Shanghai GM Unveils Cadillac New SLS
Luxury Sedan Merges Elegance and Technology

Shanghai – Shanghai GM unveiled the Cadillac new SLS today. It is one of two new models – along with the Buick Excelle XT – that is making its global debut on the automaker’s stand at the Guangzhou Auto Show.

The new SLS is the next generation of Cadillac’s luxury business sedan that was first introduced in China in 2006. It combines the American luxury brand’s traditional elegance with cutting-edge technologies and is specifically tailored for business elites. It is the first model from Shanghai GM equipped with OnStar.

The new SLS comes in four variants that are priced between RMB 448,000 and RMB 698,000. Shanghai GM began taking orders today.

Choice of Fuel-Efficient SIDI Engines

The new SLS comes with a choice of two new world-class Direct Injection engines mated to a six-speed automatic-manual transmission. The 3.0-liter SIDI engine offers 272 horsepower with 300 Nm of torque, while the 3.6-liter SIDI engine generates maximum power of 310 horsepower and 374 Nm of torque. In addition to providing impressive power, the engines reduce fuel consumption by 9 percent and generate lower hydrocarbon emissions compared to similar powerplants.

OnStar Safety, Security and Information Service

The new SLS features GM’s OnStar in-vehicle safety, security and information service, which goes live in China in early December. With the press of a button, SLS owners will instantaneously become connected with the OnStar Call Center for service 24 hours per day/365 days per year.

OnStar will initially offer 14 services: Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services, Automatic Air Bag Deployment Response, OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, On-Demand Diagnostics, Good Samaritan, Stolen Vehicle Location, Remote Door Unlock, Remote Horn and Lights, Roadside Assistance, Hands-Free Calling, Point of Interest, Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Destination Download.

Redesigned Exterior

The exterior design of the new SLS follows the evolutionary styling of the Cadillac brand. The vehicle has a simple look with a well-proportioned, dynamic body. It has been thoroughly redesigned, giving it a more energetic and younger appearance.

Diamond-cut-like design elements appear in the new shield-shaped grille, headlights and tail lights, fog lights, turn signals and side skirts on the fender, adding to the luxury appearance.

The new SLS has a wheelbase that extends beyond 3,000 mm. Together with its wide doors, this provides greater convenience and roominess for passengers.

The SLS comes in a choice of five body colors: Black, Titanium Silver, Golden, Space Gray and Platinum Gray. In addition, Shanghai GM offers a choice of two interior colors: Champagne and Ebony.

Finely Crafted Interior

Fine craftsmanship defines the interior of the new SLS. Genuine leather is applied throughout the interior, accentuating the elegance and luxury of the new SLS. The “cut and sew” technique ensures the highest quality. The cabin also makes liberal use of Sapele Pammele, a wood that is normally used for crafting violins. The 360-degree wrap-around lights in the SLS give the interior a luxurious look at night.

All seats are ergonomically designed and wrapped with leather. The front seats feature 8-way power adjusted with four-way lumbar support. The rear seats are power adjusted with 4-way lumbar support, and heated, ventilated and the unique massages function.

Cadillac has adopted a range of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) engineering advances to keep noise out of the cockpit for a quiet and pleasant driving experience.

The new SLS is equipped with a number of hi-tech amenities, including high-precision three-phase independently controlled air conditioning with temperature memory function; the Air Quality System (AQS), which automatically switches between air quality detection and inside circulation; an available independent three-screen entertainment system with six-disc DVD/CD and TV function; and the BOSE 5.1 acoustic system with 15 hi-fi speakers. In addition, the new SLS is equipped with an intelligent navigation system, remote engine start and a host of other functions to provide a unique and luxurious experience to owners.

Human-Oriented Safety Technologies

The new SLS, which was put through extensive road testing in North America, offers a high level of active and passive safety.

More than 80 percent of the body of the SLS uses high-strength steel plate. The hydraulic anti-collision column shrinks while absorbing energy in the event of a crash for the safety of all passengers.

Individual front and rear-suspension systems with Cadillac’s MRC (MagneRide) Electromagnetism Active Sensing Suspension System, the power steering with speed sensitive, variable assist system and the Active Air/Control Auto Leveling System ensure smooth handling and control under all driving conditions.

Dual HID headlamps with AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting) change their lighting angle according to different road conditions, while the SBZA system and rear view advanced parking camera watch out for blind spots, alerting the driver of any abnormal situations in the rearview mirror. Electronic stability control and the tire pressure monitoring system come standard.

