Cadillac Seville

Infobox Automobile


name = Cadillac Seville
manufacturer = General Motors
production = 1975–2004
class = Mid-size luxury car

successor = Cadillac STSThe Cadillac Seville is a luxury car that was manufactured by the Cadillac division of American automaker General Motors as a limited production specialty model in the 1950s and 60s. It was traditionally second in the Cadillac lineup after the top of the line Eldorado, and more focused on technology than the sales-leader Deville. Reintroduced as a regular production vehicle from 1975 to 2004, the Seville was a smaller format top of the line Cadillac.

History

Infobox Automobile generation
name = 1950s
production = 1956–1960
layout = FR layout
body_style = 2-door hardtop coupe
4-door sedan

1956

The first use of the Seville name was on a hardtop version of the 1956 Cadillac Eldorado convertible. Four Eldorado Seville 4-door hardtops were built in 1957, but it is the outlandish tailfins found on the 1959 model that are most remembered. 1960 was the last year for the Eldorado Seville.

Original concepts

Various names were considered for what became the next generation Seville. Resurrection of the LaSalle nameplate was seriously considered, but it was decided that given that LaSalle had been used for entry-level sub-Cadillacs in the past; it would create confusion in the marketplace among those who recollected the context of the names previous use.

The Seville introduced in 1975, was Cadillac's answer to the rising popularity of luxury imports in the US from Europe, such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Historically, these imported luxury cars had been cheaper, less luxurious and significantly smaller than Cadillacs. Over time they had evolved, becoming quite luxurious and even more expensive than the much larger Cadillacs. As the market share of these imports continued to climb, it became obvious that the traditional American automotive paradigm of "bigger equals better" was no longer in full effect in the marketplace. The Seville became the smallest and most expensive model in the lineup, turning Cadillac's traditional marketing and pricing strategy upside down.

1975 to 1979

Infobox Automobile generation
name = First Generation


production = 1975–1979
layout = FR layout
platform = K-body
body_style = 4-door sedan
engine = 350 in³ Oldsmobile V8
350 in³ Oldsmobile diesel V8
assembly = Detroit, Michigan, USA
transmission = 3-speed automatic
wheelbase = auto in|114.3|0
length = auto in|204.0|0
width = auto in|71.8|0
height = 1975-77: auto in|54.7|0
1978-79: auto in|54.6|0Initially based on the rear-wheel drive X-body platform that underpinned the Chevrolet Nova (a unibody with a bolt-on subframe — this layout was common with both GM X and F bodies), the Seville's unibody and chassis were extensively re-engineered and upgraded from that humble origin and it was awarded the unique designation of "K-body". Cadillac stylists added a crisp, angular body that set the tone for GM styling for the next decade, along with a wide-track stance that gave the car a substantial, premium appearance. A wide chrome grille flanked by quad rectangular headlamps with narrow parking and signal lamps just below filled the header panel, while small wrap-around rectangular tail lamps placed at the outmost corners of the rear gave the appearance of a lower, leaner, and wider car. The wrap-around taillights might have came from a design sketch of a Coupe DeVille concept which was rejected (the concept can be seen in the March 2008 issue of Collectible Automobile detailing the 1977 GM full-size cars).

Seville engineers chose the X-body platform instead of the German Opel Diplomat in response to GM's budget restrictions — GM executives felt that reengineering a German Opel would be more costly than the corporate X-car. Another proposal during the development of the Seville was a front-wheel drive layout similar to the Cadillac Eldorado. This proposal also met with budget concerns since the transaxle used for the Eldorado was produced on a limited basis solely for E-body (Eldorado/Toronado) production, alongside the GMC motorhome of the mid-1970s (which has a derivative of the E-platform drivetrain).

This was the first time Cadillac began engineering one of its vehicles based on components previously used in a Chevrolet model.

Introduced in mid-1975 and billed as the new "internationally-sized" Cadillac, the Seville was almost 1,000 lb (450 kg) lighter than the hulking Deville; nimble, easy to park, attractive and loaded with the full complement of Cadillac gadgets. More expensive than every other Cadillac model at US$12,479, the Seville was a smash hit, and spawned several imitators, such as the less-than-successful Lincoln Versailles, and later the Chrysler LeBaron/Fifth Avenue. To ensure the quality of the initial production run of Seville's the first 2000 to come off the production line were identical in color (Georgian silver) and equipment. This enabled workers to "ramp up" to building different configurations.

