FIRST LOOK: 2008 Cadillac DTS-L

[Flybrian]

PRESS RELEASE:

GM @ LAIAS

CADILLAC DTS-L: STRIKING NEW PLAYER IN THE LIVERY SEDAN MARKET

LOS ANGELES – Cadillac today announced it is introducing a new version of its DTS full-size luxury sedan, the DTS-L, specially designed and built for livery service operators and executive luxury car consumers. Launching in early 2007, the extended DTS-L provides eight additional inches of cabin space and sophisticated, VIP-caliber rear-seat accommodations.

“The DTS-L is intended to create a compelling new choice for livery and executive sedan operators and consumers,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “This extends the momentum of Cadillac’s product renaissance and growth into an influential segment of the luxury and professional vehicles market.”

The DTS-L brings Cadillac’s dramatic design and quality to the influential livery sedan world. Converted exclusively by a Cadillac Master Coachbuilder, the brand’s Professional Vehicles conversion specialists, the DTS-L features distinctive “VIP Privacy” rear seating. With the added length inserted behind the rear doors, the DTS-L includes an executive privacy seating position, with the back-seat passengers concealed behind the C-pillar, rearward of the side windows.

In addition, DTS-L drivers and passengers enjoy numerous luxury amenities and excellent driving dynamics. Powered by the acclaimed 4.6-liter Northstar V-8 engine, the 275-horsepower (205 kW) DTS-L is quiet, smooth and responsive. Heated and cooled driver and passenger front seats with memory settings; heated rear outboard seats; rear four-way power lumbar controls and adjustable headrests; Adaptive Remote Start; OnStar; XM Satellite Radio; DVD navigation and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system are several examples of key DTS-L luxury features.

DTS-L extends to a total length of 215.6 inches and offers more rear-seat space than comparable extended wheelbase offerings from Lincoln and Lexus.

“The new DTS-L is the latest in Cadillac’s long and proud tradition of professional vehicles,” Taylor said.

DTS-L follows in the footsteps of the DTS Presidential Limousine, the world’s first DTS sedan that began its service to the U.S. Secret Service and the president at his inauguration in January 2005. DTS and the Escalade full-size luxury SUV are also converted by Cadillac Master Coachbuilders into stretch limousines.

Preliminary Specifications

[David]

That is Drop Dead Beautiful!

[DetroitNut90]

Mmmm...nice!

And on a side note, the Executive L wouldn't look so bad if the front door was extended as well. The back-door only stretch looks bad.

[Flybrian]

I really am in love with how this thing looks. Maybe I'm old for my age. Anyway, all GM needs to do now is outfit this in two ways:

DTS-L - basic stretch for livery companies and aftermarketeers.

DTS-L+ - the above with four-passenger seating, rear and side sunshades, full-length full-function center console with entertainment/climate controls and beverage cooler and two DVD screen in the front seat headrests. This option should cost $6000. The total price for this package and car should be just under $60k.

Take a moment. Imagine that. Then imagine what could succeed it in a few years.

[Drew Dowdell]

Woah!

It's got the shape, now it just needs the hardware...

that could be 7-series competitive with that shape.....

[Drew Dowdell]

DTS-L - basic stretch for livery companies and aftermarketeers.

DTS-Attache' - the above with four-passenger seating, rear and side sunshades, full-length full-function center console with entertainment/climate controls and beverage cooler and two DVD screen in the front seat headrests. This option should cost $6000. The total price for this package and car should be just under $60k.

Take a moment. Imagine that. Then imagine what could succeed it in a few years.

218753[/snapback]

fixed.

[enzl]

Four pages of posts for a fleet & livery special?

Yikes. No money to tool new doors, I guess...Other than a new way to take me to the airport, I'm not getting the excitement over this.

[aaaantoine]

They should really extend the controls back further from the center console, as it must be really annoying to reach for them at that distance.

[razoredge]

I, for one, think its extrodinarily handsome. The C-pillar taking most of the stretch

Yea.........I noticed that right away. ** This method also addresses most of the structural rigidity issues involved with a streach.. ** It does look really good done that way. Im only wondering what it has done for exit/entrance ease......with the seat back behind pillor. Possibly not an issue, I dont know. But it does look good.

