The American motoring press rarely speaks with one voice, but the
CadillacNorthstar System--heart of the Seville sedan and Eldorado coupe--is one area of U.S.
automotive technology that's generated uniformly high marks since its introduction in
1992.
It is the critical edge that keeps these cars competitive against their rivals,
import and domestic, and it revives Cadillac's old marketing slogan-"An American
Standard For The World," a corporate statement dating to 1908.
Although power is a key ingredient, the Northstar System is more than just the
potent 4.6-liter dual overhead cam 32-valve V8 engine that drives the front wheels of
the Seville and Eldorado. Virtually every other vehicle system is integrated as well.
Engine and transmission controls are computer coordinated, giving the standard 4-speed
4T80-E automatic exceptional shift quality to go with the car's blazing acceleration.
Magnasteer translates driver command and returns road feel, enhancing the sense of
control. Braking and acceleration are monitored and optimized by the latest GM
antilock braking system and traction control.
And all these sub-systems are computer-orchestrated by the Northstar Integrated
Chassis Control System, which adapts ride and handling to road conditions and vehicle
speed.
Systems within systems within a system. Anyone who thinks that technological
sophistication is the exclusive province of imported luxury cars probably hasn't had a
taste of the Northstar experience.
Our most recent experience with this outstanding techno symphony came in a 1996
Seville STS, the top of the Seville-Eldorado line.
It is only from behind the wheel, with the miles flowing quickly by, that the
Seville reminds one of a European sedan. The exterior styling is wholly
all-American--powerful, handsome lines that still look distinctive, if not exactly new.
One indication of the strength of the design is how compact and cohesive it is. The
Seville is a big sedan, but its true size isn't apparent until it's parked next to a
smaller car.
Changes for 1996 are minimal. Like so many GM products, the Seville and Eldorado
add Daytime Running Lamps to their list of standard safety features. Another upgrade,
perhaps more universally welcome, involves the ignition. When the key is in the
ignition, it's impossible to lock the driver's door. No more lockouts.
Keeping pace with competitors, the remote entry system also allows pre-programming
of seat position and door locks. The Seville politlely acknowledges keyfob commands by
blinking its lights, a plus in vast, anonymous parking lots.
The Seville and Eldorado both come in two models, Seville SLS and STS, Eldorado
and Eldorado TC. Aside from minor differences in exterior trim, the principal
distinction between standard and uplevel editions lies under the hood. In basic
versions, the Northstar V8 produces 275 hp, while the STS and ETC have 300 hp.
Although the Eldorado rides a shorter wheelbase--108.0 in. versus 111..0 in. for
the Seville, the chassis and suspension components are otherwise essentially the same.
