Cadillac Seville

Cadillac Seville
Manufacturer General Motors
Production 1975–2004
Successor Cadillac STS
Class Mid-size luxury car

The Cadillac Seville is a luxury-type car that was manufactured by the Cadillac division of American automaker General Motors from 1975 to 2004, as a smaller-sized top-of-the-line Cadillac. The name of "Cadillac's first small car" was selected over a revival of LaSalle and the GM design staff's preference, LaScala, primarily because, notes GM Marketing Director Gordon Horsburgh, "It had no negatives."[1]

Contents

Origin of the Name

Seville is a Spanish province and the capital city of that province, renowned for its history and its treasures of art and architecture. The Spanish master painters Diego Velázquez and Bartolomé Esteban Murillo both were from Seville. The Seville name first entered use by Cadillac as the designation for the two-door hardtop version of the 1956 Cadillac Eldorado. 1960 was the last model year for the Eldorado Seville.

1975–1979

First Generation
Also called Cadillac Civil (Iran)
Production 1975–1979
Assembly Detroit, Michigan, United States
Iran 1977–1980 by Pars Khodro[2]
Body style 4-door sedan
Layout FR layout
Platform K-body
Engine 350 cu in (5.7 L) Oldsmobile V8
350 cu in (5.7 L) Oldsmobile diesel V8
Transmission 3-speed automatic
Wheelbase 114.3 in (2,900 mm)
Length 204.0 in (5,180 mm)
Width 71.8 in (1,820 mm)
Height 1975–77: 54.7 in (1,390 mm)
1978–79: 54.6 in (1,390 mm)

The Seville, introduced in 1975, was Cadillac's answer to the rising popularity of luxury imports in the U.S. 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.

Initially based on the rear-wheel drive X-body platform that underpinned the Chevrolet Nova (a unibody with a bolt-on subframe, common to 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 "K-body" (rather than "X-special" following the format of the A-special Chevrolet Monte Carlo/Pontiac Grand Prix and B-special Buick Riviera). Cadillac stylists added a crisp, angular body that set the tone for GM styling for the next decade, along with a wide-track stance giving car a substantial, premium appearance. A wide chrome grille flanked by quadruple rectangular headlamps with narrow parking and signal lamps just below filled the header panel, while small wrap-around rectangular tail lamps placed at the outermost 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 rejected Coupe DeVille concept.[3]

Seville engineers chose the X-body platform instead of the German Opel Diplomat in response to GM's budget restrictions—GM executives felt reengineering an 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 pounds (450 kg) lighter than the full-sized Deville. The Seville was thus more nimble and easier to park, as well as remaining attractive to customers with the full complement of Cadillac features. More expensive than every other Cadillac model (except the Series 75 Fleetwood factory limousines) at US$12,479, the Seville was successful in the marketplace. It spawned several imitators, including as the Lincoln Versailles, and later the Chrysler LeBaron/Fifth Avenue. To ensure the quality of the initial production run of Sevilles, the first 2,000 units produced 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 smaller GM wheel bolt pattern (5 lugs with a 4.75 in (121 mm) bolt circle; the 2003–2009 XLR also uses this pattern). The first Sevilles shared only a strict minority of components with the engineering starting point, the GM X-Body. The rear drums measured 11 in (280 mm) and were similar to the ones used with the 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 Chevrolet passenger cars (1971–76), 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. 1975-76 models had a mandatory vinyl top due to the fact that the roof section was originally tooled up in two parts; the rear section around the C-pillar was pressed especially for Cadillac, and a regular X-body sedan roof pressing was used for the forward parts. Due to customer demand a painted steel roof was offered beginning in 1977, which required a new full roof stamping.

The engine was an Oldsmobile-sourced 350 cu in (5.7 L) 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 (130 kW), Gas Mileage was 17 MPG City/23 MPG Highway (The Deville and Fleetwood were still getting in the single digits) and performance was restrained with zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) taking 11.5 seconds. A diesel 350 cu in (5.7 L) LF9 V8 was added in 1978, but that engine was known to be poor in both performance and reliability.

