(Photo: Cadillac)Cadillac has earned the reputation as a
force in the luxury market, evolving its brand through the years and
sustaining its popularity along the way. But past laurels can?t ensure a
bright future if the current version is little more than a shell of its
former self, especially when there is a fierce battle between automakers
for consumer dollars.
A test drive of the 2000 Seville STS proves Cadillac is looking ahead -
not back.
From the on-board navigational system to the powerful, yet quiet,
Northstar V8, we was impressed with the state-of-the-art technology.
The CD-Rom based navigation system was introduced two years ago, but
remains the most awe-inspiring feature on the car. Mounted on the
instrument panel, the five-inch screen displays the driver?s location in
relation to streets, highways and towns. It sure beats unfolding the
panels of a regular map, though it can be almost as distracting.
Cadillac tinkered with the Northstar System, unveiled a redesigned
engine for 2000 and increased gas mileage. The result: 28 miles per gallon
during highway use and 17 miles in the city, according to the sticker.
Another upgrade for 2000 was an Air Bag Suppression System, which
disengages the front and side airbags on the passenger side when the
presence of a child is detected. The airbags also don?t deploy if there
is no one in the passenger seat.
Cadillac installed OnStar, a 24-hour center that can assist the driver
in emergency situations or offer convenience. Ever run low on cash and
search in vain to hunt down an ATM? OnStar will tell you where the closest
one is located.
The Seville deserves to be called a world-class automobile - just as it
deserved the title decades ago.
It appears as if Cadillac intends to keep it that way.
PERFORMANCEItemDescription0-60 mph7.7
sec.Top speed112
mphBraking, 70-0
mph192
ft.EPA est. mpg17
city/28 hwy.Max.
cruising range481
miles/774 km**ENGINESItemDescriptionNorthstar 4.6L
V8, 32-valve DOHCSTS: 300 hp,
295 ft-lbs torqueAluminum block
& heads
(bore x stroke)3.66 in. (93
mm) x 3.31 in. (84 mm)Displacement279 cu.
in./4565 ccCompression10.0:1Valvetrain2-stage
chain-driven double overhead camshafts, roller/follower valvetrain,
4 valves per cylinderIgnitionCrank-triggered
individual coil with platinum-tipped plugsInductionTuned,
sequential port fuel injectionMax. revs.6,500CoolantDEX-COOL, up
to 150,000 miles***, ****Recommended
fuelUnleaded
regularCHASSIS/SUSPENSIONItemDescriptionSuspensionContinuously
Variable, Road-Sensing
Front: Independent, MacPherson strut/coil spring with stabilizer bar
Rear: Independent, MultiLink coil springs, stabilizer bar and
automatic level controlDampers,
front/rearElectronicStabilizer
bar dia., frontSTS
1.18 in./30 mmStabilizer
bar dia., rearSTS
.87 in./22 mmSteering
typeRack-and-pinion
with Magnasteer III speed-sensitive variable-assistSteering
ratio14.8:1Turns,
lock-to-lock2.4Turning
circle42.7
ft./13.03 mWheelsCast
aluminum, 16 in. (406 mm) x 7 in. (178 mm)STS
StandardOpen
16" x 7" (406 x 178 mm) cast aluminumSTS
Optional16"
x 7" (406 x 178 mm) cast aluminum, chrome finishTiresSTS:
Goodyear Eagle LS P235/60R16
H-rated, Optional: Eagle P235/60ZR16BrakesPower
4-wheel disc with ABS and road texture detectionFront
discsVented,
11.85 in. (301 mm) x 1.26 in. (32 mm)Rear discssolid,
11.61 in. (295 mm) x .43 in. (11 mm)Stability
Enhancement SystemStabiliTrak,
all-speedTraction
control systemAll-speedMILEAGE/PERFORMANCEItemDescriptionHead roomFront:
38.2 in./969 mm
Rear: 38.0 in./966 mmLeg roomFront:
42.5 in./1079 mm
Rear: 38.2 in./970 mmHip roomFront:
55.6 in./1411 mm
Rear: 57.5 in./1460 mmShoulder roomFront:
59.1 in./1501 mm
Rear: 58.0 in./1474 mmInterior
volume119.8
cu. ft./3.39 cu. mSeating
capacityFive
personsSTS StandardOpen
16" x 7" (406 x 178 mm)cast aluminumSTS Optional16"
x 7" (406 x 178 mm) cast aluminum, chrome finishDRIVELINEItemDescriptionTypeFront
engine, front-wheel driveTransaxleElectronically
controlled 4-speed automatic with overdrive and viscous lock up
torque converter clutchRatios1st:
2.96:1
2nd: 1.63:1
3rd: 1.00:1
4th: 0.68:1Final drive
ratioSTS
3.71:1CAPACITIESItemDescriptionOil7
qt./6.6 LCoolant12.5
qt./11.8 LFuel18.5
gal./70.7 LBattery12
v/880 ccaTowing3000
lbs./1361 kgTrunk15.7
cu. ft./445 LADDITIONAL SAFETY AND
SECURITY FEATURESAir bags, driver and front passenger,
front side impactDoors unlock upon front air bag
deploymentChild seat tethers - rearChild security lock feature, manually
set - rear doorsCrush zones, front and rearDriver-controlled rear window lockout
system for child securityEnergy-absorbing instrument panel and
steering columnIgnition key anti-lockoutIlluminated entryLaminated windshield glass with urethane
bondingMini-wedge door latch/strikerPressure lock radiator capRemote keyless entry systemSide-guard door beamsSteel safety cageTempered safety glass, side and rear
windowsAdditional
Crash Avoidance FeaturesAudible disc brake lining wear
indicatorsBrake-system with dual master cylinder
and warning lightContinuously variable road-sensing
suspensionDaytime running lampsDisc brakes, four wheelElectronic level controlElectrochromic inside rearview mirrorElectrochromic outside, driver-side
rearview mirrorFingertip steering wheel controlsFlash to passFog lamps (STS only)Low-glare finish on windshield moldings,
wiper arms and bladesMagnasteer Speed-sensitive steeringRainsense windshield wiper system
(standard on STS)Solar Ray tinted glassStabiliTrakStarter safety switchTires, all-season mud and snow, with
built-in tread wear indicatorsTraction control, full speedTungsten-halogen headlampsTwilight SentinelOptional Ultrasonic rear parking assistWindshield defrosters and washersWindshield wiper activated headlampsAdditional Theft
Deterrence FeaturesLaser-etched VIN platePass-Key theft deterrent systemPrimary inside hood releaseTheft deterrent system - audibleCheck out http://www.nhtsa.gov to see how the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration rated these vehicles.<
