Cadillac Seville

Cadillac Seville
Cadillac
Production	1976-1979
Class	Compact/Intermediate
Body Style	4 Door Sedan
Length	204"
Width	71.8"
Height	54.7"
Wheelbase	114.3"
Weight	3500-3800 lbs
Transmission	3-Speed Automatic, RWD
Engine	5.7L (350 cid) V8 (1976-1979) 5.7L (350 cid) diesel V8 (1978-1979)
Power	105-185 hp
Platform	K

Using a name that was previously used for a hardtop edition of the 1956-1960 Cadillac Eldorado model, the Cadillac Seville became a nameplate on its own when it was released in mid-1975 as a 1976 model. Though it was largely based on GM's X-body platform (Buick Skylark, Chevrolet Nova, etc), it was differentiated enough to be given its own unique "K" body designation. This new Seville was Cadillac's answer to the the rising popularity of luxury imports in the USA from Europe, such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Historically, these imported luxury cars had been cheaper, less luxurious and significantly smaller than Cadillacs, but over time they had evolved, and had become more luxurious and even more expensive than competing Cadillacs. It became obvious that the traditional American automotive paradigm of "bigger equals better" was no longer in full effect in the marketplace.

The Seville was to be simultaneously the smallest and the most expensive Cadillac in the line-up, turning Cadillac's traditional marketing and pricing strategy on its head. The Seville would undergo several generational transformations during its tenure from 1976-2004 when it was replaced by the STS, an alphanumeric designation that was previously a Euro-inspired option package available for the Seville (Seville Touring Sedan) available since the 1988 model year. The elimination of traditional names for Cadillacs and the subsequent alphanumeric model designations for the line-up was thought to be in keeping with the naming conventions of Cadillac's foreign competitors which universally use alphanumerics for their model nomenclature.

Pre-Production Concepts

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  Initial Design Study

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  1973 LaScala Design Study

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  1973 LaScala Design Study (two door model)

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  1974 LaSalle Prototype

The prototypes pictured above show the various styling directions explored by Cadillac prior to the final version that debuted in 1975. It is interesting to note the direction the design took as it evolved, dropping traditional American luxury car styling cues and body proportions in favor of a more compact, less flamboyant final design. Various names for the proposed vehicle were explored as well. Resurection of the LaSalle moniker was seriously considered, but it was decided that given that LaSalle had historically been used for entry-level sub-Cadillacs in the past, it would create confusion in the marketplace among those who recollected the the context of the moniker's earlier usage.

1st Generation (1976-79)

Introduced in the mid-'75 and billed as the new "Internationally-sized" Cadillac, the Seville was almost 1,000 lb (450 kg) lighter and two feet shorter than it's hulking DeVille stablemates, nimble, easy to park, attractive and loaded with the full compliment of Cadillac features. Though more expensive than every other Cadillac model with a base price of $12,479, the Seville was a smash hit and spawned several imitators, such as the less-than-successful Lincoln Versailles, and later the Chrysler LeBaron/Fifth Avenue.

In keeping with it's mission of winning over import-intenders, the Seville was equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes and a tight european-inspired suspension. Under the hood went an Oldsmobile-sourced 350 (5.7L) V8, fitted with Bendix/Bosch electronically controlled fuel injection. This system gave the Seville sure-starts, smooth drivability and performance levels that were lacking in most other cars of the mid-seventies. Power output was 180hp, and performance was restrained but acceptable for that era, with a 0-60mph time of 11.5 seconds. As part of Cadillac's market positioning of the Seville, much equipment that was usually optional on Cadillac's other models were standard on the Seville resulting in even base models being extraordinarily well-equipped and a relatively short available options list in contrast with the prevailing business practices of American domestic automakers at that time.

