2000 CADILLAC DEVILLE DEBUTS AT CONCOURS D`ELEGANCE

The completely redesigned and re-engineered 2000 DeVille made its worldwide debut at Meadow Brook Hall on the campus of Oakland University, in conjunction with festivities surrounding the annual Concours d'Elegance. In addition, the DeVille brand celebrated its 50th anniversary, with a special celebration that relived the DeVille's being named Motor Trend magazine's very first "Car of the Year."

"With 50 years of heritage with the DeVille, the Concours d'Elegance is an appropriate setting to introduce the all-new 2000 model," said John F. Smith, General Motors vice president and Cadillac general manager. "The 2000 DeVille is a blend of

engineering achievement and sophisticated styling, reflecting the bold spirit of great Cadillacs from the past while meeting the needs of large luxury sedan customers as we move into the next millennium."

The 2000 DeVille is available in three models - DeVille, DeVille High Luxury Sedan (DHS) and a sporty, five-passenger DeVille Touring Sedan (DTS). The DTS is specifically aimed at what the Americans call "baby boomers". One of the breakthrough technologies available in the DeVille is Night Vision, an automotive application of the infrared technology used for military night manoeuvres. Cadillac becomes the first car maker to bring the safety benefits of this technology to drivers with Night Vision, which can help drivers see objects ahead during night-time driving. Complementing Night Vision on the 2000 DeVille is Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, a technology that uses an array of four ultrasonic sensors to assist the driver in parking. It is not surprising that this is offered with such a huge car!

Night Vision and Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist are part of DeVille's emphasis on safety and security features, which also include proven safety-cage construction, leading-edge passive restraints, a CD-based navigation system and OnStar, the revolutionary information and communications service. The 2000 DeVille also features a light emitting diode (LED) tail light and center high-mounted stoplight combination, a safety benefit because of a quicker "on time" compared to incandescent bulbs.

The 2000 DeVille benefits from a new body architecture that is notably stiffer in both torsion and handling. This should improve the handling and ride, as well as crashworthiness, noise, vibration and harshness control. Significant advancements in Cadillac's Northstar

integrated powertrain and chassis system also enhance the new DeVille. The Northstar V8 has been redesigned and now has certification as a low emissions vehicle for California and certain Northeast states.

Building on its reputation of comfort and convenience, the 2000 DeVille offers features such as three-zone climate control, adaptive seating, massaging lumbar seats and a new flexible centre seat and storage system. The rear seat environment must be one of the luxurious and comfortable on the road, incorporating theatre seating layout for optimum forward visibility, heated seats and power lumbar adjustments.

The DeVille's styling strikes a balance between formal and sporting. The new DeVille is more than 2 inches shorter and narrower than the car it replaces, giving it a trimmer, more athletic appearance. But its wheelbase is actually 1.5 inches longer, and its interior space is virtually as roomy as the 1999 model.

"DeVille has been a dominant force in the luxury segment for decades," said DeVille Brand Manager Patrick Kemp. "The 2000 DeVille ingeniously combines technology and grace in a harmonious package that will appeal to luxury customers as we enter a new age."

We do not think that the DeVille is coming to the UK - there is not enough room.....

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