Guangzshou Auto Show: Chinese-Market Cadillac SLS Updated

To say that General Motors’ products are selling extraordinarily well in China may be an understatement: the automaker recently posted a 60% year-over-year growth in that market. To keep the momentum going, Cadillac has unveiled an updated Cadillac SLS sedan at this week’s Guangzshou Auto Show.

The SLS is a vehicle manufactured exclusively for the Chinese market, although it is basically a stretched version (201 inches long) of the U.S.-spec Caddy STS (196 inches long), only with more luxurious amenities. The updates to the SLS are very much cosmetic, with the grille, headlights, fog lights, and the lower grille opening having been redesigned. To us, these changes are welcomed.

Powertrain

The Sigma-based sedan will be available with a choice of two direct-injected 6-cylinder engines mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode. The base model is powered by the 3.0 liter SIDI making 272 hp and 300 Nm of torque, while the range-topper gets GM’s 3.6 liter SIDI making 310 hp and 300 Nm of torque. Both engines improve fuel economy by nine percent.

More details about the technology and pricing of the new SLS after the break!

Gallery – 2011 Chinese-market Cadillac SLS

OnStar

The “new SLS,” as the revised car is being called, is one of the first vehicles in China to feature GM’s OnStar telematics service. OnStar will go live in China in December and will provide the driver with information as well as communicate vehicle-related data from the car to maximize safety and comfort (read: the date flows both ways).

Technology

On the technology front, the SLS features MagneRide, an electromagnetic active suspension system, and Air Quality Control, a system that automatically recirculates cabin air if the vehicle’s sensors detect too many pollutants in the outside air. From what we’ve heard so far, the Air Quality Control system is a necessity in some of China’s commercialized cities.

Pricing

The new SLS will range in price from RMB 448,000 to 689,000 ($65,500 to $100,000 USD at the current exchange rate).

PRESS RELEASE

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

11-24-2009

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 vehiclehas 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 poweradjusted 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 intelligentnavigation 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.