2008 Cadillac DTS

The new DTS Platinum features an even higher level of luxury for Cadillac’s most discerning customers. First introduced on the Escalade SUV, Cadillac’s Platinum Series is a limited-edition collection of vehicles that express the full extent of the brand’s luxury attributes. For the 2008 DTS, this includes a new handcrafted interior and additional elegant touches.

The 2008 DTS also features two new available safety-enhancing technologies. GM’s Lane Departure Warning system is designed to help drivers avoid a collision caused by an inadvertent lane change, and GM’s Side Blind Zone Alert system aids driver awareness of objects that otherwise might escape their vision.

Also for 2008, Crystal Red tintcoat replaces Crimson Pearl; Double Espresso replaces Antique Bronze and Blue Diamond tricoat (interim availability) replaces Cognac Frost. Black Cherry and Carbon Flash Metallic (spring 2008) also join the DTS color palette for ’08.

DTS Platinum

The 2008 Cadillac DTS Platinum edition provides Cadillac’s most discriminating customers with a distinctly higher level of premium luxury, going to dramatic new lengths with 18-inch chromed wheels, bright chrome grille and chrome inserts on the exterior door handle lift bars, as well as an exclusive Platinum badge.

The DTS Platinum features the 292-horsepower Northstar 4.6L V-8 and other performance-oriented features such as Magnetic Ride Control and Performance Algorithm shifting.

A choice of two unique interiors, Light Linen over Cocoa or all-Ebony, are distinguished by light ash burl wood with decorative inlay, Tuscany full leather upholstery and hand-cut-and-sewn leather on the instrument panel top pad, console and door trim. French seams on the door panel inserts are additional details that add a touch of luxury.

This wall-to-wall luxury extends underfoot and even to the trunk, with unique floor mats and a richer trunk mat made of upgraded materials. A sunroof and DVD navigation system are standard, as are LED interior ambient footwell lighting. A headrest-mounted rear DVD audio/video system is available.

A handcrafted, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel with authentic light ash burl wood and chrome rings – as well as chrome appointments, synthetic suede headliner and visors, and an illuminated Platinum badge on the door sill plate – complete the package.

The Cadillac DTS Platinum will be available in the fall of 2007.

New, available safety technologies

For 2008, DTS includes two new optional safety systems designed to support driver vision and crash avoidance: Lane Departure Warning and Side Blind Zone Alert systems.

The lane departure system uses a camera located between the inside rearview mirror and the windshield to detect lane markings on the road and alert drivers when they inadvertently stray from the lane. Side Blind Zone Alert uses radar sensors behind the rear fascia on both sides of the vehicle that signal an audible and visual alert if objects are detected in “blind zones.”

When Lane Departure Warning System is engaged, a driver traveling at 35 mph or more who crosses a detected lane marking without signaling is alerted in two ways: The system’s telltale light flashes amber, and an alerting sound of three beeps is played. The system is designed to alert drivers so they can take appropriate action to move the vehicle back into the lane.

A distinguishing feature of Cadillac’s lane departure system over competitive systems is a telltale light with the “LDW” symbol that indicates whether the system is ready to assist the driver. If the light is green, the system is able to detect lane markings and provide alerts. If the light is off, it will not.

To avoid nuisance alerts, the system is deigned to not provide an alert if the turn signal is on or if the driver makes a sharp maneuver.

Alternating radar beams in GM’s Side Blind Zone Alert System “sweep” adjacent areas, covering a zone of about one lane over from both sides of the vehicle, or 11 feet (3.5 m). The zone starts at each side mirror and goes back about 16 feet (5 m).

When the system is engaged, a driver will know that following vehicles in the adjacent lanes are entering their side blind zone when an amber symbol, located in the outside rearview mirror, is illuminated.

The system is not designed to detect vehicles outside of the side blind zone that may be rapidly approaching, or detect pedestrians, bicyclists or animals. It’s designed to ignore infrastructure such as fire hydrants or parked cars. In addition, the system displays do not come on while the vehicle is approaching or passing other vehicles.

Both the LDW and SBZA systems can be turned on and off by the driver.

Powertrain

The DTS is equipped with the technologically advanced Northstar 4.6L V-8 engine and mated to the Hydra-Matic 4T80 four-speed automatic transmission – a proven combination that assures powerful, sophisticated performance.

The Northstar 4.6L V-8 engine is available in two configurations: the 292-horsepower (218kW) L37 and the 275-horsepower (205kW) LD8*. The L37 version is responsive, with more peak horsepower. The LD8 puts more emphasis on quick launch and part-throttle response with greater peak torque.

Chassis refinements

The DTS chassis combines performance and luxury capabilities to a degree never before reached on a full-size Cadillac sedan. Chassis tuning achieves a smooth, quiet, refined ride. The DTS features a front cradle design, with the engine mounted to the cradle, and the cradle mounted to the body rails.

Integrated chassis control technologies include four-channel anti-lock brakes and traction control, four-channel StabiliTrak with Brake Assist, and Magnetic Ride Control. Magnetic Ride, pioneered on Cadillac STS and XLR, is the world’s fastest reacting suspension, controlling body motions to a precise degree.

Luxury comfort, convenience and security

Because luxury is all about comfort and convenience, the DTS features heated and cooled front seats; heated rear seats; heated steering wheel; standard dual-zone climate control on base packages and standard tri-zone climate control on uplevel package; factory-installed Adaptive Remote Start with personalization; heated windshield washer fluid; rain-sensing wipers; power folding outside rearview mirrors; front and rear ultrasonic park assist; IntelliBeam automatic high-beam headlamps; in-dash six-CD changer and MP3 player; standard dual-stage (driver) and dual-depth (front passenger) air bags, roof-rail curtain air bags, and front seat side-impact thorax air bags; GM Passenger Sensing System; radar-based adaptive cruise control (ACC) with audible and visual alerts; OnStar; XM Satellite Radio; and DVD navigation system.

The DTS features OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation, a fully integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar. Turn-by-Turn allows consumers to talk to a live advisor, who in turn sends complete step-by-step directions to customers’ vehicles through their OnStar system. These audio directions automatically play through the vehicle’s stereo as needed, triggered by the OnStar system’s GPS capabilities. This enables drivers to be led to their destination while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Safety refinements

Designed and engineered with occupant safety and protection in mind, the DTS reinforces Cadillac’s long-standing reputation for safe occupant environments in premium vehicles.

The 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 facility. In addition to its availability in the U.S. and Canada, the DTS is exported for sale in Mexico, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait .