Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Visitors to the 2006 Abu Dhabi Motor Show will get a unique treat of luxury and 'Like Nothing Else' vehicles on the Cadillac and HUMMER stand.
The 2007 model year marks an important milestone in Cadillac's march back to the "Standard of the World" among the world's finest luxury brands. The completely redesigned Escalade SUV aims to extend Cadillac's leadership in that luxury category. The BLS is an all-new, premium entry, luxury sedan which adds another important element to Cadillac's growing international presence. The landmark V-Series cars (XLR-V and STS-V) continue to explore the potential of the division's performance, luxury and exclusivity.
The unique HUMMER line-up will feature the brand's iconic design, unparalleled capabilities and 'Like Nothing Else' attitude. The HUMMER H3, H2 and H2 SUT will be on display, providing visitors with a close look to the brand's authentic styling, luxurious interior comfort, distinctive interior styling and uncompromising capability.
HUMMER's capabilities are tested by its owners every day in the real world and also off-road in desert driving and rugged trails in what is perhaps the ultimate proving ground. For the 2007 model year, HUMMER refines its offerings with a more powerful engine for H3 and a limited-edition model for H2.
Cadillac Escalade
The All-New 2007 Cadillac Escalade - the next generation of the iconic luxury SUV - establishes a new level of power, style and elegance and introduces the next step in Cadillac's ongoing renaissance. Based on General Motors' all-new full-size SUV platform, the '07 Escalade features new powertrain, chassis, safety and interior systems. These integrated systems deliver the most powerful, efficient luxury SUV in the segment, led by a new 6.2 litre, all-aluminum V8 engine with Variable Valve Timing technology delivering 441 horsepower and 615.5 Nm of torque.
The 2007 Escalade has a sleeker, cleaner and more athletic form with improved aerodynamics, while appearing smaller in stature than its predecessor. It is instantly recognisable and incorporates styling cues from Cadillac's landmark 'Sixteen' concept vehicle, including a more detailed signature grille, front fender vent ports and layers of chrome accents.
An all-new interior is a cornerstone of the new Escalade and sets a new standard for refinement. The warm and inviting interior is complemented with premium materials and a distinct layout not shared with any other GM full-size SUV.
Cadillac BLS
The 2007 BLS is Cadillac's premium entry, luxury sedan which adds another important element to Cadillac's growing international presence. Blending Cadillac luxury with European driving, the BLS offers dynamic driving performance in a smaller, trendier and more fun package.
Marking a new era in the brand's history, the Cadillac BLS offers expressive design, outstanding ride and acoustic comfort. It comes in a range of gasoline engines (175, 210 and 255 gross hp), all of which offer the dynamic driving performance that customers have come to expect from Cadillac.
Cadillac CTS
The 2007 CTS extends the impressive record of success for Cadillac's popular and distinctive luxury sport sedan. Built on GM's acclaimed and Cadillac exclusive luxury rear-wheel drive structure, CTS set the groundwork for the award-winning SRX and standout STS. As a result of its design and performance, CTS has become a long-term sales success for Cadillac.
Cadillac STS
The STS luxury performance sedan delivers sophisticated luxury and rear-wheel/all-wheel drive capability in a contemporary package. New for 2007 is the 6L50 Hydra-Matic six speed transmission that provides increased performance and fuel efficiency. The transmission, first introduced on Cadillac's acclaimed STS-V and XLR-V, is standard on AWD and RWD V8 equipped models. The new transmission delivers strong launch acceleration yet provides "tall" overdrive ratios that decrease engine rpm to enhance fuel economy and reduce noise levels, while cruising at highway speeds. Estimates by GM engineers have shown a near 7% improvement in 0-to-100 km/h times and up to a 5% improvement in fuel efficiency.
Cadillac STS-V
The supercharged 2007 Cadillac STS-V the most intense expression of Cadillac power and performance yet. It has the sophistication of its STS sibling, yet elevates the performance and luxury attributes of the brand's growing V-Series line-up. The STS-V debuted in late 2006, representing an historic combination of performance technology and hand-crafted elegance.
The 469 horsepower STS-V is the most powerful Cadillac yet. It is capable of exceptional performance for an automobile of its size. Each 4.4-litre, supercharged Northstar V8 engine is hand-assembled to exacting standards at GM's Performance Build Centre in the United States and is constructed from start to finish by an expert craftsman.
The 2007 STS-V also marks the initial phase of Cadillac's cut-and-sew approach to interiors, with extensive use of leather-wrapped interior surfaces created by craftsmen who cut, wrap and sew leather components individually.
Cadillac XLR
The Cadillac XLR retractable hardtop convertible delivers a striking presence and, in 2007, two new special-edition XLR models - XLR Platinum and Passion Red - add exclusivity and elegance to Cadillac's landmark roadster. Platinum, first used on a special Escalade model, is Cadillac's designator for special-edition vehicles that inject even more luxury into the brand's portfolio.
The 2007 XLR also upgrades to a six-speed automatic and adds a redesigned key-fob unique to Cadillac.
Cadillac XLR-V
The 2007 Cadillac XLR-V is a landmark car in Cadillac's long history. XLR-V elevates the performance and luxury attributes of the brand's growing V-Series line-up to the fullest extent.
XLR-V is the quickest, most agile and exclusive Cadillac ever offered. Launched in late 2006, the supercharged XLR-V also adopts Cadillac's cut-and-sew philosophy.
The 443-horsepower supercharged Northstar V8 engine powering the XLR-V is hand assembled to exacting standards at GM's Performance Build Centre in the United States. Like with STS-V, each engine is built from start to finish by an expert craftsman.
