The Cadillac STS (an initialism of Seville Touring Sedan) is a mid-sizedluxury 4-door sedan manufactured and marketed by General Motors from 2004 to 2011 for the 2005 to 2011 model years. A version of the STS was marketed in China as the SLS through 2013.
It was equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with performance algorithm shifting and driver shift control.[6]
Origins
The STS was the successor to the Cadillac Seville,[5] which beginning in 1987 was available as an upscale performance-oriented STS (for Seville Touring Sedan) version.
While smaller than the full-size DTS, the more expensive STS was the flagship sedan of the Cadillac brand.[7]
Safety
The Cadillac STS was rated with a four star frontal and five star rear passenger crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.[8] It was given an overall "Good" score in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal crash test and an "Acceptable" rating in the side impact test.[9] In the side impact test injury measurements to the driver's pelvis was rated "Poor" and for the torso "Acceptable."[10]
Available engines were a 3.6 L High Feature LY7V6 with 255 hp (190 kW) and 252 lb⋅ft (342 N⋅m) and the 4.6 L Northstar LH2V8 which puts out 320 hp (240 kW) and 315 lb⋅ft (427 N⋅m) in the STS. All engine models feature dual overhead camshafts with variable valve timing. Remote ignition is standard.
Overall length was down 5" to 196.3", yet wheelbase grew by 4" to 116.4 in (2,957 mm), resulting in increased interior space. A heads-up display was optional, as was a 300-watt Bose stereo system with MP3 capability. Base pricing at launch ranged from US$40,575 for the V6 model to US$47,025 for the V8.
2008-2011
2008–2011 Cadillac STS
The STS for model year 2008 received minor exterior revisions, including a larger grille and chrome fender vents. The interior received revised materials and a new steering wheel.
A 2010 update for the STS removed the GM badges, although early 2010 models still retained GM badging.[12] For 2011, the V8 was dropped from the Cadillac STS lineup.[13]
The STS-V uses a supercharged 4.4 L version of the Northstar V8, producing 469 hp (350 kW) and 439 lb⋅ft (595 N⋅m). This engine is mated to a driver-adjustable GM automatic transmission with two shifting modes, larger brakes by Brembo, larger 10 spoke alloy wheels (18"x8.5" front, 19"x9.5" rear), Pirellirun-flat tires, a faster steering ratio, and a stiffer suspension than the standard STS. The engine block and cylinder heads are aluminum, the camshafts are cast iron, and the crankshaft is forged steel. Suspension is fully independent and there are four settings for the traction control system and stability control. Also different from the standard STS, the STS-V has a cooler for the rear differential oil located on the underside of the car behind the 3rd member.
Fuel economy: EPA est. 16.4 mpg‑US (14.3 L/100 km; 19.7 mpg‑imp)/17 mpg‑US (14 L/100 km; 20 mpg‑imp) (City/highway) 13/19 - real world is about 14 mpg city and 21 to 23 mpg highway.
The STS-V had a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration time of 4.6 seconds and a 13.2 second quarter mile time.[15]
The STS-V's primary visual difference from the standard STS was a wire mesh grille and a 'power-dome' hood as well as six lug wheels normally seen only on larger SUVs, trucks and pickups. In addition to the grille, the front differences include the bumper, the fog light and turning signal cluster, and the hood which is slightly domed to fit over the supercharger. In the rear, the bumper is different from the standard STS and includes a wire mesh insert at the bottom which is made of the same mesh material used in the front grille. The rear spoiler is taller and wider, and encompasses the third brake light.
For the interior, the STS-V also has upgraded leather and suede trim contracted from the German company Dräxlmaier, whose prior credit includes the Maybach 57 and 62. Interior color choices were Ebony and Gray, both of which are offered on the standard STS as well, and a two-tone Ebony/Tango Red scheme which was unique to the STS-V.
Production numbers
Model year
Total
2006
1,306 - 55 were exported to various countries
2007
642 - 65 were exported to various countries
2008
459 - 32 were exported to various countries
2009
96 - 4 were exported to Gulf States (Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates)
Total
2,503
The model was discontinued in 2009.
Chinese Cadillac SLS
2007–2009 Cadillac SLS
The Chinese market received the Cadillac SLS (for Seville Luxury Sedan) in November 2006 for the 2007 model year. It was assembled by Shanghai GM. Compared to the STS, the SLS has a longer wheelbase, unique interior appointments, and a near-identical exterior appearance. Engine choices included the 2.8-liter LP1 V-6, 3.6 LY7 V-6 and the 4.6-liter Northstar V-8 as in the STS V-8 [16] from 2007 to 2009. The 3.6 liter LLT engine was available from 2010 to 2011 until it was replaced by the 2.0 liter LDK and the 3.0 liter LF1 V6 for 2011 to 2013 models.
2010–2013 Cadillac SLS
The Chinese-Spec SLS received a facelift at the end of 2009, and was sold as a 2010 model year. The grille, bumper and many other details were revised. It was available in 5 trim levels known as: 2.8 Elite, 2.8 Luxury, 3.6 Elite, 3.6 Luxury and 4.6 Flagship. The SLS was priced from 448,000RMB to 828,000RMB ($94,835 to $175,160 US - August 2022 exchange rate).[17]
GM discontinued the production of the SLS in February 2013.[18]
The final STS was assembled on May 4, 2011.[26] The enlarged third generation rear-wheel drive CTS sedan introduced in 2013 as a 2014 model, similar in size and price to the STS, effectively succeeded it.