Forget the center consoul, look at that beautiful wide back seat ! Why ruin it. It appears to have a very sizable fold down consoul anyhow...which frankly is much more versatile. Dress up the rear of the front consoul like we've recently seen, add fold down solid walnut tables and voila.

It does need more contrast...way to much black going on back there.

Edited November 22, 2006 by razoredge

[carstar]

it's just a stretch, nothing more.

[Flybrian]

Four pages of posts for a fleet & livery special?

218760[/snapback]

Remember, we're a bunch of fanboys. This is our hero...

[razoredge]

thats what Im talking about

*notice there is no console interfering with occupant foot room.........

[pow]

I don't think anyone would buy one for personal use, but it could overtake its competitors for livery use.

I agree the C-pillar is nice, though; it reminds me of the Arnage's.

[sciguy_0504]

Livery companies will love this thing and, I admit, they have good reason, too. The stretch looks better than the standard version.

Where are all the fat C-pillar haters, though?

[gm4life]

No this thing looks great... I went to Chicago Autoshow to see it in the flesh in 2005 and loved it then and love it even more today! The long c-pillar looks like old Fleetwood 75 Series in the mid 70's! It looks great, I just wish I could afford a new DTS in white-gold with the performance package, anyone got 50K around?

[enzl]

Remember, we're a bunch of fanboys. This is our hero...

218784[/snapback]

Understood

But I still don't get it. Are HD dualies also going to get this type of attention?

I'm a bit more jazzed by the confirmation on the new 'bu. Or the Blue Devil. Or the Lambdas...

[FAPTurbo]

Yeah, it looks great. But I don't think it's a real biggie of a deal.

The last time I drank Kool-Ade was when I was like, 5, so that could explain why I'm not too enthused about this DTS-L...

[Flybrian]

I'm a bit more jazzed by the confirmation on the new 'bu. Or the Blue Devil. Or the Lambdas...

218811[/snapback]

Well, like I said when I posted those pics, when I see this car, I see Cadillac moving one step closer to a world-beating future DTS/ULS.

Also, I've seen a good number of TC Executive Ls in private hands, but this is Florida.

[enzl]

Well, like I said when I posted those pics, when I see this car, I see Cadillac moving one step closer to a world-beating future DTS/ULS.

Also, I've seen a good number of TC Executive Ls in private hands, but this is Florida.

218855[/snapback]

I've always thought that the Escalade & its variants are the spiritual successors to the big, brash chrome Caddy's of yesterday. To me, going up against the established players isn't the way to go in that class. Jags mistake with the XJ should be avoided. I hope that Caddy is thinking more along the lines of the Sixteen than a bigger STS....

I guess we;ll see.

[V6powerr]

That is nice! Simple but nice!

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

I thought about this looking at the photos. It is good, but it is sad too. Why? There was a point and time Cadillac did not stretch their cars and they were that roomy in standard form. Does this say Cadillac need to regain its postion with the biggest or roomiest car. I am not a total fan of DTS because I do not care for the headlight design ( it is not a quad headlight design) and the hood needs a stand up hood ornament. It looks stripped(outside). These are just my opinions.

[enzl]

I dont get all this "Sixteen" talk. GM would never make enough money from developing and tooling a V16 to begin to pay for it, let alone the entire car. The mistake they made with that concept was throwing the V16 vib around. The damn thing would have to sell for $250,000 and compete. The "Sixteen" would be nothing but a money pit.

Anyone wanting to correct my rational on this is welcome. I just dont see the logic behind a V16. Its not perfect anyhow and I can see many visual cues that are seen in production, like this C pillor

218882[/snapback]

16 inspired. Not a 16 in its concept form.

A sedan of STS++ size with a monster V8 (think zo6 with refinement or a supercharged n*) could sell for $75-80....That would be a bad ass ULS....

[razoredge]

16 inspired. Not a 16 in its concept form.

