replaced by the DHS (DeVille High Luxury) equipment, which included a number of additional equipment details such as electrically operated sun protection for the rear window and heated rear seats with massage function.
The most powerful DeVille, the Concours, was renamed DeVille DTS (DeVille Touring Sedan) and was equipped with stability control, active chassis and steering assistance with speed-dependent, electromagnetically controlled assistance strength (GM's marketing term: Magnasteer). The drag coefficient (c W ) was 0.30.
This last model generation was built unchanged until summer 2005 and replaced by the Cadillac DTS in autumn 2005 .
| model | Model year | Displacement | Motor series | Engine design | Max. power | Max. Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basis / DHS | 2000 | 4.6 l | Northstar | V8 | 275 hp (205 kW) at 5750 min -1 | 373 Nm at 4750 min -1 |
| 2002-2005 | 275 hp (205 kW) at 5600 min -1 | 407 Nm at 4000 min -1 | ||||
| DTS | 1999-2004 | 4.6 l | Northstar | V8 | 300 hp (224 kW) at 6000 min -1 | 400 Nm at 4400 min -1 |
| 2005 | 290 hp (216 kW) at 5600 min -1 | 386 Nm at 4400 min -1 |
successor
In autumn 2005, the DeVille was replaced by the Cadillac DTS as a flagship model. The letter combination DTS stands for DeVille Touring Sedan - named after the highest level of equipment in the DeVille.
The DTS had a lot in common with the DeVille, but received a front section with a modified grille and headlights and a redesigned rear section. The interior also differed in terms of seats, dashboard and interior trim.
In May 2011 the production of the DTS was stopped. From mid-2012, the model was replaced by the Cadillac XTS .
Trivia
The models from the 1950s with their extravagant tail fins are the best known versions of the range. Models from this period appear again and again in films and music videos and are also depicted on postage stamps.
literature
- Georg Amtmann: Cadillac . Lechner Verlag, Geneva 1990, ISBN 3-85049-071-8 .
- John Gunnell (Ed.): Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975. 4th edition. Krause Publications, Iola WI 2002, ISBN 0-87349-461-X .
- James M. Flammang, Ron Kowalke: Standard Catalog of American Cars 1976-1999. 3. Edition. Krause Publications, Iola WI 1999, ISBN 0-87341-755-0 .
- Richard M. Langworth: Automobiles of the 1930s . Beekman House, New York 1980, ISBN 0-517-30994-7 .
- Richard M. Langworth: Encyclopedia of American Cars 1930-1980 . Beekman House, New York 1984, ISBN 0-517-42462-2 .
Web links
- Cadillac Legacy Vehicles (official site of historical Cadillac models; English)
- Photos of 1959 model year Cadillac models, including a Coupe DeVille ( December 11, 2011 memento on the Internet Archive )
Individual evidence
- ↑ Nick Walker: A – Z of British Coachbuilders 1919–1960. Herridge & Sons, Shebbear 2007, ISBN 978-0-9549981-6-5 , p. 212.
- ^ A b c Richard M. Langworth: Encyclopedia of American Cars 1930–1980 . Beekman House, New York 1984, ISBN 0-517-42462-2 , p. 87.
- ^ A b Richard M. Langworth: Encyclopedia of American Cars 1930–1980 . Beekman House, New York 1984, ISBN 0-517-42462-2 , pp. 102 f.
- ↑ a b Description of the 1959 Cadillac on the website www.100megsfree4.com (accessed on October 11, 2016).
- ^ Georg Amtmann: Cadillac . Lechner Verlag, Geneva 1990, ISBN 3-85049-071-8 , p. 24.
- ^ Sales prospectus from 1959 (accessed on October 10, 2016).
- ^ Georg Amtmann: Cadillac . Lechner Verlag, Geneva 1990, ISBN 3-85049-071-8 , p. 25.
- ^ Coupe DeVille (1979) with Phaeton package
- ↑ HP Supplies SnapLED Automotive-lighting Assembly for 2000 Cadillac DeVille - News. In: compoundsemiconductor.net. October 11, 1999, accessed August 2, 2018 .