During the unveiling of the new SLS, Han Sanping, President of China Film Group Corporation and a leading figure in China’s movie industry, joined Shanghai GM President Ding Lei to announce that Cadillac products will be featured in 20 upcoming movies.

Shanghai GM is a joint venture between GM and SAIC that was formed in June 1997. It operates vehicle and powertrain manufacturing facilities in Shanghai; Yantai, Shandong; and Shenyang, Liaoning. Shanghai GM builds, imports and sells a comprehensive range of Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and Saab products. In 2008, the joint venture sold domestically 445,709 vehicles. In the first 10 months of 2009, Shanghai GM sold domestically 548,708 vehicles.

The Detroit News reported that General Motors is producing the Cadillac Converj, after all. According to the publication’s sources, it has been presented to General Motor’s Board of Directors in November 2. If this is true, the Converj will be an addition to the electric vehicles offered by GM.

The Cadillac Converj is an electric concept car that was first shown in the 2009 North American International Auto Show. The car can run on battery alone for 40 miles, after which it will be propelled by a 4-cylinder engine that can produce 161 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The car features a top speed of 100 miles. Battery charging time is from 3 hours (240 volts) to 8 hours (120 volts).

GM has not given any confirmation yet regarding the production of this model, but many are surely waiting for the Cadillac Converj.

Talks are ripe that General Motors is developing Buick Royaume, a long-wheelbase luxury car that will be marketed in China. Bob Lutz, GM’s Vice Chairman, has addressed the issue during an interview in Paris Auto Show but did not confirmed as to when the project will start.

Many are guessing that the choice of platform will be the rear-wheel drive Zeta. This platform is expected to spawn several large sedan models in different marquees like Buick, Pontiac, and Chevrolet. The first Zeta platform to go on sale is the VE Commodore. The model is marketing very well in Australia.

Last week, there has been news about GM starting to lease vehicles again, starting with its luxury automobiles. And now, it’s on! GM is back to leasing its vehicles again, and not just in its luxury segment Cadillac but as well as in its other brands like Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC—involving select 2009 and 2010 models offered in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan, and Ohio.

Cadillac’s new SRX crossover is offered with the availability of a national lease. Other vehicles included are the 2009 Cadillac CTS, Chevy Malibu, and Traverse. For the 2010 models, those included are the SRX, Buick LaCrosse and enclave, GMC Arcadia, and Chvy Equinox.

For more details, check the complete press release from GM:

GM Announces Lease Program - Provides an Additional Consumer Financing Option for New Vehicle Purchases
* U.S. Bank offers rates on select Cadillac, Buick, GMC and Chevrolet models
* Five-state pilot program covers eight models
* All new 2010 Cadillac SRX lease available nationally
Detroit – General Motors Company announced an expansion of leasing today with enhanced lease programs on select 2009 and 2010 Cadillac, Buick, GMC and Chevrolet models. The leases, offered by U.S. Bank, are part of a pilot program that includes select GM vehicles sold in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan and Ohio. In addition, a lease on the all-new Cadillac SRX will be offered by U.S. Bank nationally. The pilot is currently planned to run through August 31, 2009.
“GM and our dealers have done an incredible job without a leasing program throughout this difficult economic period, but we always knew that we would get back into leasing as it is important to a certain group of our customers,” said Mark LaNeve, GM vice president of U.S. sales. “We have a number of products that offer a great opportunity for a lease option. Also, leases are an important part of the luxury market, so we decided that launching the all-new 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover with a national lease will add a lot of excitement.”
“U.S. Bank has one of the largest auto loan and lease programs in the nation. We have supported the auto industry for more than 50 years, and this is an example of our continued commitment to the industry,” said Tom Wirth, who leads indirect lending at U.S. Bank.
Initially, lease offers will be available on the 2009 Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Malibu and Traverse. For 2010 models, leases will also be available on the Cadillac SRX, Buick LaCrosse and Enclave, the GMC Acadia and the Chevrolet Equinox. Monthly payments will vary according to the customer’s down payment and the first month’s payment due at signing, but are expected to be very competitive. No security deposit will be required.
For more information, customers in the five lease states (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan and Ohio) should visit their local Cadillac, Buick, GMC or Chevrolet dealer.
About General Motors: General Motors Company, one of the world’s largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 235,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 140 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia and Germany. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. General Motors Company acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation. More information on the new General Motors Company can be found at www.gm.com.
About U.S. Bank: U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB), with $266 billion in assets, is the parent company of U.S. Bank, the 6th largest commercial bank in the United States. The company operates 2,850 banking offices and 5,173 ATMs in 24 states, and provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at www.usbank.com.