Early Sevilles produced between April 1975 (a total of 16,355) to the close of the 1976 model year were the first Cadillacs to use the Chevrolet passenger car wheel bolt pattern (5 lugs with a convert|4.75|in|mm|abbr=on bolt circle; the 2003-present XLR also uses the Chevrolet pattern).The first Sevilles shared only a strict minority of components with the engineering starting point, the GM X-Body. The rear drums measured convert|11|in|mm|abbr=on and were similar to the ones used with the Chevrolet Nova "9C1" (police option) and A-body (Chevelle, Cutlass, Regal, LeMans) intermediate station wagons. Starting with the 1977 model year, production Sevilles used the larger 5 lug — 5 inch bolt circle common to full-size Cadillacs, Buicks, Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs, and 1/2 ton Chevrolet/GMC light trucks and vans. It also received rear disc brakes, a design which would surface a year later as an option on the F-body Pontiac Trans Am.

Under the hood went an Oldsmobile-sourced 350 in³ (5.7L) V8, fitted with Bendix/Bosch electronically controlled fuel injection. This system gave the Seville smooth drivability and performance that was usually lacking in other domestic cars of this early emissions control era. Power output was 180 hp, and performance was restrained with the convert|60|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on sprint taking 11.5 seconds. A diesel 350 in³(5.7 L) "LF9" V8 was added in 1978, but that engine was known to be poor in both performance and reliability.

A unique optional feature available only during the 1979 model year was the Cadillac Trip Computer. This option offered an electronic readout for the speedometer and remaining fuel which replaced the standard needle-type gauges. It also included a host of calculations available at the touch of a button on a small panel located just to the right of the steering wheel. These included miles to empty, miles per gallon, and a destination arrival time, which needed to be programmed by the driver, to estimate arrival time based on miles remaining. This system predated Lincoln's system by one year. A digital instrument cluster was available on the Seville and Eldorado again in their 1981 through 1985 configurations, though the "Trip Computer" was no longer available. This option added US$920 to the price of Seville in 1979.

The Seville Cadillac was manufactured in Iran under the brand name of "Cadillac Iran" during 1970s and 1980s, by Pars Khodro, which was known as "Iran General Motors" in 1970s.

eville Elegante for 1978

Other Cadillac models had "named" luxury option packages ("d'Elegance"/"Biarritz") so it was time for Seville-"Elegante". For 1978 this package added a unique black/silver two-tone exterior paint combination and "perforated-style" leather seats in light grey only. Real wire wheels were also standard as were a host of options. In 1979 a second color combination was added-a two-tone copper shade and a matching leather interior.This option package carried on with the Seville through the 1988 model year. In 1985, a monotone paint combination became available, however the dual-shade combinations (which evolved) remained more popular. The price for this opulence increased over time beginning at US$2600 in 1978 andpeaking at US$3995 in 1987.

eville Gucci for 1979

In 1979 Seville was available with an aftermarket package provided by a Miami-based firm. An agreement with Gucci, the famous leathergoods and clothing company, produced a limited-issue "Gucci Seville". Available in only three colors-white, black, and medium brown-the exterior featuredmany indicators of the Gucci identity. A vinyl top covering only the "c-pillar" and featuring the famous Gucci interlocking double "G" fabric pattern, the interlocking "G" on the wire wheel covers, a red/green stripe across the lower edge of the trunk lid, and an interlocking double "G" hood ornament decorated the exterior. Inside, the headrests wore the double "G" pattern with a leather trim, the headliner wore the pattern, and the instrument panel bore the iconic Gucci script above the glovebox. Inside the trunk was a full set of Gucci luggage. The cost of this package pushed the Seville price tag to about US$23,000.

