Global thinking. In the often insular and nationalistic world of automobiles,
it's a radical concept. And put into practice, it can create some very radical
results. Witness the all-new 1997 Cadillac Catera. Developed in Germany
by an international design and engineering team, Catera is a unique and
ground-breaking luxury automobile. In style, performance, and driving feel,
Catera is unquestionably a fine European touring sedan, a car that would
be perfectly at ease running flat out on the autobahn. Yet Catera also offers
the high levels of room, comfort, convenience and safety that North
American luxury car customers demand, so it's equally satisfying on your
daily commute to the office. You might say no other automobile in its
class is so well-rounded.
Balancing the best elements of European and North American luxury car
design, Catera offers an exhilarating driving experience. Thanks to
meticulous tuning and development, the steering, powertrain, suspension
and braking systems seem to act as a single, harmonious whole. On
winding roads the steering feel is excellent and response to every input is
consistently both positive and immediate. At speed on the highway Catera's
unwavering stability inspires driver confidence, and the ride is controlled
but never harsh. Inside, the spacious, well-designed interior and generous
appoointments keep driver and passengers alike comfortable and relaxed.
And the cabin remains calm and quiet on all roads and at all speeds. In
every way, catera is an extraordinarily competent automobile.
Seen from any angle, Catera's exterior design speaks of intelligent,
purposeful engineering. Handsome 16" aluminum wheels and low-profile
all-season tires fill the wheelwells. Standard fog and cornering lamps
highlight the front end. Bright chromed exhaust outlets reveal a sporting
nature. And Catera's aerodynamic body design helps improve fuel economy
and quiet the interior.
"This familiar stretch of little-traveled road made me thnk only that the
Cadillac Catera is a great automobile, a real driver's car, and the best ride
I've had in a long time." -- Michael Jordan, Automobile
Magazine
Catera occupants enjoy more interior space than is found in many of the
much higher-priced competitors. Contoured, supportive seats, electronic
dual-zone climate controls and electric heaters for both front and rear seats
deliver long-distance, 4-season comfort. Catera's interior is also incredibly
quiet, which makes it an excellent place to enjoy the 8-speaker stero sound
system.
"Suspension is surprisingly firm, and respnse to steering inputs
pleasantly linear. It goes where you point it.... In other words, the Catera
feels just like what it is, and what it's supposed to be, a European sports
sedan. It's comfortable and competent, and a pleasure to drive." --
Robert English, Financial Post Magazine
Inside Catera, the details make all the difference. The 8-way power
adjustable driver's seat offers a commanding view of the road ahead. Every
lever and switch operates with a satisfying, positive feel. The inside
rearview mirror is an electrochromic design that dims automatically to cut
glare. Even the high quality of the materials mark this as a very special
automobile.
"...you can give yourself over to an excellence in the Catera's cabin that
goes beyond the high quality and feel of the materials. The driver looks
down at a clear, comprehensive instrument panel, centered by a large
speedometer.... Every button, knob and joystick is clearly marked and in
full view of the captain." -- Road & Track
In recent years, Cadillac has become justly famous for its industry-leading
Northstar System technologies. For 1997, the Northstar System is joined by
a host of equally advanced technologies found exclusively in the German-
engineered Catera. Consider, first, Catera's engine. A 3.0-litre V6, it's
equipped with such advanced features as double overhead camshafts and a
unique 3-mode air induction system.
Of particular note are the engine's 12 sodium-filled exhaust valves. During
driving the sodium melts and splashes around inside the valve, drawing
heat away from the combustion chamber and enhancing engine efficency.
Response is excellent at all operating speeds, and full throttle unleashes no
fewer than 200 well-bred horses.
No less remarkable is Catera's electronically-controlled 4-speed automatic
transmission. In its "Normal" shift mode it's responsive and delivers
maximum fuel economy. Touch a button and the transmission snaps into
"Sport" mode, for extra performance. Touch another button and it goes into
"Winter" mode, allowing Catera to start up from a halt in 3rd gear to make
the most of the available traction.
Another important feature is Catera's fully independent suspension, which
has been carefully tuned to help maximize the car's stability under hard
braking. Catera is also equipped with a variable-assist power steering
system that has been widely praised for natural, positive road feel at all
speeds.
