Production 2005–2011 Class Full-size luxury car | Model years 2006–2011 | |
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Manufacturer Cadillac (General Motors) Assembly Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly, Hamtramck, Michigan, U.S. Body style 4-door notchback sedan
4-door limousine | ||
The Cadillac DTS (DeVille Touring Sedan or D-Series Touring Sedan) is a full-size luxury notchback sedan that was produced by Cadillac. The DTS replaced the Cadillac DeVille as Cadillac's largest luxury car for the 2006 model year. This renaming followed new styling conventions set by the earlier CTS and STS. The DTS remained in production until 2011, when it was replaced by the XTS.
Contents
The first version of the DTS was initially shown at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show on February 9.
Production and specifications
The DTS was manufactured at GM's Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly factory from July 2005 through May 2011. The "Luxury" models were priced at US$46,280 for the 2010 model. Even though priced lower than the rear-wheel drive STS flagship, the DTS is longer than the STS.
One major feature change from the DeVille to the DTS was the elimination of the standard 6-passenger seating configuration for non-limousine models. However, such capability remains an optional feature for fleet clients. It had a square clock but circular gauges.
The DTS incorporates the updated GM G-platform, however GM chose to continue referring to it as the K platform; as denoted by the 4th letter in the VIN, and is powered by the 32V Northstar V8, which produces 275 bhp (205 kW) in "Standard", "Luxury" and "Premium" trims. The DTS "Platinum" is equipped with 292 bhp (218 kW) version. The DTS has standard industry features including multiple airbags, bi functional xenon high-intensity discharge HID headlamps, leather seating, and power seats. Options include navigation system, Magnetic Ride Control (magnetic ride control on performance models only), moonroof, chrome wheels, heated/cooled seats, and a heated steering wheel. A fully loaded DTS costs approximately $55,000(US) depending on color choice and options. A new DTS Platinum Edition was released in 2007 with special interior trim, badging and other luxury features. GM phased out all GM badges from vehicles on the 2010.5 models, including the Cadillac DTS.
DTS-L
Especially for the limousine market, the lightly stretched DTS-L was released in November 2006 for the 2007 model year. Developed and finished by Accubuilt, this version was being touted as having greater rear legroom. Early DTS-L Cadillacs are easily recognized by the wider rear C-pillar, similar to the one used on the older Fleetwood 75 Series. This was necessitated by the use of the standard length DTS rear door, which left a strange-looking space between the rear wheelwell and door. In 2008 a new version, with longer rear doors, was introduced. This change also meant that the C-pillars became considerably slimmer. Despite these efforts, the small production DTS-L soon disappeared from the marketplace.
Other uses
The DTS was available as a 'coachbuilder' chassis for aftermarket conversion into either limousines, or hearses. The limousine model was designated V4U, and the hearse model was designated B9Q. These were only available to manufacturers named as Cadillac Master Coachbuilders, meaning they were certified by General Motors to modify them. The coachbuilder chassis are an incomplete car, with no rear doors, trunk, rear windshield, and other parts not used during the conversion. These models also included 8 lug wheels, upgraded suspension components, as well as a transmission cooler.
End of production
The last DTS rolled off the assembly line at 11:51 a.m. on May 27, 2011.
Presidential State Car
A specially designed and outfitted armored vehicle with DTS styling and a high-roof fitted to a GM four-wheel drive chassis was debuted in the second inauguration of U.S. President George W. Bush, which also served as the debut for the DTS before its official debut at the Chicago Auto Show. While details of the modified vehicle, codenamed "Stagecoach", remain classified, previous such vehicles indicate that it would have been upgraded with advanced armor and safety features in order to protect the president from various threats.
Shorter armoured DTS are also the vice-presidential cars in the USA at least since 2010.
A modified DTS is also used by the Canadian Prime Minister.
Next generation
The next full-size luxury Cadillac was called the XTS, and the latest is called the CT6.
Prior to bankruptcy, GM had considered a rear-drive sedan, powered by the new Ultra V8 engine (replacement for the Northstar), to bow for 2010. GM later stopped development of new North American Zeta-based models and canceled the Ultra V8 engine.