Northstar System

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The Northstar System was Cadillac's trademarked name for a package of automobile performance features. Introduced in mid 1992 on the 1993 Cadillac Allanté and later on that year's Seville and Eldorado, the Northstar name continues in use to this day. "Northstar" was most associated with the advanced DOHC aluminum V8 "Northstar engine".

The Northstar System included the following components:

GM Premium V engine:
- LD8 high-output 300 hp (224 kW) and 295 ft·lbf (400 N·m)
- L37 high-torque 275 hp (205 kW) and 300 ft·lbf (407 N·m)
GM 4T80-E 4-speed automatic transmission
Road Sensing Suspension
- Standard RSS
- CV-RSS continuously-variable system
4-wheel disc brakes with Bosch antilock brakes
Variable power steering
- Magnasteer magnetic

General Motors, the maker of Cadillac employed a continuously variable system for the Cadillac Northstar System, VVT (Variable Valve Timing). The NorthStar VVT provides a continuously variable system throughout the RPM range. The overhead cam (OHC) Cadillac NorthStar, already a fuel efficient V-8 engine, became even more efficient with VVT. GM engines use the double overhead cam, varying both intake and exhaust for better performance.

[edit] References

Joel D. Pietrangelo. "Northstar is heart of Allante re-do for '93 - V-8 engine, General Motors' Cadillac Motor Car Div.'s new model roadster". Ward's Auto World (February 1992).