Cadillac DTS
For 2007, Cadillac refines DTS by adding more standard equipment and revising its interior and exterior colour palettes.
For 2007, chrome wheels - with new centre caps now featuring the wreath & crest rendered in colour - are standard on all models. Popular options such as cargo mat and rear sunshades - previously available on top-of-the-line packages - have been expanded and included on more of the DTS' packages.
In addition, the DTS receives a distinct Cadillac key-fob that will begin appearing across many Cadillac models in 2007, with a more refined appearance in a more compact package. The DVD navigation system adds new maps and Arabic becomes available on the driver information centre. The analogue clock on the instrument panel has also been revised for improved clarity and readability.
Cadillac SRX
The award-wining SRX luxury crossover enters the 2007 model year with a redesigned interior. The All-New cockpit is more luxurious and spacious, featuring a new instrument panel, hand-wrapped upper trim, console, centre stack, door trim, wood trim, analogue clock and steering wheel. The instrument panel and door trim use Cadillac's new cut-and-sew interior process.
The vehicle's new cockpit is hand-built, in the same painstaking fashion Cadillac applies to the limited-production STS-V and XLR-V models, bringing elite craftsmanship into the heart of the luxury marketplace.
New for 2007 is the 6L50 Hydra-Matic six speed transmission that provides increased performance and fuel efficiency. First introduced on Cadillac's acclaimed STS-V and XLR-V Series, the new transmission is now standard for rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive V8 models.
All Cadillac models in the Middle East come with a free service and maintenance package for four years or 100,000km (whichever comes first), in addition to around the clock roadside assistance and General Motors' patented bumper-to-bumper warranty. This unsurpassed care package offers Cadillac customers an unparalleled sense of security and total peace of mind, enhancing the overall Cadillac experience.
HUMMER H3
H3 packs uncompromising HUMMER style and capability into its midsize dimensions. Compared to the H2, the H3 is 429mm shorter in length, 152mm shorter in height and 165mm narrower. Roughly the same length as a midsize family sedan, H3 comfortably navigates city traffic and delivers HUMMER's trademark crawling and climbing capability.
In addition to its impressive off-road capabilities that match those of the H2, the H3 also provides the refinement, comfort and convenience required for enjoyable on-road driving, with daring looks that make it immediately identifiable as a HUMMER. The interior is inviting and modern, blending premium cues with world-class craftsmanship.
For 2007, the HUMMER H3 receives a new, more powerful engine: the Vortec 3.7 litre with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing. This 3.7 litre inline five-cylinder offers an excellent combination of power and efficiency, delivering 242 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 328 Nm of torque at 4600 rpm. This is up from 220 horsepower and 305 Nm of torque in the previous model.
HUMMER H2
For 2007, H2 adds a limited edition model with a "Glacier Blue" exterior, rear-vision camera system, carbon fibre interior accents, rear-seat entertainment with DVD and more. The rear-vision camera system also is an option on all H2 models for 2007.
H2's power is derived from the standard Vortec 6.0L V8 that generates 325 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 494 Nm of torque at 3600 rpm. The engine is mated to a heavy-duty Hydra-Matic 4L65 four-speed automatic overdrive transmission. Capable of travelling through streams 508 mm (20 inches) deep, climbing 406 mm (16 inch) steps and rocks, paddling through deep sand and outdistancing competitors in high-speed desert runs, the H2 can do just about anything.
HUMMER H2 SUT
This variant of H2 offers added functionality and versatility. The passenger and cargo areas of the SUT can be configured for a variety of needs. When the vehicle needs to carry passengers in the rear seat as a conventional SUV would, the bulkhead (called the Mid-gate) at the rear of the passenger compartment remains upright, still providing a rear bed with more than 30 cubic feet (850L) of cargo space. However, when more cargo space is desired, the rear window can be powered into the Mid-gate, and the Mid-gate and rear seat can be folded forward to allow access into the now-expanded 122-cm by 244-cm (4-foot by 6-foot) pickup bed. An express-down feature drops all vertical side windows and rear glass. An expansive sunroof gives passengers an open-air feel.
-Ends-
Cadillac is the luxury vehicle division of General Motors. It was founded in 1902. Cadillac is committed to developing compelling, high-quality vehicles with bold design, breakthrough technology and world-class performance. In doing so, Cadillac has carefully preserved the qualities relevant to luxury consumers and translated them into vehicles with the performance, features and benefits that appeal to 21st-century buyers.
Global sales and market share have made consistent gains in recent years. Cadillac today produces the XLR convertible luxury roadster, the SRX midsize luxury utility, the CTS entry-level luxury sedan, the STS performance luxury sedan, the DTS full-size luxury sedan, a line of supercharged performance V-Series models and the world's most powerful line-up of SUVs: the Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT. Cadillac launched the all new 2007 Escalade in the Middle East in April 2006, and the 2006 BLS entry-level luxury sedan is expected to be unveiled in showrooms across the region in June 2006.
The Cadillac brand has been an iconic presence in the Middle East region for over 80 years.
General Motors, the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, and AM General reached an agreement in December 1999 in which GM acquired exclusive ownership of the HUMMER brand name worldwide. The iconic HUMVEE is the original HUMMER, the cornerstone of the brand.
In 2003, HUMMER introduced H2, reflecting an evolution of the brand and making HUMMER more accessible to a wider civilian audience. The HUMMER H2 SUT is an evolution of the H2 which adds even more flexibility for cargo requirements.
The HUMMER H3, a more compact model, arrived to the Middle East in the latter half of 2005 as a 2006 model year.
For more information:
Saada Hammad
Communications and PR Manager
General Motors Middle East
Tel: (009714) 3143350
e-mail saada.hammad@gm.com
© Press Release 2006
