2011 Cadillac SLS Unveiled for Chinese Market

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.