American Luxury Comes To The UK

Cadillac and Corvette will unveil two sensational new models at the 75th Salon de L’Automobile in Geneva on Tuesday 1 March. The Cadillac BLS show car will preview the brand’s dynamic new entry model for 2006, while the fastest car ever offered by Corvette and General Motors, the Corvette Z06, makes its European debut.

Cadillac’s new dynamic entry model which makes its world premier at the Geneva Motor Show, will be available in the UK with right-hand drive during 2006. Specifically targeted to meet the needs of European customers, the 4.7-metre long Cadillac BLS four-door saloon features clear, sharply defined contours, a striking wedge shape profile, and an elegant generously appointed interior. It continues Cadillac's characteristic design language in a European-friendly form. Among the particular strengths of this premium front-wheel drive saloon, apart from its expressive design, are touches of American luxury and its outstanding ride and refinement.

"Premium is not a question of vehicle size but purely of excellence," commented Bob Lutz, responsible for GM product development and Chairman of GM North America. "And in this respect, the new Cadillac BLS will definitely be a top player in its league."

The exterior of the Cadillac BLS show car encapsulates the brand’s unique style in a European format. Striking vertical lines are prominent features, front and rear, with the characteristic V-form of the chrome grille echoed by the boot lid. The deep side faces communicate strength and solidity, while 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels underscore the impressive looks of the show car.

From a technical point of view, the Cadillac BLS will mark a new era in the brand’s history. To comply with the demands of the European market, a choice of four turbocharged engines will be offered, including a diesel variant for the first time. Like the petrol versions, the turbo diesel variant will be positioned at the upper end of the performance scale.

The 1.9-litre four-cylinder common-rail diesel will feature a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter to comply with Euro 4 emission standards. The range of turbocharged petrol engines will comprise two 2.0-litre four-cylinder versions with a choice of power outputs and one 2.8-litre six-cylinder unit.

All the power units can be combined with either a manual or an automatic transmission and all excel with Cadillac's typical high output. The chassis, with MacPherson strut front suspension and a four-link rear axle, is tuned to handle high-powered engines and the high demands that European enthusiast drivers are certain to make on this premium vehicle.

While Cadillac’s chassis engineering team focused on creating a dynamic driving machine, attention was also devoted to achieving extremely effective noise and vibration isolation so that BLS occupants can enjoy an especially comfortable motoring experience.

Fastest and most powerful…

• European debut of 500 bhp race-bred Corvette Z06
• Most powerful production Corvette ever built by GM
• 0-to-60 mph in under 4 seconds, 190 mph top speed

Team Corvette concluded its most successful season by winning every event in 2004 with its C5-R race cars. Now they have combined the sixth-generation Corvette with technology from the C5-R programme to create the new ultra high-performance Corvette Z06.

The fastest and most powerful car ever offered by Corvette and GM, the Z06 is fitted with a 7.0-litre (427-cubic-inch) LS7 V8 engine featuring titanium connecting rods, dry-sump oil system and 7,000 rpm rev-limit. The engine punches out 373 kW (500 horsepower) at 6,200 rpm and 657 Nm (475 lb ft) of torque at 4,800 rpm.

All that power in a 1420 kg package, adds up to 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration in 4.1 seconds, covering a standing-start quarter-mile in less than 12 seconds and delivering a top speed of more than 305 km/h (190 mph) on a race track. Production of the left-hand drive Corvette Z06 will begin in the second half of 2005.

On show at Geneva

Cadillac and Corvette will be exhibiting a selection of models from both brands. The Corvette can be admired in Coupe and Convertible form, together with the dynamic saloon CTS, crossover Cadillac SRX, the powerful roadster XLR and the luxurious Cadillac STS saloon.