- ↑ Andrew Ross: COUNTER TALK FOR THE COUNTER PERSON: Knowledge Building: Magna Steer - Auto Service World. In: autoserviceworld.com. April 1, 2001, Retrieved August 2, 2018 (American English).
- ^ Postage stamp ( Memento from September 26, 2011 in the Internet Archive ) from Gambia
| Cadillac models timeline , 1930s to 1980s | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | 1930s | 1940s | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4th | 5 | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4th | 5 | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4th | 5 | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4th | 5 | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4th | 5 | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4th | 5 | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9 | |
| Middle class | 60 | 61 | 2nd ww | 61 | Cimarron | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 355 | 70/80 | 62 | Series 62 | 6200 | Calais | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| upper middle class | Seville | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Upper class | 65 | Coupe DeVille / Sedan DeVille | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 60S | Sixty Special Fleetwood | Flwd60S | Fleetwood | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Limousines | 355 | 72/75/85 | Series 75 | 6700 | Fleetwood 75 | FL | FB | Brougham | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal Luxury | Eldorado | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Roadster | Allante | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Luxury class | V-16 | Brougham | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Timeline of Cadillac models from 1980 to present | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | 2020s | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4th | 5 | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4th | 5 | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4th | 5 | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4th | 5 | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9 | 0 | |
| Middle class | Cimarron | BLS | ATS | CT4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| upper middle class | Catera | CTS | CTS | CTS | CT5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Seville | Seville | Seville | Seville | STS | XTS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Upper class | DeVille | DeVille | DeVille | DeVille | DTS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fleetwood | Fleetwood | Fleetwood | CT6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brougham | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal Luxury | Eldorado | Eldorado | Eldorado | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crossover SUV | Lyriq | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| XT4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SRX | SRX | XT5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| XT6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SUV | Escalade | Escalade | Escalade | Escalade | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Roadster | Allante | XLR | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current models: CT4 | CT5 | CT6 | CTS | Escalade | Lyriq | XT4 | XT5 | XT6
Historical models: A | B | D | F | G | H | K | L | M | S | T | 30 | 51 | 53 | 55 | 57 | 59 | 61 | V-63 | Series 10 | Series 20 | Series 30 | Series 40 | Series 60 | Series 60 Special | Series 61 | Series 62 | Series 63 | Series 65 | Series 67 | Series 70 | Series 72 | Series 75 | 80 series | Series 85 | Series 90 | Series 314 | Series 341 | 353 series | 355 series | Series 370 | Series 452 | Allante | ATS | BLS | Brougham | Calais | Catera | Cimarron | Civil | Commercial Chassis | Coupe DeVille | DeVille / Sedan DeVille | DTS | Eldorado | Eldorado Biarritz | Eldorado Brougham | ELR | Fleetwood | Fleetwood Brougham | Presidential State Car (2005) | Runabout | Seville | SLS | SRX | STS | STS-V | Tonneau | XLR | XTS
Developed and produced by Cadillac: LaSalle
Prototypes and racing vehicles: Aurora | BLS Concept | Castilian | Cien | Ciel | Converj | Cyclone | Debutante | Director | El Camino | Eldorado Brougham Town Car | Eldorado Fastback XP-840 | Eldorado Golden Anniversary | Eldorado Wagon | Eldorado XP-825 | Elmiraj | El Rancho | Escala | Evoq | Fleetwood 60 Embassy | Fleetwood Coupe de Ville | Florentine | Gala | Imaj | La Espada | LaSalle II | Le Mans | Loewy Cadillac Sedan | LSE | Maharani | NART | Northstar LMP | Orleans | Palomino | Park Avenue | PF 200 | PF Jacqueline | Provoq | Sixteen | Skylight | Solitaire | Starlight | TAG Function Car | Townsman | Urban Luxury Concept | Villa | Vizón | Voyage | XTS Platinum