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Manufacturer Brochure - 1998 Cadillac Catera
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| CATERA BUILDS ON SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH WITH NEW ENHANCEMENTS OVERVIEW |
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| Updated |
Jun 3, 2004 17:15:02 |
| Rating |
 327 ( -46 -14.06% ) |
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Description:
Catera, Cadillac's new entry-luxury sedan, builds on its successful debut with a number of updates for 1998. Developed as part of Catera's continuous improvement program, these enhancements include new convenience and security features, revised traction control for improved performance, a-new optional radio with dual-play cassette and CD; radio data system (RDS), weather band and THEFTLOCK, and the availability of OnStar.
Revised power outlets make it easier to use cellular phones and other accessories. Also new is a three-point safety belt for the center rear seat occupant and an optional power sunshade for the rear window.
Catera continues to offer a class-leading package of standard features, including a 200-horsepower V6 engine, four-speed automatic transmission with sport, normal and winter 'driving modes, and a, luxurious interior that is' among the most spacious in the entry-luxury class.
"The Catera launch is going very well," says Dave Nottoli, Catera brand manager. "Sales have accelerated smoothly, and both our customers and dealers tell us they are very happy with Catera. We're confident that Catera sales will continue to grow, and that by the end of this year Catera will be among the top five brands in the entry-luxury market."
Catera combines the responsive performance of a European sports car, the spacious interior of a mid-size sedan and the luxury end' security that customers expect from a Cadillac. In short, Catera makes luxury more fun.
Catera buyers are between 35 and 50 year's old and evenly' divided between men and women. 'Average household incomes approach $100,000. Catera competes with top entry-luxury vehicles from Europe and Japan, including the Lexus ES 300, BMW 328i, Mercedes-Benz C280, Infiniti I30 and Volvo 85'0/S70.
1997 LAUNCH QVERVIEW
Catera's launch, which began in 'October 1996 when the first cars went on sale on the' West Coast, has firmly established Catera- as a major player 'in the fiercely competitive entry-luxury segment.
Entry-luxury cars, compact and mid-size models priced in the $29,0Q0 to $40,000 range, are the fastest growing segment of the luxury car market. Entry-luxury sales are expected to total 360,000 to 370,000 vehicles in 1997, some 40' percent of the luxury car market.
Catera is the first domestic nameplate vehicle in this market, competing with top import competitors like the Lexus ES 3Q0, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti I30 and Volvo 850/S70.
Catera has won praise from the automotive and consumer press, winning a number of major awards during 1997, including:
Best New Luxury Car, Automobile Journalists Association of Canada;
Driver's Choice Award for Best Luxury Car, MotorWeek;
Automobile Magazine All-Stars;
Best of What's New, Popular Science;
Edison Award for Best New Products of l99f, American-Marketing Association;
Most Likely to Inspire Leadership, American Woman Motorscene.
Cadillac expects to sell approximately 25,000 Cateras in 1997.
EXTERIOR
Adding to an already strong color palette, Catera will offer three' new colors in 1998: Sky, Cocoa and Platinum.
INTERIOR
Catera continues to offer a full range of luxury and convenience features that make it an excellent value for entry-luxury- customers.
Catera's standard seats feature a luxurious cloth fabric, and leather seats are available. All four power windows feature express up and down, and the rear seat folds down in three sections to allow skis and other bulky items to be carried inside the vehicle.
Dual done climate control, an eight-speaker cassette radio with THEFTLOCK and a full set of easy-to-read analog gauges are also standard.
All Cateras with leather seating include memory settings for the driver seat and all three rear-view mirrors for up to three drivers, a power passenger seat, an audible theft deterrent system, and a universal garage door opener with a rolling-code security feature.
Major comfort and convenience options include a power sunroof with express open and close, a premium Bose sound system (described below), OnStar, and seat heaters for both the front and rear seats.
For increased safety, the center position of the rear seat has a three-point safety belt. And customers in sunny climes will appreciate Catera's optional power sunshade, a perforated screen that unreels to cover the rear window with a touch of a button.
New for 1998, the power outlets have been modified to better accommodate. American cell phones and other accessories, allowing them to plug in more securely. Also in keeping with American practice, the outlets now retain power with the key off.
Revolutionary radio
Catera's optional Bose entertainment system includes a number of advanced features for 1998, including a single-slot in-dash CD player, radio data system (RDS), weather band, and THEFTLOCK theft-deterrent system.
Cadillac is the first domestic automaker to offer RDS, an FM-based technology that offers consumers a wide variety of entertainment, convenience and safety features.
The Bose entertainment system continues to feature eight acoustically tuned speakers, which provide exceptional frequency response and clarity no matter what type of music the customer prefers.
New for 1998 is a single-disc CD player, which joins the cassette player on the face of the radio. A 12-disc trunk-mounted CD changer continues to be available as a dealer-installed option.
Radio data system (RDS) receives digital data that accompanies an increasing number of radio broadcasts. This data can include station call letters and program type, song titles, artists names and other information. This data is delivered at 1,200 bits-per-second along; with the audio content.
RDS can be programmed to provide traffic updates, even when a CD or cassette is playing. The system will also break into a CD or tape with any alert from the emergency broadcast system.
Currently, only about 10 percent of the approximately 7,000 FM stations use RDS, but the number is expected to increase rapidly. RDS has been used for about a decade in Europe, where 90 percent of FM stations broadcast the signal. (For more information, please see the Innovative Technology tab.)