Engines

1992 to 1997

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Fourth Generation


production = 1992–1997
assembly = Hamtramck, Michigan, USA
layout = FF layout
platform = K-body
body_style = 4-door sedan
wheelbase = auto in|111.0|0
length = auto in|204.4|0
width = 1992-94: auto in|74.3|0
1995-97: auto in|74.2|0
height = auto in|54.5|0
weight = 3689 lb (1673 kg)
engine = 4.6 L convert|275|hp|abbr=on V8
4.6 L convert|300|hp|abbr=on V8
transmission = 4-speed automaticFor 1992, Cadillac delivered a new, much more European-flavored Seville with looks that attracted rave reviews as well as customers. The Seville Touring Sedan was "Motor Trend" magazine's Car of the Year for 1992. It also made "Car and Driver" magazine's Ten Best list that year.

The 1993 addition of the Northstar System, including the Northstar quad-cam 32-valve aluminum V8 and a new unequal-length control arm rear suspension to the STS helped put the Seville back on the best seller list.

The rear suspension previously featured a single transverse leaf spring like the Chevrolet Corvette. The wheelbase was back up to convert|111|in|mm|abbr=on with a convert|203.9|in|mm|abbr=on overall length.

The Seville was divided into two sub-models:
* The Seville Luxury Sedan (SLS) started with the 4.9 L "HT-4900" V8 but got a convert|270|hp|abbr=on "LD8 Northstar" V8 for 1994
* The Seville Touring Sedan (STS) also started with the 4.9 L "HT-4900" in 1992 but was upgraded to the convert|295|hp|abbr=on "L37 Northstar" in 1993

Pricing on both cars was over US$40,000.

In 1997, the Cadillac Catera took over from the Seville as Cadillac's smallest car.

In the film "U.S. Marshals", Tommy Lee Jones commandeers a Seville STS. Jewelry thieves in the movie "Daylight" drive a stolen Seville through Holland Tunnel before crashing into a chemical-laden truck. In the film "Heat", Robert De Niro drives a green Cadillac Seville throughout the early parts of the film.

Models

1998 to 2004

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Fifth Generation


production = 1998–2004
assembly = Hamtramck, Michigan, USA
layout = FF layout
platform = K-body
body_style = 4-door sedan
wheelbase = auto in|112.2|0
length = auto in|201.0|0
width = auto in|75.0|0
height = SLS: auto in|55.7|0
STS: auto in|55.4|0
engine = 4.6 L convert|275|hp|abbr=on V8
4.6 L convert|300|hp|abbr=on V8
transmission = 4-speed automatic
weight = 3972 lb (1801 kg)The Seville was updated for 1998 on a new version of the K-body platform based on Oldsmobile's G-body Aurora. The wheelbase was up to convert|112.2|in|mm|abbr=on but the overall length was down a bit to convert|201|in|mm|abbr=on. The car looked similar to the attractive fourth-generation model, but was considered a leap forward and featured numerous suspension and driveability improvements. The Seville "STS" (and companion Eldorado "ETC") became the most powerful front wheel drive cars on the market at 300 hp (224 kW). The fully-loaded STS model delivered at an MSRP of $52,075.

The fifth generation Seville was the first Cadillac engineered to be built in both left and right-hand-drive form; and became the first modern Cadillac to be officially imported and sold in South Africa along with other right-hand-drive markets such as the Japan and the United Kingdom. In the past, right-hand-drive Cadillacs were built from CKD kits or special conversion kits shipped to other countries for local conversion.

For 2003 its final year, Seville received a new "MagneRide" adaptive suspension system. Production of the Seville STS ended on May 16, 2003. The Seville SLS ended on December 5, 2003. After the Seville was discontinued for 2004, it was replaced by the rear wheel drive Cadillac STS. All transverse engine front-wheel drive Sevilles were built in Hamtramck, Michigan.

In the 2000 Film "Get Carter", Sylvester Stallone's character drives a 2000 Seville STS which receives major cosmetic and slight body damage in a car chase.

Engines

References

*

External links

* [http://www.caddyinfo.com/ Caddyinfo.com Cadillac Discussion and Technical Information]
* [http://www.caddyinfo.com/sevilleyearbyyear.htm Cadillac Seville Year by Year Changes]