2009 CADILLAC DTS DELIVERS MORE LUXURY AND TECHNICAL SOPHISTICATION
06/09/2008
Cadillac
The DTS, Cadillac's full-size sedan, extends its heritage of technologically advanced luxury and unmistakable design in 2009. It is enhanced with minor styling changes and customer-focused comfort and convenience features that reinforce its attention to detail and craftsmanship.
The ultra-luxury DTS Platinum Edition also returns for 2009, packed with premium features and special paint options that add to its hand-crafted elegance.
DTS has earned consistent respect from full-size luxury consumers and experts alike, including:
Consumers Guide: 2007 Recommended Buy, "Premium Large Car"
Money Magazine: 2007 Top 5, "Full-Size Sedans"
AutoPacific: Annual Vehicle Satisfaction Survery (2007) - Top-ranked vehicle for the entire survey and the "Large Luxury Car" segment winner
DTS includes a Lane Departure Warning system and Side Blind Zone Alert, both introduced in 2008 representing some of the latest safety technology in the industry. Lane Departure Warning uses a camera to provide visual and audible alerts in the event of inadvertent lane change. Side Blind Zone Alert extends driver vision, using ultrasonic sensors to detect objects adjacent to the car in a driver's traditional "blind spot."
New for '09 - exterior
On the outside, the 2009 DTS is offered with three new colors: Radiant Silver, Gray Flannel and Ocean Pearl Tricoat. (A fourth new color, Ocean Pearl Tricoat, will be added later in the model year.) The roof-mounted antenna assembly for the OnStar and XM Satellite Radio systems is painted body color in 2009, enhancing the attention to detail of the exterior.
The outside rearview mirrors now feature "Razor" turn signal LEDs and clearer Side Blind Zone Alert icons.
A new 17-inch wheel with ChromeTech finish is available on the uplevel Luxury III (1SD) package. It is a nine-spoke wheel design with Cadillac's wreath and crest logo displayed in the center.
Additionally, the DTS' disc brakes are manufactured with a ferritic nitro carburizing process that inhibits rust. This prevents the common oxidation on the brake rotors, which are visible through the DTS' multi-spoke alloy wheels.
New of '09 - interior comfort and convenience
A host of customer-focused enhancements and revisions have been made to the 2009 DTS interior. They include:
A speed limit advisor with speed alert feature on the driver information center, via the navigation radio
XM Satellite Radio NavTraffic that provides real-time traffic information and advisements
New switches for the seats' heat/cool features that are easier for daytime visibility
Display enhancements for the base XM Satellite Radio provide artist and song title descriptions
The sunroof control system is simplified and includes a new "express close" feature
The valet key and steering column lock return as standard equipment
Additional changes include Tuscany-color leather seating incorporated as standard equipment on 1SD and 1SE models.
OnStar 8.0 with Bluetooth capability
The DTS has factory-equipped OnStar 8.0 with Bluetooth capability. This technology enables wireless connectivity of cell phones and other electronic data devices, allowing the user to make and receive hands-free phone calls via the vehicle's audio system, microphone and controls. Controls are located on the steering wheel.
The next-generation OnStar 8.0 system (OnStar subscription is not required for Bluetooth) features enhanced hands-free voice commands, new Turn-by-Turn navigation commands and Emap powered by MapQuest.
DTS models with OnStar 8.0 also feature a Stolen Vehicle Slowdown system that sends a command to the powertrain control module, continually slowing the car with direction from the police. An audio message alerts the driver of the slowdown, advising a safe stop and following police directions.
DTS Platinum
The DTS Platinum continues to provide a distinctly higher level of premium luxury, with enhanced styling including 18-inch chromed wheels, bright chrome grille and chrome inserts on the exterior door handle lift bars, as well as an exclusive Platinum badge. It features the Northstar 4.6L V-8, rated at 292-horsepower (218 kW)*, and other performance-oriented features such as Magnetic Ride Control and Performance Algorithm shifting.
A choice of two unique interiors, Light Linen over Cocoa or all-Ebony, are distinguished by light ash burl wood with decorative inlay, Tuscany full leather upholstery and hand-cut-and-sewn leather on the instrument panel top pad, console and door trim. French seams on the door panel inserts are additional details that add a touch of luxury.
This extensive luxury package extends underfoot and even to the trunk, with unique floor mats and a richer trunk mat made of upgraded materials. A sunroof and DVD navigation system are standard, as is LED interior ambient footwell lighting. A headrest-mounted rear DVD audio/video system is available.
A handcrafted, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel with authentic light ash burl wood and chrome rings - as well as chrome appointments, synthetic suede headliner and visors, and an illuminated Platinum badge on the door sill plate - complete the package.
DTS-L
Introduced in 2007 and based on the DTS livery sedan, the DTS-L is a long-wheelbase model that provides a great choice for executive transport customers and those who seek more privacy in the rear passenger area. It is eight inches (315 mm) longer than the standard DTS (extension completed by a certified Cadillac Master Coachbuilder) and, w ith the added length inserted behind the rear doors, provides an executive privacy seating position. The rear-seat passengers are concealed behind the C-pillar, rearward of the side windows.