The Seville Cadillac was manufactured in Iran under the brand name of "Cadillac Iran" from 1978 to 1987 by Pars Khodro, which was known as "Iran General Motors" before the Islamic Revolution. A total of 2,653 Cadillacs were made in Iran during this period. This made Iran the only country assembling Cadillacs outside the U.S. until 1997 when Cadillac Catera was based on Opel Omega and built in Germany for U.S. market. Cadillac BLS, built in Sweden for European market, but never available in U.S. market, was introduced in 2006. Even though Cadillac Allante had its Italian origin, its final assembly was done in the U.S.

1978 Seville Elegante

Other Cadillac models had "named" luxury option packages ("d'Elegance"/"Biarritz") and from 1978 through 1988 Seville was available with the "Elegante" package. For 1978 this package added a unique black/silver two-tone exterior paint combination and "perforated-style" leather seats in light gray 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. In 1985, a monotone paint combination became available; however numerous dual-shade combinations remained more popular. The price for this package increased over time, beginning at US$2,600 in 1978 and peaking at US$3,995 in 1987.

1978–1979 Cadillac Trip Computer

The Cadillac Trip Computer "Tripmaster" was a unique optional feature available midyear during the 1978 and also the 1979 model years at a cost of US$920. This option replaced the two standard needle-type gauges with an electronic digital readout for the speedometer and remaining fuel. The trip computer also included numerous calculations at the touch of a button on a small panel located 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). Though preceded by the British 1976 Aston Martin Lagonda sedan, Seville was the first American automobile to offer full electronic instrumentation. This system predated Lincoln's system by one year, although the 1978 Lincoln Continental Mark V was available with a "Miles-To-Empty" feature (i.e., an LED readout of miles left to travel based on the fuel remaining). A digital instrument cluster was not available on the Seville and Eldorado again until their 1981 through 1985 configurations, though the "Trip Computer" itself was no longer available.

1979 Seville Gucci

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 featured many 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.

1976–1979 Seville Convertible

A number of custom coach builders made modifications to the 1975-1979 Seville, to include shortened 2-seat 2-door convertibles, a 2-door convertible with a back seat, a 2-door pickup truck, 2-door coupes, 2- and 4-door lengthened-hood Sevilles with a fake spare tire in each front fender, and a lengthened-wheelbase standard 4-door Seville.[4]

Production

Year Total
1975 16,355
1976 43,772
1977 45,060
1978 56,985
1979 53,487

Engines

Year Engine Power
1975–1979 5.7 L Oldsmobile V8
1978–1979 5.7 L LF9 Diesel V8

1980–1985

Second Generation
Production 1980–1985
Assembly Linden, New Jersey, United States
Body style 4-door sedan
Layout FF layout
Platform K-body
Engine 1980–82: 5.7 L Diesel 105 hp (78 kW) V8
1980–81: 6.0 L 145 hp (108 kW) V8
1983–85: 4.1 L 135 hp (101 kW) V8
1983–85: 5.7 L Diesel 105 hp (78 kW) V8
Transmission 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase 114.0 in (2,896 mm)
Length 204.8 in (5,202 mm)
Width 1980–82: 71.4 in (1,814 mm)
1983–85: 70.9 in (1,801 mm)
Height 54.3 in (1,379 mm)

For the 1980 model year, Cadillac moved the Seville to the 114 in (2,900 mm) wheelbase K-body, based on the front-wheel drive E-body Eldorado, Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Toronado. Returning to some of the original concepts floated for the 1975 edition (the March 2008 issue of Collectible Automobile featured an early concept of what evolved into the downsized 1977 Cadillac DeVilles and Fleetwoods — one of the concepts which was withdrawn looks similar to the second-generation Seville), The rear styling was intended to invoke the look of Daimlers of a past era (though British Leyland were building cars with this feature even then). In the U.S., The bustle-back styling was imitated by the 1982–1987 Lincoln Continental sedan, and the 1981–1983 Chrysler Imperial coupe.