Given the strong marketplace performance of the very expensive Seville, Cadillac tested the upper reaches of pricing in 1978 by treating the Seville to a new even more up-level $ 2,600.00 "Elegante" trim package, which added a unique two-tone exterior paint combination separated by a sweeping stainless steel accent moulding, real wire wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, exclusive perforated leather bucket seats a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a center console with a folding armrest, a writing tablet, and space for a phone or cassette tapes, extremely plush "Tampico" carpeting and most of Seville's optional equipment as standard. Also in 1978, the 105 hp Oldsmobile 350 diesel V8 engine became available as an option. The diesel at first was fairly popular, but quickly gained a well-deserved reputation for being terribly unreliable and prone to complete catastrophic failure, as well as smelly, noisy, unrefined, and unbelievably slow with a 0-60MPH time approaching 20 seconds.

Another noteworthy 1978 addition was the Seville's optional Delco trip computer. This presaged modern trip computers and could be called upon to provide information on instant fuel mileage, overall fuel mileage, fuel range, and estimated time of arrival, at an additional cost of $ 920.00.

First Generation Production

Year	6KS69 Sedan
1976	43,772
1977	45,060
1978	56,985
1979	53,487
Total:	199,304

The Seville was replaced by an all-new model for 1980.

Cadillac Seville
Cadillac
Production	1980-1985
Class	Intermediate
Body Style	4-Door Sedan
Length	204.8"
Width	71.2"
Height	54.3"
Wheelbase	114"
Weight	3600-3900 lbs
Transmission	3-Speed Automatic, FWD 4-Speed Automatic, FWD
Engine	4.1L (250 cid) V8 (1982-1985) 4.1L (252 cid) V6 (1981-1985) 5.7L (350 cid) diesel V8 (1980-1985) 6.0L (368 cid) V8 (1980-1981) 6.0L (368 cid) V8-6-4 (1981)
Power	105-140 hp
Related	Buick Riviera Cadillac Eldorado Oldsmobile Toronado
Platform	K

2nd Generation (1980-85)

For the 1980 model year, Cadillac moved the Seville to the 114 inch wheelbase front wheel drive K-body platform, based on the E-body that underpinned the Eldorado, Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Toronado. Returning to some of the original concepts floated for the 1975 edition, stylists created a graceful but controversial bustle-backed body intended to evoke Daimlers of a past era.

Neoclassical styling cues aside, the Seville was a thoroughly modern automobile featuring a fully independent suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes and a host of electronic features such as Electronic on-board vehicle diagnostics, electronic climate control, gas mileage computer, twilight sentinel to name but a few. In 1981 "memory seats", a feature not seen on a Cadillac since the 1957 Eldorado Brougham, became available again. These seats allowed two memorized positions to be recalled at the touch of a button. Also for '81 was a digital instrument cluster.

Upon the second generation Seville's introduction the The Oldsmobile 350 V8 diesel engine was standard, but the buying public was already turning away from GM's diesels and most instead opted for the Cadillac-built 140 hp 6.0L (368 cid) V8, which was available as a credit option, and many diesel models were later engine-swapped to rid the cars of the troublesome diesel.

In 1981 Sevilles had 2 new engines available. In addition to the 350 V8 diesel and the 6.0 V8, a 105 hp Buick-built 4.1L (252 cid) V6, based on the Buick 3.8 L V6 became available (which while reliable was not up to the task of propelling such a heavy automobile) and the "V-8-6-4", a V8 engine based on the 6.0L V8. In theory the engine management computer would assess the loading on the drivetrain and deactivate cylinders that it deemed unnecessary to keep the car powered most efficiently. It was an idea quite ahead of its time, and somewhat ironically GM and Chrysler are now using a similar technology in their V8s today. Unfortunately the electronic technology available in 1981 just wasn't up to the task, and the V-8-6-4 engine was unceremoniously dumped after just one year. It was a troublesome engine management system, and it was generally disconnected by servicing dealers, making the engine run on all 8 cylinders at all times. A 3-speed automatic remained the sole transmission on the diesel, a 4-speed automatic was standard on the other engines.