The DTS-L is equipped with the 275-horsepower (205 kW) 4.6L Northstar V-8 engine and is available with most of the DTS' luxury features, including heated and cooled driver and passenger front seats with memory settings; heated rear outboard seats; rear four-way power lumbar controls and adjustable headrests; Adaptive Remote Start; OnStar; XM Satellite Radio; DVD navigation and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
Lane Departure Warning system
The the Lane Departure Warning system uses a camera located between the inside rearview mirror and the windshield to detect lane markings on the road and alert drivers when they inadvertently stray from the lane.
When Lane Departure Warning System is engaged, a driver traveling at 35 mph or more who crosses a detected lane marking without signaling is alerted in two ways: The system's telltale light flashes amber, and an alerting sound of three beeps is played. The system is designed to alert drivers so they can take appropriate action to move the vehicle back into the lane.
A distinguishing feature of Cadillac's lane departure system over competitive systems is a telltale light with the "LDW" symbol that indicates whether the system is ready to assist the driver. If the light is green, the system is able to detect lane markings and provide alerts. If the light is off, it will not. To avoid nuisance alerts, the system is designed to not provide an alert if the turn signal is on or if the driver makes a sharp maneuver.
Side Blind Zone Alert system
Side Blind Zone Alert uses radar sensors behind the rear fascia on both sides of the vehicle that signal an audible and visual alert if objects are detected in "blind zones."
Alternating radar beams in GM's Side Blind Zone Alert system "sweep" adjacent areas, covering a zone of about one lane over from both sides of the vehicle, or 11 feet (3.5 m). The zone starts at each side mirror and goes back about 16 feet (5 m).
When the system is engaged, a driver will know that following vehicles in the adjacent lanes are entering their side blind zone when an amber symbol, located in the outside rearview mirror, is illuminated. The system is not designed to detect vehicles outside of the side blind zone that may be rapidly approaching, or detect pedestrians, bicyclists or animals. It's designed to ignore infrastructure such as fire hydrants or parked cars. In addition, the system displays do not come on while the vehicle is approaching or passing other vehicles.
Powertrain details
The DTS is equipped with the technologically advanced Northstar 4.6L V-8 engine and mated to the Hydra-Matic 4T80 four-speed automatic transmission - a proven combination that assures powerful, sophisticated performance.
The Northstar 4.6L V-8 engine is available in two configurations: the 292-horsepower (218 kW)* L37 and the 275-horsepower (205 kW)* LD8. The L37 version is responsive, with more peak horsepower. The LD8 puts more emphasis on quick launch and part-throttle response with greater peak torque.
Refined chassis and Magnetic Ride Control
The DTS chassis combines performance and luxury capabilities to a degree never before reached on a full-size Cadillac sedan. Chassis tuning on the four-wheel independent suspension systems achieves a smooth, quiet, refined ride. The DTS features a front cradle design, with the engine mounted to the cradle, and the cradle mounted to the body rails.
Integrated chassis control technologies include four-channel anti-lock brakes and traction control, four-channel StabiliTrak with Brake Assist, and Magnetic Ride Control (MRC). Pioneered on Cadillac STS and XLR, MRC is the world's fastest reacting suspension, controlling body motions to a precise degree.
MRC provides electronically controlled, magnetic-fluid based real-time damping. It uses four wheel-to-body displacement sensors to measure wheel motion over the road surface and responds by adjusting the shock damping at speeds approaching one millisecond.
The system's secret is the magneto-rheological fluid contained in its dampers, replacing traditional mechanical valves. Suspended in this fluid are tiny iron particles that respond to an electromagnetic charge. A revised piston profile introduced in '08 improves damping capability and decreases shock temperatures, resulting in improved ride and handling.
Comfort, convenience and security features
The DTS is loaded with broad range of helpful feature that enhance comfort, convenience and security. The features included:
Heated and cooled front seats
Heated rear seats
Heated steering wheel
Standard dual-zone climate control on base packages and standard tri-zone climate control on uplevel packages
Factory-installed Adaptive Remote Start with personalization
Heated windshield washer fluid
Rain-sensing wipers
Power folding outside rearview mirrors
Front and rear ultrasonic park assist
IntelliBeam automatic high-beam headlamps
In-dash six-CD changer and MP3 player
Radar-based adaptive cruise control (ACC) with audible and visual alerts
DVD navigation system
Safety features
The DTS is equipped with a host of safety and security features, beginning with its body frame integral (BFI) construction; strategically engineered crumple zones in front and rear; and comprehensive use of high-strength steel. The vehicle's crashworthiness is enhanced with structural foam and nylon structural inserts strategically placed in areas of the vehicle's structure.
The DTS has six standard air bags, including an industry-first dual depth front passenger air bag and GM's passenger sensing system. The GM co-patented technology deploys either a small or large air bag depending upon crash severity, seat belt usage and seat position. Additional standard features include a dual-stage driver frontal air bag, roof-rail curtain air bags, and front-seat side-impact thorax air bags.
The DTS is manufactured at GM's award-winning Detroit Hamtramck assembly facility. In addition to its availability in the U.S. and Canada, the DTS is exported for sale in Mexico, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
* SAE certified.