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The Cadillac Sixteen was a prototype of a stylish and high performance automobile first presented by Cadillac in 2003. The vehicle was equipped by a 32-valve V-16 concept engine displacing 13.6 liters and was mated to a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. The engine featured fuel-saving Displacement on Demand technology, debuting in 2004 on some 2005 GM models, which shuts down half of the cylinders during most driving conditions and automatically and seamlessly reactivates them for more demanding conditions, such as brisk acceleration or load hauling when the driver needs the engine's full power. The engine was said to produce 1000 hp (750 kW) and 1000 ft·lbf (1350 N·m) of torque. The car was conceptually related to the Cadillac V-16 of the 1930's. The actual design of the car was a combination of Cadillac's current "Art and Science" design theme and 1967 Cadillac Eldorado cues. Additional original design elements were provided by an in-house design competition led by GM Vice President Robert Lutz. The Sixteen is also known to have the steering wheel logo carved out of solid crystal and a Bulgari clock on the dashboard. Although the Sixteen fell short (narrowly, by some accounts) of production approval, its legacy is alive in Cadillac's future product planning. The next generation of Cadillac products is expected to incorporate elements of the Sixteen's design. These influences are expected to range from styling cues to a possible scaled-down version of the car, which may be powered by a V8 or V12. This range-topper, which has not been formally announced, is often referred to as the ULS (ultra luxury sedan) when GM executives talk with automotive media sources. If built, it would compete with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the BMW 7-Series. There are plans to introduce a car very similar to this in 2009. It will have a base V8, and the top model will have a V12.
In a superb presentation in Detroit’s opera house, Cadillac unveiled the spectacular Sixteen concept to rapturous applause. In form, power and opulence, the 2003 Cadillac Sixteen embodies the timeless qualities of an exceptionally luxurious super-sedan with its sleek, gemstone appearance and new V-16 engine. “The Sixteen is a modern interpretation of everything that made Cadillac the standard of the world and can again,” said Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman for product development and chairman of GM North America. “It’s a reminder of a glorious past as well as a progressive statement”. As an exterior statement, the Cadillac Sixteen’s proportional composition is bold. The aluminum hood is long, giving the Cadillac Sixteen tremendous dash-to-axle dimension; the wheel arches were designed to accommodate immense 24” polished aluminum wheels. The four-door hardtop incorporates an all-glass roof and is without B-pillars. The crisp-edged lines of the aluminum body panels accentuate the Cadillac Sixteen’s striking appearance. No less than 30 layers of paint were applied to achieve the midnight silver body color. “The Cadillac Sixteen proportions were crafted with great attention to detail and homage to classic design,” said Brian Smith, the Cadillac Sixteen’s exterior designer. “We wanted a heroic look with a slightly dropping beltline. The Cadillac Sixteen evokes an era when luxury cars were hand-built.” One of the centerpieces of the design is the engine compartment, with its sculpted design. With dual panels hinged about a centre spine that runs the length of the expansive hood, it makes an event out of opening the engine bay. The hood panels are power-operated. “The engine bay really pays tribute to the V-16,” said Wayne Cherry, GM’s vice president of design. “It’s like a setting for a diamond, clean and simple. The under-hood was designed with the same care and attention as the interior” The Cadillac Sixteen’s 32-valve V-16 concept engine displaces 13.6 liters and produces no less than 1000horsepower and 1000 lbs.-ft. of torque. “The lighting is architectural, enhancing the mood and desirability of the Cadillac Sixteen’s interior space, complementing its shapes and colours,” said Eric Clough, interior designer. “Technique combines with technology for a sophisticated, pampered ambience.” 2003 Cadillac Sixteen Concept - Specs
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