Another important feature for 1998 is a weather band, which allows customers to get National-Weather Service broadcasts 24 hours a day.
POWERTR>\INICHASSIS
Catera is part of a global vehicle family, which also includes the Opel and Vauxhall Omega. Catera was jointly developed at the Opel Technical Development Center in Ruesselsheim, Germany, and at Cadillac's world headquarters in Warren, Mich. It is built at the Adam Opel AG assembly plant in Ruesselsheim, using components from GM's German, French, British and North American suppliers.
Catera is powered by a responsive dual overhead camshaft V6 engine, which displaces 3.0 liters and generates 200 horsepower.
Catera's electronically controlled-four speed automatic transmission provides good acceleration off the line, quiet cruising, and confident power for highway passing.
The driver can select three modes of operation: a normal mode for everyday driving; a sport mode-that gives more aggressive shifting and additional engine braking; and a winter mode that provides third-gear starts for slippery conditions.
Catera's front suspension features a MacPherson strut design with advanced hydraulic control arm bushings. These are engineered to make handling more precise and to increase Catera's stability during hard braking, especially on roads with uneven traction.
The rear suspension features as multi-link design that provides secure, predictable handling, even under extreme conditions such as braking during a hard turn.
Catera is equipped with standard four-wheel disc brakes, which are engineered for daily use on the German Autobahn, where speeds regularly exceed 140 mph.
Improved traction control
Traction control, combined with standard all-season tires land a winter shift mode on the automatic transmission, gives Catera excellent traction on wet or slippery roads. For 1998, this capability 'has been further enhanced, with the upgrade to a Bosch ABS/ASR 5.3 anti-lock brake and traction control system.
The previous system controlled; engine output to keep the engine from overpowering the tires on slippery roads. The enhanced system adds brake control to the two rear wheels. If one wheel starts to slip, the- system gently applies the brake to that wheel, transferring drive torque to the wheel that has more traction.
By adjusting drive torque accordingly, each rear tire can use the maximum available traction. The engine output control continues to adjust engine power to allow the system to function at all road speeds.
Catera continues to feature four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), which help the driver retain steering control during braking.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Catera features a range of safety and security features that entry-luxury customers have come to expect.
Catera's rugged body structure is 'designed to form a protective safety cage around the occupants, while the front and rear sections deform in a controlled manner to absorb the impact of a crash. Shoulder belts for occupants of the front seats and the outboard rear seats feature five-position height adjustment for comfort and safety. For 1998, the center position of the rear seat also features a three point safety belt.
Front safety belts feature pre-tensioners and web rocks 'to remove slack in the belt in the event of an accident, improving the effectiveness of both the belts and Catera's front air bags.
Standard security features include remote keyless entry, programmable door locks and perimeter lighting. A theft-deterrent system, using a coded key, keeps the car from starting unless the correct key is used. An audible theft alarm system and universal parade door opener are standard on leather--appointed Cateras.
Revisions to Catera's body control computer provide the driver and passengers with perimeter lighting and enhanced lock-out protection.
With perimeter lighting, the low beams and parking lamps stay lit for 20 seconds after the car 'is unlocked with the remote keyless entry, providing a more secure environment around the car. Perimeter' lighting can be disabled by the Catera dealer, allowing customers to choose whether or not they want the feature.
Catera's enhanced lock-out feature assures drivers that if the key is left in the ignition and any door is open, the 'doors can't be accidentally locked with either the power locks or the remote keyless entry.
Also new for 1998, in the event of an accident that activates the front air bags, the interior lights will come on and the doors will unlock automatically 15 seconds after front air bag deployment.
OnStar
OnStar, a powerful new in-vehicle communications system, will be available as a dealer-installed option on Catera for 1998. OnStar uses Catera's sophisticated outboard electronics to bring a remarkable range of safety, security and convenience features to the driver and passengers.
The four components that make OnStar possible are global positioning-system (GPS)'satellite technology, e' built-in cellular phone, advance-d vehicle electronics and the OnStar center. OnStar provides many significant features, including:
Roadside 'assistance with location If either routine or emergency assistance is needed, the driver simply pushes the appropriate button on the phone. The OnStar center is called, and the vehicle location is automatically sent to the center so that Cadillac Roadside Service, ambulance, police or fire' department can be dispatched as needed.
Remote door unlocking: If the keys are rocked' in the car, the driver can call the OnStar center and the center can send a signal to the car that will unlock the doors at an agreed-upon time.
Theft detection and stolen vehicle tracking: If the anti-theft alarm on an OnStar-equipped Catera is activated, the OnStar center is notified. An advisor attempts to contact the driver. If the car has in fact been stolen, the center can track the car via GPS technology and notify the appropriate police agency.
Route support and concierge services: OnStar offers an ever-increasing range of services, including route assistance, reservation services, telephone numbers, and almost anything else the driver or passenger might need.
Catera Dealer Network
Catera is sold and serviced by a select network of 775 Cadillac dealers. All Catera dealers agree to a rigorous set of nine Catera dealer standards, which include comprehensive training requirements advertising and marketing Catera sold and guidelines. Catera dealers must also have a formal continuous-improvement serviced by 77-5 program, designed to help dealer staff identify areas where they can improve dealers their relationships with their customers.
Catera is backed by Cadillac's Owner Privileges program. This includes Cadillac Roadside Service, with service provided by a national network of Cadillac technicians, and an around-the-clock consumer relations center-that can assist customers with any problem, large or small. Catera features a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. |
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