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1994 CADILLAC DEVILLE CONCOURS

by: BILL RUSS

SEE ALSO:Cadillac Buyer's Guide

Cadillac is out to extend its appeal to both a broader and younger group of luxury car buyers, and to do so have brought out eight new models in two years. At the same time Cadillac wants to hold on to its loyal group of older owners, and so some of these new models emphasize the accommodations that are desired by this important group. The DeVille has been the best-selling luxury car in the country for the past eight years, and in line with its 1994 advertising theme, "Creating A Higher Standard", Cadillac developed the next-generation Sedan DeVille. For those who desire a large luxury car, an all-new DeVille Concours was introduced. It is a fully-equipped, six-passenger sedan utilizing the Northstar System. The "System" includes the 270 horsepower, dual-overhead cam, 32-valve V-8 Northstar engine as its base. In addition it encompasses an electronically controlled automatic transmission, a four-wheel Road Sensing Suspension system, a new rear suspension design, speed-sensitive power steering, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and traction control. This system covers a major.portion of the "balance" of Cadillac; power, performance and safety. Additional comfort, convenience and luxury are also important segments of the new DeVille Concours story.

APPEARANCE: The Concours is unmistakably Cadillac. From its trademark rectangular egg-crate grille and peaked hood, down its broad slightly curved sides, to its long rear deck ending in vertical taillights, the Concours is classic, traditional Cadillac. A modest amount of brightwork surrounds the windows, all of which go all the way down, while a shiny wide side rub strip and grille with the Cadillac wreath in the center proclaim Concours. The distinctive multi-spoked alloy wheels and Goodyear Eagle GA P 225/60HR16 all-season touring tires suggest its touring capabilities. With near-flush tinted glass, flush door handles and close-fit doors and body panels it looks plain but powerful.

COMFORT: Like the luxury car it is, the Concours offers a clean, uncluttered interior with a touch of class. It is outfitted in soft leather upholstery and deluxe wood trim, with a full compliment of powered accessories, remote keyless entry, a new digital instrument cluster, a driver information center that can deliver up to 42 messages, plus 10 minutes of retained power for operation of accessories. New wider front armrests hold most of the illuminated comfort controls. Wide opening doors make for easy access, and there is plenty of room for six footers all-around. The automatic climate control system quietly maintains the set cabin temperature, while the 11-speaker Active Audio System, that includes AM/FM/CD and cassette, delivers quality sound throughout the passenger compartment. A flat, 20 cubic foot, low liftover trunk can accomodate luggage for all six-passengers.

ROADABILITY: For a large luxury sedan, the new Concours provides a very quiet and smooth ride that absorbs road irregularities quite well without any floating sensation. The suspension, steering and handling components of the Northstar System are designed and computer- managed to work together to insure a precise controlled ride over a variety of road surfaces and weather conditions. This sophisticated system utilizes automatic variable damping control, speed-dependent power steering and full-speed traction control. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes insure safe stops, but just in case, they are backed up by a new front-seat air bank system that protects all three passengers.

PERFORMANCE: To meet the performance goals established for the Concours the 4.6 liter Northstar engine has been specially tuned to deliver slightly more torque and slightly less horsepower. For the power demands of a large, two-ton luxury sedan the state-of-the-art 32 valve, twin cam, V8 quietly delivers 300 foot-pounds of torque and 275 horsepower. This combination provides quick power at low rpm's for good responsive feel at low engine speeds. With electronic controls and platinum plugs, tuneups are not required for 100,000 miles. Another plus is the "limp home" mode that keeps the engine running without coolant for 50 miles. The four-speed 4T80-E Hydra-matic using a viscous converter clutch delivers super-smooth and quiet up and down shifts throughout its range.

CONCLUSIONS: The new DeVille Concours is a surprising automobile that may introduce those traditionalists who like for its styling to the benefits of modern powertrain and suspension technology. The may discover that spirited, but controlled driving can be fun!

PRICE AS TESTED: $ 38,025 with upgrade sound, theft deterrent and heated front seats.

BASE PRICE: $ 36590 with the Northstar System and plenty of equipment.

SPECIFICATIONS:
1994 CADILLAC DEVILLE CONCOURS

           
           Base Price              $  36,590
           Price As Tested         $  38,025
           Engine Type             V8, dohc - 32v - mpfi
           Engine Size             4.6 liter/279 cid
           Horsepower              270 @ 5600
           Torque (ft/lbs)         300 @ 4000
           Wheelbase/Length        114"/210"
           Transmission            four-speed automatic w/od
           Curb Weight             3990
           Pounds per Horsepower   15
           Fuel Capacity           20
           Fuel Requirement        Unleaded premium (91 oct)
           Tires                   Goodyear Eagle GA P225/60HR16 M+S
           Brakes                  anti-lock standard  disc/disc
           Drive Train             front engine/front drive
           
                          PERFORMANCE
           
           EPA Economy - miles per gallon,
             city/highway/observed       16/25/21.3
           0 to 60 mph                   8.3 sec
           1/4 mi (E.T.)                 15.9 sec
           Coefficient of Drag  (Cd)     .35