From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- See also Cadillac Coupe de Ville.
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| Seventh generation |
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| Production: |
1974–1976 |
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The DeVille (also De Ville and de Ville) name has been used on many of Cadillac's luxury car models. After the Fleetwood was dropped from the Cadillac lineup the DeVille became the Cadillac flagship sedan until it was replaced by the DTS for the 2006 model year.
[edit] History
The first Cadillac to bear the name was the 1949 Coupe De Ville, with a 4-door hardtop version appearing in 1956. Beginning in 1965, DeVille denoted Cadillac's mainstream model, falling between the Calais and the Fleetwood.
For 1968, the DeVille gained slight exterior changes to comply with new federal safety and emissions legislation, and as with the rest of the Cadillac lineup, a new 472 in³ (7.7 L) V8 engine rated at 375 hp (sae gross).
In November 1971, a showroom-stock 1971 Coupe deVille placed third in the annual coast-to-coast Cannonball Run, posting the highest average speed of the event, 84.6 mph (excluding stops) and averaging 8.9 miles per gallon.
In 1977, the first generation of down-sized Cadillacs included mechanically similar DeVilles and Fleetwoods, with the latter still occupying the top of the lineup. From 1977 through 1984, the models primarily differed in minor trim, interior upholstery & equipment levels.
1985-1990 Cadillac Sedan de Ville
In 1985, the second generation of downsized DeVilles and Fleetwoods (other than the Brougham) would see a switch to front wheel drive. This drastic downsizing did not prove popular with consumers and soon Lincoln was outselling Cadillac.
From 1986 through 1992, Fleetwood became an option package on the DeVille. The Coupe deVille was dropped in 1994.
The sedan version lasted through one more redesign in 2000 before being replaced by the DTS (stands for DeVille Touring Sedan) for 2006.
1995-99 Cadillac DeVille Concours
For 1994, the DeVille was redesigned to share the K-body platform with the Seville. The body was redesigned and the wheelbase grew to 113.8 in rather than the 111 in used on the Seville. Production moved to Hamtramck, Michigan.
The DeVille Concours was available with the new 270 hp (201 kW) LD8 Northstar V8, while lesser models retained the HT-4900 until 1996. That year, the base model took on the lower-output Northstar while the Concours moved up to the high-output L37 Northstar. The DeVille Concours replaced the 1993-only Cadillac Sixty Special.
The DeVille received a minor redesign for the 1997 model year, while it got the d'Elegance trim line to replace the Cadillac Fleetwood. New headlights and a new grille were added. The interior remained largely unchanged with front side-airbags and OnStar system being the only significant additions.
| Model |
Year |
Engine |
Power |
Torque |
| Base |
1994–1995 |
4.9 L HT-4900 V8 |
200 hp (149 kW) |
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| 1996–1999 |
4.6 L LD8 Northstar V8 |
275 hp (205 kW) at 5750 rpm |
275 ft·lbf (373 N·m) at 4750 rpm |
| Concours |
1994 |
4.6 L LD8 Northstar V8 |
270 hp (201 kW) |
300 ft·lbf (407 N·m) |
| 1995 |
275 hp (205 kW) at 5750 rpm |
275 ft·lbf (373 N·m) at 4750 rpm |
| 1996–1999 |
4.6 L L37 Northstar V8 |
300 hp (224 kW) at 6000 rpm |
295 ft·lbf (400 N·m) at 4400 rpm |
The 2000 model year saw the first major redesign since 1997 and the introduction of the last generation of the DeVille. The exterior was completely redesigned featuring a sportier and more aerodynamic design. The revamped interior featured completely new door panels and seats, while the dashboard and radioface only received minor facelifts. 2000 DeVilles also featured the first production LED taillamps in automobiles, a feature now becoming increasingly commonplace on luxury and family cars.
| Model |
Year |
Engine |
Power |
Torque |
| Base |
2000–2001 |
4.6 L LD8 Northstar V8 |
275 hp (205 kW) at 5750 rpm |
275 ft·lbf (373 N·m) at 4750 rpm |
| 2002–2005 |
275 hp (205 kW) at 5600 rpm |
300 ft·lbf (407 N·m) at 4000 rpm |
| Concours |
2000–2004 |
4.6 L L37 Northstar V8 |
300 hp (224 kW) at 6000 rpm |
295 ft·lbf (400 N·m) at 4400 rpm |
| 2005 |
290 hp (216 kW) at 5600 rpm |
285 ft·lbf (386 N·m) at 4400 rpm |
See Cadillac DTS
For the 2006 model year the Cadillac DeVille nameplate, but not the car itself, was replaced by the Cadillac DTS. This is in fact an abbreviation of "DeVille Touring Sedan", a name that dates back to 1985 when it was used for the optional touring package that eventually became its own model. This follows the same naming pattern as the CTS ("C-Type Touring Sedan"), STS ("Seville Touring Sedan") and ETC ("Eldorado Touring Coupe"), although the ETC is no longer produced. The last DeVille rolled off the Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly line on June 23, 2005.
[edit] Technology
DeVilles are sometimes converted for limousine use and often features leading-edge automotive technology. For example, it was one of the first cars to feature airbags, night-vision technology, XM Satellite Radio, OnStar roadside assistance, etc.
The DeVille's Raytheon night vision system was particularly notable. It was the first thermal imaging night vision system offered as original equipment by an auto manufacturer. It was introduced in the 2000 model and sold well with over 7,000 buyers. Sales fell quickly, however, and only 600 systems were sold for 2004. It was dropped in September of that year with just 145 units installed in 2005 vehicles.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