The new model, one of the last vehicles designed by GM's Bill Mitchell, featured front-wheel drive and independent rear suspension. The Seville initiated features that would become more traditional in later years. In 1981, "memory seats" — a feature not seen on a Cadillac since the Eldorado Broughams of the late 50's — became available again. This option allowed two memorized positions to be recalled at the touch of a button. Also for 1981 was a digital instrument cluster. The "Cadillac Trip Computer" was a precursor to this option in 1979. For the '81-'85 Seville and Eldorado, it was considerably less expensive, at US$200 in '81, and did not contain the many features of Trip Computer, but rather, just a digital speedometer and fuel gauge. "Puncture-sealing" tires were also new for '81. In 1982, Seville offered heated outside rear-view mirrors with the rear defogger option. Inside, a "Symphony Sound" stereo tape system was available. For 1983, a new "Delco/Bose" stereo cassette system was offered at US$895. It featured a brushed gold-look front panel and bulbous lower interior door speaker assemblies giving almost an aftermarket installation look to the system. This was also the last year for the availability of an 8-track stereo system for Seville. On the outside, Seville was available with a "Full Cabriolet Roof" treatment option, which gave Seville the dashing look of a four-door convertible. Cadillac may have provided this due to the popularity of a similar option, available since 1979, on the Lincoln Continental automobiles and Cadillac's own "Phaeton" series of De Ville models in 1978 and 1979.

In hip hop culture, this generation of Sevilles were known as "slantbacks." Sales were respectable at first, but disastrous experimentation with diesel engines (an Oldsmobile sourced 5.7 V8, plagued with head gasket problems) and the ill-fated 1981 V8-6-4 variable displacement engine (1980s technology could not make it work reliably), along with poor quality control and lackluster performance from engines severely detuned to meet more stringent CAFE standards, began to erode the Seville's standing in the marketplace. A new but underpowered 4.1 liter V8 was fitted to post-1981 models. It was prone to the block becoming porous and coolant mixing with the oil, resulting in catastrophic engine failure. Some later cars were also fitted with the 4.1 liter Buick-derived V6, which was a reliable enough engine, but was not designed for fitment to "full size" cars, and performance was rather lacking.

Production

Year Total
1980 39,344
1981 28,631
1982 19,998
1983 30,430
1984 39,997
1985 39,755

Engines

Year Engine Power
1980 6.0 L Cadillac V8 145 hp (108 kW)
1980–1985 5.7 L LF9 Diesel V8 105 hp (78 kW)
1981 6.0 L L62 V8-6-4 V8 145 hp (108 kW)
1981–1985 4.1 L Buick V6 125 hp (93 kW)
1982 4.1 L LT8 HT4100 V8 125 hp (93 kW)
1982–1985 4.1 L LT8 HT4100 V8 135 hp (101 kW)

1986–1991

Third Generation
Production 1986–1991
Assembly Hamtramck, Michigan, United States
Body style 4-door sedan
Layout FF layout
Platform K-body
Engine 4.9 L 200 hp V8
Transmission 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase 108.0 in (2,743 mm)
Length 190.8 in (4,846 mm)
Width 1986–89: 70.9 in (1,801 mm)
1990–1991: 72.0 in (1,829 mm)
Height 1986–1990: 53.7 in (1,364 mm)
1991: 53.2 in (1,351 mm)

