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1994 CADILLAC SEVILLE TOURING SEDAN (STS)

by: BILL RUSS

SEE ALSO:Cadillac Buyer's Guide

Seville has been a Cadillac nameplate for nearly twenty years. It was designed and developed as a "smaller" Cadillac near the end of the era of the truly large car. The 1980 second generation model with its Rolls-Royce style built-in trunk rapidly became a classic and established the Seville as a viable Cadillac nameplate. This model also was the first Cadillac to incorporate front-wheel drive, independent four-wheel suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. In 1989 the Touring Sedan made its debut as a limited edition model featuring many distinguishing embellishments. It led the way to the current fourth generation STS, which with the introduction of the Northstar engine in 1992 became the luxury/sport flagship of the Cadillac fleet. With added refinements for 1994 the newest STS meets the Cadillac goal of offering a well-balanced car that is American in character and international in appearance.

The Seville STS is a major player in the luxury car segment and Cadillac strongly believes that it has a place in the world-wide automotive market. To this end it and other Cadillac models are now actively being merchandised in Europe, the Persian Gulf and Asia. Not in great numbers, but at least in increasing volume. The STS is a prime example of an American car with international appeal.

APPEARANCE: The STS is tastefully styled in the Continental manner. It is well proportioned with a fairly long and wide hood, large glass cabin, flat top and high short rear deck. Its monochrome finish is offset by black window trim, and the body below the beltline is clad in plastic for parking lot protection. The unique and very visible high stoplight covers the full width of the rear trunk lid. Goodyear Eagle GA Z-rated touring tires mounted on distinctively styled alloy wheels hint at the potential STS performance capability.

COMFORT: The interior of the STS presents the look and feel of luxury. Standard items include perforated leather seating, power adjustable and heated front seats, Zebrano wood trim, a quiet and efficient climate control system with rear seat ducting, retained accessory power. Also featured is a driver information center that monitors all important functions, and an easy-to-read analog instrument panel. The optional custom designed Delco-Bose Gold AM/FM/CD/cassette sound system fills the cabin with 200 watts of clear crisp concert hall music. The remote infra-red locking system is quite handy, as is the automatically dimming rear view mirror and twilight sentinel headlamps.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: To impart a feeling of safety the STS is replete with the latest devices such as dual airbags, knee bolsters, a new intentional set feature on the shoulder belt that provides protection with comfort, and a warning chime buckle-up reminder. It meets the 1997 Federal standards for side-impact protection, including steel safety cage construction, side door beams and front and rear crush zones. Among the security features are a new anti-lockout system, plus automatic door lock/unlock, remote keyless entry, and a special Pass-Key ignition key.

ROADABILITY: The Seville STS is a showpiece of the engineering and electronic technology of the 90's. Its handling and performance is monitored and managed by the Northstar System. This system ties together via a complex computer system many of the suspension and the powertrain components to ensure optimum operation. The vehicle-speed sensitive power steering is combined with Cadillac's computerized road sensing suspension that electronically adjusts shock absorber settings in milli- seconds proves a super-smooth and road hugging ride. Other parts of the system include the interactive ABS and traction control system that regulates wheel slip during adverse road and weather conditions. Excellent insulation and weatherstripping provide a very quiet cabin while underway.

PERFORMANCE: The powerful 4.6 liter, 32-valve Northstar V8 delivers a very quick and controlled 295 horsepower to the front wheels via Hydra-matic's latest 4T80-E automatic transmission. Computer-controlled and tied to the handling components this combination insures all-around controlled performance. Due to computerized powertrain management, plus platinum-tipped plugs and distributorless ignition tune-ups are only required every 100,000 miles. The engine features a "limp-home" mode that keeps it operating without coolant for up to 50 miles. I tried it and it works!

CONCLUSION: The 1994 Cadillac Seville STS utilizes the latest in design, engineering electronic and computer technology to deliver a powerful, safe, comfortable and luxurious means of travel.

SPECIFICATIONS:
1994 CADILLAC SEVILLE TOURING SEDAN (STS)

		      
	   Base Price               $  44,890
	   Price As Tested          $  48,211
	   Engine Type              V-8, dohc - 32 valve, mpfi
	   Engine Size              4.6 liter/279 cid
	   Horsepower               295 @ 6000
	   Torque (ft/lbs)          290 @ 4400
	   Wheelbase/Length         111"/204"
	   Transmission             four speed automatic w/od
	   Curb Weight              3900
	   Pounds per Horsepower    13
	   Fuel Capacity            20
	   Fuel Requirement         Unleaded premium (91 oct)
	   Tires                    Goodyear Eagle GA P225/60ZR16 M+S
	   Brakes                   anti-lock standard     disc/drum
	   Drive Train              front engine/front drive
	   
				     PERFORMANCE   
	   
	   EPA Economy - miles per gallon,         
	     city/highway/observed       16/25/21.3
	   0 to 60 mp                    7.5 sec
	   1/4 mi (E.T.)                 15.4 sec 
	   Coefficient of Drag  (Cd)     .33