An all-new standard engine was introduced for the Seville in 1982, the "HT-4100" (HT standing for "High Technology"). It was a 4.1L V8, designed for transverse, front wheel drive applications. It was originally slated for 1983 and a new line of downsized Cadillac sedans. Delays in the downsizing program postponed the introduction of those models until 1985, and the new V8 was rushed into production for the 1982 model year. For its time, the engine and its electronic control module (ECM) were quite sophisticated. Despite having a throttle body injection system (as opposed to port fuel injection), the HT4100 used an ECM that for the first time incorporated a detailed on-board computer. Every parameter of engine performance could be displayed on the heater control while the car was being driven. The HT4100 was prone to failure of the intake manifold gasket, and coolant infiltration of the engine oil. Any overheating episode inevitably reduced the aluminum HT4100 to an un-repairable lump. The HT4100 may not have been the most successful engine to sit under the hood of a Cadillac, but buyers were no more satisfied with the disastrous Oldsmobile 5.7 L Diesel or the overwhelmed Buick 4.1L V6.

To Cadillac's credit they extended drivetrain warranties and replaced a huge number of engines at their expense even on cars outside of the warranty period, but those continuing major drivetrain problems coupled with the then-lagging quality and reliability of all American automobiles caused nearly-irreparable damage to the Cadillac brand.

Second Generation Production

Year	6KS69 Sedan
1980	39,344
1981	28,631
1982	19,998
1983	30,430
1984	39,997
1985	39,755
Total:	198,155

The second-generation Seville was replaced with an all-new model for 1986.

Cadillac Seville
Cadillac
Production	1986-1991
Class	Compact/Intermediate
Body Style	4-Door Sedan
Length	190.8"
Width	71"
Height	53.5"
Wheelbase	108"
Weight	3400-3600 lbs
Transmission	4-Speed Automatic, FWD
Engine	4.1L (250 cid) V8 (1986-1987) 4.5L (279 cid) V8 (1988-1990) 4.9L (299 cid) V8 (1991)
Power	130-200 hp
Similar	Buick Riviera Cadillac Eldorado Oldsmobile Toronado
Platform	E

3rd Generation (1986-1991)

In 1986, an all-new much-smaller body attempted to combine the crisp angularity of the original Seville with the more rounded edges of the then-new aerodynamic aesthetic. The result was just bland, and customers stayed away in droves. The new model was considered a disaster, and an exterior refresh was rushed for 1988. The big news that year was the introduction of the Seville Touring Sedan, henceforth known as the STS, which featured enhanced handling and styling. The engine was rotated from longitudinal to transverse, and the Diesel was finally deleted from the option list. MacPherson struts were now found in the front suspension with a 108 in wheelbase.

Cadillac wisely canned the "slantback" styling of the 2nd generation for 1986 and and went back to a more conventional sedan-look in an attempt to get the Seville back to its original premise of the 1st generation, which was being a competitor to the European luxury cars and such. Its attempt, however, was met with mixed reviews by the buying public and automotive critics alike, who now complained that the Seville now simply looked like a 4-door Eldorado (which it really was), which itself was now a heavily modified version of GM's N-body (Pontiac Grand Am, et al). Also, Honda introduced the Acura nameplate this year also, giving the Seville even more international competition than before. The only engine available this year was the HT 4100 V8, now rated at 130 hp - no more Buick V6 or Olds diesel in this generation. The new Seville (and Eldorado) did, however, have a production first, featuring a computer system that monitored the car's systems and the engine. The BCM/ECM (Body Computer Module/Engine Computer Module) was paired with an electronic dashboard using high intensity vacuum fluorescent displays and utilized GM's expertise derived from the acquisition of Hughes Electronics, makers of communications and spy satellites.

1987 saw virtually no change, and since the '86-'87 model's styling was considered far too bland, in 1988 Cadillac rushed to restyle the front end which was now a bit more squared-off and distinctive, but the rest of the car remained the same. The HT 4100 V8 was laid to rest this year, giving way to a new 155 hp 4.5L (279 cid) V8 - only a 25 hp gain over the HT 4100, but at least it was a good start and finally headed in the right direction. Cadillac's efforts payed off as sales actually increased this year, reversing its downward trend for the first time in years. 1989 was the first year for the STS version, a designation that Cadillac still uses today. STSs had a Touring Suspension and some unique styling touches. 1990 Sevilles still used the 4.5L V8 but this year it was given much needed power boost to 180 hp, finally giving the Seville some respectable under-10 second 0-60 times. The 1991 models received new tri-colored taillights and yet another welcome power boost to 200 hp with a new 4.9L (200 cid) V8 engine, replacing the previous 4.5L V8. There would be an all-new Seville for 1992.

