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Cadillac SLS sneaks closer to US market, sorta
Click image for 2 new SLS photos
Back when Cadillac dropped the long-wheelbase SLS on the Beijing motor show, we were all incredulous. How could Cadillac deny us the 4-inch longer STS variant (with an improved interior, too)when other stretched luxury sedans garner sales here. Now, the car will be edging a little closer to us. It's still not coming here, but it will be exported to the Middle East beginning in 2008. Cadillac sales in China have increased over 100 percent since the SLS went on sale. The Middle East is another region where the larger rear compartment appeals to business customers who have their driving taken care of for them. Tiptoeing westward is a good first step. We still want it. You can read Cadillac's full press release after the jump.
[Source: Cadillac]
Gallery: Cadillac SLS
PRESS RELEASE:
Middle East sales of SLS luxury sedan to begin in the first quarter of 2008; SLS is assembled at Shanghai GM's assembly plant
Cadillac SLS Joins Portfolio in Middle East
DETROIT– Cadillac announced that the SLS, the stretched version of the STS luxury sedan, will become available in the Middle East in the first quarter of 2008. The SLS is based on the STS sedan with additional design and engineering work, as well as manufacturing, taking place at Shanghai GM's state-of-the art facilities in Shanghai, China.
The SLS went on sale in China in March. The car has helped to boost overall Cadillac sales in China by 128 percent in the first nine months of 2007, compared to the same period in 2006.
"We're proud to bring the SLS to the Middle East market, where we believe it will be just as successful with luxury car consumers there as it has been in China," said Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor.
Based on the STS luxury sedan, the SLS is stretched 100 mm. The additional length results in a luxurious and spacious interior with rear legroom of 1060 mm. The design of the SLS is unmistakably Cadillac. Diamond-faceted contours echo the geometry of other Cadillac vehicles. Subtle V-shapes, inspired by Cadillac's shield badge, are a recurring motif in both the exterior and interior design. In typical Cadillac fashion, the SLS interior design and fit and finish deliver an outstanding experience from any seat. Ambient lighting, Tuscany leather and sapele pommele wood accents all give the cabin a relaxing and premium look and feel.
Under the hood, the Northstar 4.6 liter V-8 engine produces 320 horsepower, giving the SLS outstanding performance. The six-speed automatic transmission is electronically-controlled. Magnetic Ride Control and StabilTrak, along with a sport suspension, deliver both a refined ride and responsive handling.
Cadillac vehicles are now assembled on three continents – North America, Europe, and Asia – all to the same exacting standards.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
gaatjenietaan 2:38PM (1/25/2009)
how much money is it?
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LoneWolf 8:51AM (11/01/2007)
That's a nice, classical elegant Limo, not as intrusive as many other Limousines, imho.
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Killenmedpirogen 9:00AM (11/01/2007)
zzzzzzz
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Jerk Face 9:15AM (11/01/2007)
LOL
My thoughts exactly.
People still care about Cadillacs?
Hank 10:03AM (11/01/2007)
This should be the DTS replacement...yesterday.
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Dave 10:18AM (11/01/2007)
Cadillac's larger offerings will not be competitive until the introduction of the Ultra V8.
A 320hp Northstar V8 offered as the top engine will destroy the media reviews of any new large Cadillac. GM is wise to hold back.
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jeepnut 1:42AM (12/07/2007)
I agree with you 100%. Cadillac must return to the days when they not only were produced with class, style & prestiege but performance as well. The last Cadillac that I liked was my 1968 convertible. Maybe they can ring my chimes again with this new offering if it has great performance. I am only 72 years of age but I love performance in autos and females.
phewop118 10:46AM (11/01/2007)
I really want one. Please bring them to the US, GM, but as others have said, with the new ULTRA V8. I love the current STS, but its interior is too cheap. This one's perfect. In fact, most of GM's global vehicles are sweet. It's the US ones that suck.
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dean 12:50AM (11/02/2007)
I imagine that this stretched one will be the STS/DTS replacement. At 4 inches longer, it provides the legroom in the rear to possibly be a S-series fighter.
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500 1:00PM (11/01/2007)
That was cruel; you got my hopes up. Oh wait, I wouldn't buy one of these anyway. Bring back the Eldorado! And a shortened CTS doesn't count; too small.
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jamesFF 12:04AM (11/02/2007)
The Cadillacs in the Middle East are getting bigger while ours are getting smaller. That is just wrong!
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TEM 12:55AM (11/02/2007)
Hopefully this will be RWD.
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Ben K. 7:55PM (11/02/2007)
The pre 2007 CTS and STS are almost the same size. The additional 4 inch wheelbase of the SLS offers more of a size advantage. The RWD/SLS is an advantage compared to the FWD/DTS. North America deserves the longer SLS. Build it at Lansing Grand River with the CTS and STS on the Sigma platform.
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