Even the rigid steel body structure has its story. It's one of Catera's most
important safety features, with front and rear crush zones and a safety cage
surrounding the passenger compartment, all for protection in the event of a
crash. Of course, Catera safety goes far beyond body design. Catera's roster
of safety features is one of the most impressive in the automotive industry.
Early in 1997, Catera will become one of only a few cars in North
America to offer the extra crash protection of front door-mounted side air
bags. These units will supplement the standard dual front air bags, which in
turn supplement some of the industry's most advanced safety belts. In a
crash, tiny pryrotechnic pre-tensioners in Catera's front shoulder belts pull
the belts snug in the blink of an eye, and special clamps in the belts' take-
up reels automatically ensure they stay that way, all for enhanced
protection. On paper, all this engineering prowess is impressive. On
asphalt, it's sublime.
Launched during the 1996 model year, the midsize 1997 Catera sports sedan was a joint venture automobile developed by Cadillac and Adam Opel AG and built by Opel in Ruesselsheim, Germany, it was based on the European Opel Omega sedan platform.
The five-passenger, rear-drive sedan was imported into the United States, and sold and serviced by more than 765 Cadillac dealers nationwide.
The Catera's standard features included
dual frontal and side airbags
four wheel disc brakes with antilock
speed sensitive power steering
full range traction control
daytime running lamps
Twilight Sentinel headlamp system
foglamps
remote keyless entry
programmable power door locks
Solar-Ray glass
automatic dual zone climate control system
electrochromic inside rearview mirror
four-spoke steering wheel with remote controls for the entertainment system
illuminated entry
16-inch, seven-spoke alloy wheels with Goodyear Eagle PS-A P225/55R16 tires
Optional items included
leather seating with front/rear seat heaters
Bose audio system
automatic power sunroof garage door opener
five-spoke alloy wheels in either natural or chrome finish
Powertrain consisted of a 3.0-liter dual overhead cam V-6 with Dual-Ram Induction and rated at 200 horsepower, paired with a 4L30-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. This transmission featured easy-to-select Sport, Normal, and Winter driving modes.
Final drive ratio was 3.9:1
To enhance side-impact protection for occupants, the Catera incorporated dual steel beams in each door, reinforced body pillars, a rigid roof and a cross-car beam over the driveline tunnel.
The Catera also featured MacPherson strut front suspension designed with advanced hydraulic control arm bushings to enhance stability of the car during hard braking.
The rear suspension included automatic load leveling.
Turning circle of the Catera was 34.1 feet.
Inside, interior volume measured 111.2 cubic feet with an additional 14.5 cubic feet of trunk space.
The rear bench seat featured a three-piece fold-down seatback for carrying long objects.
The driver's seat had eight-way power adjustment as well as driver and passenger font seats featuring adjustable lumbar support.
Catera's instrument panel featured analog gauges, including a tachometer.
Outside, the Catera featured a contoured black chrome grille with integrated wreath-and-crest emblem and single-piece front fascia that flowed into the fenders.
A thin chrome accent set the grille apart from the hood.
Coefficient of drag was 0.33
IDENTIFICATION
Series No.
Body/Style No.
Body Type
Factory Price
Shipping Weight
Production Total
VR5
R69
4-dr. Sedan
$29995
3770
25,411
ENGINE
Type
54 degree dual overhead cam V-8
Construction
Cast iron block aluminum cylinder heads
Displacement
181 cu. in. (3.0 liters).
Bore & Stroke
3.40 x 3.40 in.
Compression ratio
10.0:1
Brake horsepower
200 @6000 rpm.
Torque
192 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel supply
Variable Dual-Ram induction system
CHASSIS
Feature
Eldorado
Wheelbase
107.4 in.
Overall Length
194 in.
Height
56.3 in.
Width
70.3 in.
Front Tread
59.3 in.
Rear Tread
59.8 in.
Standard tires
Goodyear Eagle GS-A P225/55HR16
TECHNICAL
Feature
Catera
Transmission
4L30-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive
Steering
Recirculating ball, speed sensitive
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut lower control arms w/hydro bushing, coil spring and stabilizer bar. gas preloaded dampers, continuously variable road sensing suspension
Rear Suspension
Multi-link. coil spring and stabilizer bar. gas preloaded dampers, continuously variable road sensing suspension
