Cadillac is Coming! Feb 08
American cars are enjoying a resurgence in Australia, led by Chrysler and with the recent success of the Hummer H3, GM Holden have announced that it will be introducing the luxury Cadillac into the local market this year. GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Chris Gubbey officially confirmed Australia as the next step in Cadillac's global expansion. "We are excited to have Cadillac coming to Australia," Mr Gubbey said.
"Cadillac is undergoing a brand renaissance and global expansion driven by dramatic design and technical innovation. "With cutting edge design, serious performance and luxury appointments, Cadillac will appeal to Australian prestige car buyers and quickly establish itself in a segment traditionally dominated by European brands."
Cadillac will be managed in Australia by GM Premium Brands under Director Mr Parveen Batish, joining Saab and Hummer in the portfolio. The introduction of Cadillac will be spearheaded by the new generation CTS sedan and Australian Cadillac dealers will be appointed within the existing GM Premium Brands network.
CTS will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2008, with other exciting models and power trains confirmed subsequently for the Australian model line-up. "CTS has been designed and engineered to challenge the very best in the world," Gubbey said. "Its dramatic design, serious V6 performance and sports car handling will win over performance and luxury car lovers in Australia."
The rear-wheel drive Australian CTS range will be powered by the 3.6-litre VVT direct injection Global V6 engine, generating 227kW and 370Nm of torque. Direct injection fuel delivery enables efficient combustion, helps reduce emissions and allows higher compression ratio for better fuel economy. Unlike many of its competitors the 3.6-litre direct injection engine requires only regular unleaded fuel, resulting in additional savings for the owner.
The Australian market will have the choice of two performance tuned suspension packages in six-speed automatic transmission.
The 2008 CTS builds on Cadillac's reputation for safety with an impressive range of standard features, including Stabilitrak electronic chassis/stability control system and front, side and curtain airbags.
"The CTS design is contemporary rather than traditional and the dramatic and sharply tailored exterior adds unique passion and attitude," Gubbey said.
The Cadillac interior boasts hand-cut and sewn interior trim, an innovative ambient interior lighting system, integrated iPod/MP3 compatibility and an advanced audio system.
The EasyKey system, which enables passive vehicle and boot entry and keyless ignition, will also be available on Australian CTS models.
Pricing, full technical specs and certification details will be available closer to launch.
CADILLAC - A HISTORY IN AUSTRALIA
Cadillac was first introduced into Australia in 1908 and by 1916 there were more than 600 four cylinder tourers in the country.
Prior to WWII a small number of Cadillacs were assembled in Australia with locally-made bodies. Following the war, a small number of imported models were sold by General Motors Holden distributors - the last being the Eldorado in 1969.