File:4th-Cadillac-Seville.jpg
Cadillac Seville
Cadillac
Production	1992-1997
Class	Intermediate
Body Style	4 Door Sedan
Length	204.1"
Width	74.2"
Height	54.5"
Wheelbase	111"
Weight	3300-3500 lbs
Transmission	4-Speed Automatic, FWD
Engine	4.5L (279 cid) V8 (1993-1997) 4.9L (299 cid) V8 (1992-1993)
Power	200-300 hp
Similar	Buick Riviera Cadillac Eldorado Oldsmobile Toronado
Platform	E

4th Generation (1992-97)

In 1992, the Seville received far and away its best redesign to date, and the Seville could now finally be considered the genuine import-fighter that Cadillac intended for it to be all along. The Seville was also more distinguished from the Eldorado in this generation - it was still a 4-door version of the Eldo, but at least it wasn't so obvious this time. And predictably, sales jumped dramatically. Base models were now known as the Seville Luxury Sedan (SLS) while the Seville Touring Sedan (STS) model was carried over from 1991, and the 200 hp 4.9L V8s were standard in both. STSs had monochromatic body paint, quicker steering, and thicker stabilizer bars than the SLS. The STS also had an analog dash vs. the digital for the SLS. 1993 saw the debut of the 295 hp 4.6L 32V Northstar V8 in the STS models, giving the STS sub-8 second 0-60 times. The base models carried on with the 200 hp 4.9L V8. Dual airbags became standard this year also.

1994 Sevilles remained largely the same on the outside as the 1993 models, but the SLS models recieved a new detuned 270 hp 4.6L Northstar as standard equipment (the 4.9L V8 was no more), while the STS models retained the 295 hp version. Both Sevilles now had traction control and a Road Sensing Suspension. 1995 didn't see much change from 1994 (not that much was needed), but in 1996 both the SLS and STS models received 5 horsepower increases, up to 275 and 300 respectively. Sevilles got daytime running lights and a new dashboard with larger analog gauges. Not much changed on the 1997 models as a newly redesigned 1998 model was waiting in the wings, other than OnStar becoming an option this year for the first time.

Cadillac Seville
Cadillac
Production	1998-2004
Class	Intermediate
Body Style	4-Door Sedan
Length	201"
Width	75"
Height	55.7"
Wheelbase	112.2"
Weight	3300-3500 lbs
Transmission	4-Speed Automatic, FWD
Engine	4.6L (279 cid) Northstar V8
Power	275-300 hp
Similar	Buick Riviera Cadillac Eldorado Oldsmobile Aurora
Platform	G

5th Generation (1998-2004)

While the 1998 Seville strongly resembled the previous generation, it was in fact all-new and now loosely based on the Oldsmobile Aurora G-body chassis. It was a bit shorter than previous by 3.1" and the wheelbase grew 1.2", but it did feature numerous suspension and driveablity improvements over its predecessor as Cadillac continued to move the Seville upmarket. Drivetrains remained the same as before, with the 275 hp V8 standard in the SLS model, with the 300 hp version standard on the STS. Side airbags were now standard issue, along with new safety belts that attached to the seat frame and included the first belt pretension system in a U.S.-built automobile.

Not many changes in 1999 other than new colors and an interesting option for the front seats, using "rolling" lumbar bolsters that massaged the lower back of a front-seat occupant in 10-minute cycles. All 2000 Sevilles had reworked Northstar engines on both models that now ran on 87 octane instead of required 91, while its power ratings (275 and 300 respectively) remained the same. An improved StabiliTrak system was also added and a navigation system became optional. 2001 models saw very little change, and in 2002, a voice-activated system was added to the optional navigation system. Satellite radios became optional for the first time. The SLS got a body-colored grille and the STS gained chrome wheels as standard for 2003. The STS model was dropped briefly for 2004 leaving only the SLS model, which was the Seville's final year. It would be replaced by an all-new rear-drive STS for 2005 based on GM's new Sigma platform, which dropped the Seville name altogether.