A sedan of STS++ size with a monster V8 (think zo6 with refinement or a supercharged n*) could sell for $75-80....That would be a bad ass ULS....

218918[/snapback]

Agreed but can you just hear the flack already for it not being a "real 16 ", "not the car the concept was" and who knows what other comments.

STS V already has the SC N*, they need some more edge on the facia and fenders, a bit on the rear deck, no foolish side creases, streached wheelbase, wider track, the improved interior.

This DTS-L is great now, if the price is right with a bit of interior dress it might sell.

[Cadavillac]

Flybrian, I'm with you... it reminds you of the 60's-70's era Fleetwood 75. The only thing I'm afraid of is the sheetmetal between the rear door and the rear wheel that will show up better more on lighter colored cars.

Of course, how many limos do you see that aren't black, anyway?

Here's a pic of a 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood 75 nine passenter sedan:

http://www.northlandpcs.com/northlanddb/Ph..._Sedan_1061.jpg]

Gotta love curb feelers!

Edited November 23, 2006 by Cadavillac

[HarleyEarl]

The Cadillac DTS is bad. The Cadillac DTS-L is worse. Hideous is the only appropriate discription.

Cadillac needs to discontinue this dated, awful car.

It was never worthy of the Cadillac name.

[Intrepidation]

Blah, I don't like it...th SLS looks much better, as does the 300C L. It looks fat and the huge C-Pillar doesn't help.

[bobo]

Nice concept, but execution could have been a lot better. The G-body is fine for Buick, but Cadillac deserves something better.

[ZL-1]

I don't like it

[thedriver]

I wouldn't worry about the controls on the door being out of reach, most people in the back of one of these will be having the door opened for them. .

[aaaantoine]

I wouldn't worry about the controls on the door being out of reach, most people in the back of one of these will be having the door opened for them. .

219503[/snapback]

The door controls aren't out of reach so much as the console controls are.

"Belvedere"

"Yes, sir."

"Please reach behind you and turn the temperature up two degrees on my side of the car."

Those controls. Between the seats. The guy in that pic looks like he'd have to lean all the way forward to fiddle with them.

[razoredge]

The door controls aren't out of reach so much as the console controls are.

"Belvedere"

"Yes, sir."

"Please reach behind you and turn the temperature up two degrees on my side of the car."

Those controls.  Between the seats.  The guy in that pic looks like he'd have to lean all the way forward to fiddle with them.

219505[/snapback]

Yes but they are not in the way, not taking up leg room or third person room. The extra reach on the arm rest allows passenger to lay entire arm on rest without having switches in their wrist.

[SableStyle]

The whole "large C-pillar creates privacy" thing just sounds like spin control for "we didn't want to engineer new doors."

Plus, you have to lean forward to look out the window. Just tint the things and then you have your privacy!

[gm4life]

How can anyone dislike this car? I agree it needs softer plastics and a 6spd. auto but other than that its a great car! I love it if I could have any car for anything DTS Performance Package is what I would get. Also the G-platform is good it could use a redesign after this styling cycle but for now its good.

[Sixty8panther]

I still say this was money wasted. Instead GM should

be getting the Zetas to market ASAP. Lots of Zetas

in all shapes, sizes & lengths.

To me the stretch would look a lot more classy if it

was behind the B-pillar instead of in the dog leg & C.

[z28luvr01]

I respectfully disagree, Sixty. I think adding length at the B-pillar would make it look like the five-gazillion Deville stretch jobs out there. The Thick C-pillar not only adds a touch of class (IMO), it also serves the purpose of hiding the rear passenger's face from casual view.

[C.H.U.D.]

China gets the SLS and we get this crap? What's with the stupid carryover rear doors?

"Standard of the World"? This is more like "Standard of the Backyard Mechanic".

[ponchoman49]

Notice there is no talk about the transmission. Even GM is embarressed that it still used 4 speed automatics for 2008 on luxury cars.

[gm4life]

Yes well thankfully the Northstars have plenty of buzz.

[ZL-1]

Well what obviously needs taking care of is the STS and whatever successor it will have. this is just to please potential Town Car buyers.

[gm4life]

Just so long as it sells.