In 1986, an all-new, much smaller body attempted to combine the crisp angularity of the original Seville with the rounded edges of the new aerodynamic aesthetic. The series featured a transverse-mounted V8 driving the front wheels. The smaller size and conservative styling were regarded as bland, and customers stayed away. Despite the lack of popularity, the new Seville/Eldorado chassis featured an advanced transmission and engine control system that offered EPA fuel consumption figures of nearly 30 mpg-US (7.8 L/100 km; 36 mpg-imp) on the highway using a small fuel injected V8. The new model featured a worldwide production car first—a computer system that monitored the car's systems and the engine. The BCM/ECM (Body Computer Module/Engine Computer Module) was paired with an electronic dashboard using high intensity vacuum fluorescent displays and utilized GM's expertise derived from the acquisition of Hughes Electronics, makers of communications and spy satellites. This expertise was later carried forward to many GM models and brands making GM the leader in cutting edge electronics for automotive use. Unfortunately, with sales way below expectations the new model was considered a disaster, and an exterior refresh was rushed for 1987 as a 1988 model. This was the final Cadillac Seville generation to have annual facelifts for the grilles.

The big news for 1988 was the introduction of the Seville Touring Sedan which came equipped with GM's FE2 Touring Suspension. It featured special 15 inch alloy wheels, special springs, rear sway bar, and a special 15.6:1 steering ratio for enhanced handling, a grille mounted Cadillac emblem, special cloisonne trunk lock cover, and a unique four-place interior. 1988 Seville Touring Sedan production totaled 1,499 units. The first 1988 STS were custom built in June 1988 by Cars and Concepts and announced at the 1988 Detroit Grand Prix. A special label was affixed to the lower corner of the driver-side front door by Cars and Concepts identifying it as one of the original STS's. For 1989, the features of the Seville STS remained unchanged, and 2,487 were produced.

In 1990, the Seville got a new fuel injection system which brought the horsepower up to 180. Front park lamps were no longer mounted in the fender on any models, and the Seville STS underwent some major changes. These included new side and rear body color fascias which gave the car a sportier, more aggressive look. Also added was dual exhaust with bright stainless outlets, a larger STS trunk script, standard Teves anti-lock braking system with rear discs, and 16-inch machine finished alloy wheels on Goodyear Eagle GT+4 tires. A driver's side airbag was also added to Seville and STS. While the engine was the same as used in regular Seville models, the transmission had a special final drive ratio of 3:33:1 for better acceleration. The 1990 STS also received its own body designation of 6KY69, and prices started at $36,320. 1990 STS production totaled 1,893 vehicles.

There were no body changes in 1991, but mechanically there was a new 4.9 liter V8 under the hood coupled to a 4T60E electronically controlled transmission. The new V8 no longer used the A.I.R. system, and additional refinements to the internals brought the horsepower up to 200. The only change to the STS was the removal of the rear bucket seats for a full-width bench, and new front seats with larger side bolsters taken from last years Eldorado Touring Coupe. 2,206 were produced.

Beginning in November 1988, Clayton Farlow, a character from the television show Dallas, drove a black Cadillac Seville STS.

Production

Year Seville Seville STS Total
1986 19,098 N/A 19,098
1987 18,578 N/A 18,578
1988 21,469 1,499 22,968
1989 20,422 2,487 22,909
1990 31,235 1,893 33,128
1991 24,225 2,206 26,431

Engines

Year Engine Power
1986–1987 4.1 L LT8 HT4100 V8 130 hp (97 kW)
1988–1989 4.5 L HT4500 V8 155 hp (116 kW)
1990 4.5 L LW2 HT4500 SFI V8 180 hp (134 kW)
1991 4.9 L L26 HT4900 SFI V8 200 hp (149 kW)

1992–1997

Fourth Generation
Production 1992–1997
Assembly Hamtramck, Michigan, United States
Body style 4-door sedan
Layout FF layout
Platform K-body
Engine 4.9 L 200 hp (150 kW) V8
4.6 L 275 hp (205 kW) V8
4.6 L 300 hp (220 kW) V8
Transmission 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase 111.0 in (2,819 mm)
Length 204.4 in (5,192 mm)
Width 1992–94: 74.3 in (1,887 mm)
1995–97: 74.2 in (1,885 mm)
Height 54.5 in (1,384 mm)
Curb weight 3900 lb (1673 kg)

For 1992, Cadillac delivered a new, European-flavored Seville with positive 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 limited edition 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 the Seville increase sales.

