2006 Cadillac DTS

 This front-wheel-drive large luxury sedan uses a single-model strategy (one exterior, one interior with multiple option packages) and expands Cadillac’s alpha naming strategy.

A product of unwavering attention to detail, DTS is designed and engineered to continue DeVille’s sales success, which commanded nearly 50 percent of sales in its segment for nearly two decades.

Enhanced exterior

The DTS is equipped with new front-end sheet metal, grille, fascia and standard high-intensity-discharge Xenon headlamps. The decklid, rear quarter, rear fascia and light emitting diode (LED) taillamps and CHMSL also are new.

At first glance, DTS strongly reflects the appeal of Cadillac’s trademark design with vertically shaped headlamps and tail lamps, and egg-crate grille. The result is a more architectural, linear exterior style than its predecessor and a look that separates it from the competition.

All-new interior design

Refinements include dual-firmness seats engineered for comfort and support with an additional 25 mm (approximately 1 inch) of seat travel; available real burl wood garnish; a lowered and more forward-positioned instrument panel for increased spaciousness; a new analog clock; soft-backed, cast-urethane surfaces on the instrument panel and upper doors; and an integrated center stack design for a clean, uninterrupted appearance.

Powertrain

The Northstar 4.6L V-8 engine is available in two configurations: the 291-horsepower L37 and the 275-horsepower LD8 (horsepower and torque figures are preliminary, pending certification*). The L37 version is a responsive, higher revving powerplant with more peak horsepower. The LD8 puts more emphasis on quick launch and part-throttle response with greater peak torque.

Chassis refinements

A number of integrated chassis control technologies include four-channel anti-lock brakes and traction control, four-channel StabiliTrak with Brake Assist, and Magnetic Ride Control. The DTS also employs larger 17- or 18-inch wheels and tires, as well as larger 323-mm brakes for enhanced stopping power.

Convenience and safety technologies

All 2006 Cadillac owners will receive 12 months of complimentary access to Cadillac Virtual Advisor by OnStar. Cadillac Virtual Advisor service begins at activation of OnStar Hands-Free Calling. Cadillac Virtual Advisor provides three-day weather forecasts and traffic reports within pre-selected ranges of 5, 10 or 15 miles of the vehicle’s location in most major markets. Cadillac Virtual Advisor also monitors traffic for up to three personalized routes and reports information on up to 10 selected stocks on the DJI and NASDAQ markets – all at the touch of a single button.

OnStar-equipped DTS models will feature OnStar dual-mode (analog-digital) equipment. OnStar’s digital equipment also includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada . Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar hands-free calling that allows drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls using an externally mounted antenna for greater reception.

The OnStar service standard on the 2006 DTS includes the General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to the participating 911 centers to help them dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster.

XM Satellite Radio provides more than 120 coast-to-coast, digital-quality channels of original commercial-free music and premier news, sports and talk as well as advanced traffic and weather information for select major metropolitan areas nationwide. Consumers can subscribe to the basic service for $12.99 a month. In addition, GM customers with GMAC financing can choose to include the XM subscription in their car payments.

Precise dimensional accuracy

Fit, flushness and gaps are on a par with the best executions in the world. Interior gaps are 5 millimeters or less, with the vast majority less than 2 mm. The exterior of the DTS has extremely tight surface-to-surface relationships, making it appear as if it were crafted from a single piece of billet steel. Such refinement is evidenced in hood to fascia gaps that are a mere 4 mm, fender-to-headlamp relationships of less than 1 mm, hood-to-fender relationships within 1 mm, and taillamp-to-decklid relationships of less than 2 mm.

Safety refinements

The new 2006 DTS is equipped with a host of safety and security features, beginning with its body frame integral (BFI) construction; strategically engineered crumple zones in front and rear; and comprehensive use of high-strength steel. The vehicle’s crashworthiness is enhanced with structural foam and nylon structural inserts strategically placed in areas of the vehicle’s structure.

The DTS has six standard air bags, including an industry-first dual depth front passenger air bag. The GM co-patented technology deploys either a small or large air bag depending upon crash severity, seat belt usage and seat position.

The DTS is manufactured at GM’s award-winning Detroit Hamtramck assembly center. Detroit-Hamtramck is recognized as the 2005 J.D. Power and Associates Bronze Award plant in North America and is a top 10 performer in initial quality worldwide.

The DTS arrives in Cadillac showrooms this fall. In addition to the U.S. and Canada , the DTS is exported for sale in Mexico , Taiwan , Korea , Japan , Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.