The rear suspension previously featured a single transverse leaf spring like the Chevrolet Corvette. The wheelbase was back up to 111 in (2,800 mm) with a 203.9 in (5,180 mm) overall length.

Cadillac made few styling changes during this generation, but switched the grille from chrome to body color for the 1995 model year.

The Seville was divided into two sub-models:

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

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

Models

Model Year Engine Power Torque
Seville Luxury Sedan (SLS) 1992–1993 4.9 L HT-4900 V8 200 hp (149 kW) 275 ft·lbf (373 N·m)
1994 4.6 L LD8 Northstar V8 270 hp (201 kW) 300 ft·lbf (407 N·m)
1995–1997 275 hp (205 kW) 300 ft·lbf (407 N·m)
Seville Touring Sedan (STS) 1992 4.9 L HT-4900 V8 200 hp (149 kW) 275 ft·lbf (373 N·m)
1993 4.6 L L37 Northstar V8 295 hp (220 kW) 290 ft·lbf (393 N·m)
1994–1997 300 hp (224 kW) at 6000 rpm 295 ft·lbf (400 N·m) at 4400 rpm

1998–2004

Fifth Generation
Production 1998–2004
Assembly Hamtramck, Michigan, United States
Body style 4-door sedan
Layout FF layout
Platform K-body
Engine 4.6 L 275 hp (205 kW) V8
4.6 L 300 hp (220 kW) V8
Transmission 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase 112.2 in (2,850 mm)
Length 201.0 in (5,105 mm)
Width 75.0 in (1,905 mm)
Height SLS: 55.7 in (1,415 mm)
STS: 55.4 in (1,407 mm)
Curb weight SLS: 3,970 lb (1,800 kg)
STS: 4,001 lb (1,815 kg)

The Seville was updated for 1998 on a new version of the K-body platform based on Oldsmobile's G-body Aurora. It was the first Cadillac launched with a European type approval number in Europe such as United Kingdom first, and then Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Finland and other in markets. All transverse engine front-wheel drive Sevilles were built in Hamtramck, Michigan.

The wheelbase was extended to 112.2 in (2,850 mm) but the overall length was down slightly to 201 in (5,100 mm). The car looked similar to the fourth-generation model, but featured numerous suspension and drivability 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 top STS model carried a MSRP of $52,075.

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

In January 2002, Seville STS received a new MagneRide adaptive suspension system. Though the new MagneRide system was standard on Seville STS models, it was not available for Seville SLS models. Production of the Seville STS ended on May 16, 2003. The Seville SLS ended on December 4, 2003. In 2004, only the Seville SLS model was available for purchase. After the Seville was discontinued for 2004, it was replaced by the Cadillac STS.

Engines

Model Year Engine Power Torque
STS 1998–2003 4.6 L L37 Northstar V8 300 hp (224 kW) at 6000 rpm 295 ft·lbf (400 N·m) at 4400 rpm
SLS 1998–2004 4.6 L LD8 Northstar V8 275 hp (205 kW) at 5600 rpm 300 ft·lbf (407 N·m) at 4000 rpm

References

  1. ^ Witzenburg, Gary (April 1984). "The Name Game". Motor Trend: 85. 
  2. ^ "Pars Khodro in history". Pars Khodro. http://web.parskhodro.ir/pdf/Parskhodro%20history.pdf. Retrieved 24 September 2010. 
  3. ^ March 2008 issue of Collectible Automobile detailing the 1977 GM full-size cars.
  4. ^ "Milan Roadster Convertible". http://milanroadster.weebly.com/. Retrieved 24 September 2010. 

External links