Cadillac Deville

The DeVille (also De Ville and de Ville) name has been used on many of Cadillac's luxury car models. After the Fleetwood was dropped from the Cadillac lineup the DeVille became the largest Cadillac sedan. The DeVille name was replaced by DTS (DeVille Touring Sedan) for the 2006 model year.

History
The name "DeVille" (Town Car in English) derives its name from its body styling, which featured an open chauffeur's compartment and enclosed passenger compartment. This configuration elevated the vehicle from mere transportation to a bona fide status symbol. "Town Car" was first used by Lincoln in 1922 to describe a one-off vehicle built for Henry Ford. (see http://www.lincoln.com/about/ ) The first Cadillac to bear the name was the 1949 Coupe De Ville, with a 4-door hardtop version appearing in 1956. Both cars were based on the Series 62. Beginning in 1965, DeVille denoted Cadillac's mainstream model, falling between the Calais and the Fleetwood.

For 1968, the DeVille gained slight exterior changes to comply with new federal safety and emissions legislation, and as with the rest of the Cadillac lineup, a new 472 in³ (7.7 L) V8 engine rated at 375 hp (sae gross).

In November 1971, a showroom-stock 1971 Coupe deVille placed third in the annual coast-to-coast Cannonball Run, posting the highest average speed of the event, 84.6 mph (excluding stops) and averaging 8.9 miles per gallon.

1977–1984
In 1977, the first generation of downsized Cadillacs included mechanically similar DeVilles and Fleetwoods, with the latter still occupying the top of the lineup. The models primarily differed in minor trim, interior upholstery & equipment levels. These were the first DeVille models to be marketed without fender skirts over the rear wheels.

The big 500 in³ V8 was gone, replaced by a 425 in³ engine. This engine was replaced by the 368 in³ V8-6-4 for 1980, and the 350 in³ LF9 diesel V8 was now an option. Reliability problems with the V8-6-4 engine's computer controls prompted Cadillac to rush their new aluminum-block HT series engine into production for 1982.

1985–1993
In 1985, the second generation of downsized DeVilles and Fleetwoods (other than the Brougham) would see a switch to front wheel drive. This drastic downsizing did not prove popular with consumers and soon Lincoln was outselling Cadillac. The 4.1 L HT-4100 was the only available engine. It was expanded to 4.5 L for 1988. A 4.9 L version, the largest of this type, was introduced in 1991.

From 1986 through 1992, Fleetwood was an option package on the DeVille. The Coupe de Ville was dropped after this generation.

The sedan version lasted through one more redesign in 2000 before being replaced by the DTS (stands for DeVille Touring Sedan) for 2006.

1994–1999
For 1994, the DeVille was redesigned to share the K-body platform with the Seville. The body was redesigned and the wheelbase grew to 113.8 in rather than the 111 in used on the Seville. Production moved to Hamtramck, Michigan.

The DeVille Concours was available with the new 270 hp (201 kW) LD8 Northstar V8, while lesser models retained the HT-4900 until 1996. That year, the base model took on the lower-output Northstar while the Concours moved up to the high-output L37 Northstar, with 300 hp. The DeVille Concours replaced the 1993-only Cadillac Sixty Special.

The DeVille received a minor redesign for the 1997 model year, while it got the d'Elegance trim line to replace the Cadillac Fleetwood. New headlights and a new grille were added, the rear wheel skirts were removed, and the black/chrome trim was replaced by a double chrome trim in the base Deville, chrome and gold trim in the d'Elegance and chrome and body colored trim in the Concours. The name was shortened from Sedan deVille to DeVille. The interior gained a new dashboard design that hid the passenger airbag seams and new door panels with front side-airbags and the availability of OnStar system.

2000–2005
The 2000 model year saw the first major redesign since 1994 and the introduction of the last generation of the Deville. The exterior was completely redesigned featuring a sportier, elegant and more aerodynamic design. The revamped interior featured completely new door panels and seats, while the dashboard and radio face only received minor facelifts. 2000 DeVilles also featured the first production LED tail lamps in automobiles, a feature now becoming increasingly commonplace on luxury and family cars. The 'd Elegance designation was replaced with the Deville DHS (Deville High Luxury), which added several cabin comfort options to include power rear window sunshade and heated/massaging rear seats. The performance enthusiast's Deville, the Deville Concourse was renamed the Deville DTS (Deville Touring Sedan)and was available with stability control, active suspension, onboard navigation and magnetic variable assist steering.

2006
See Cadillac DTS

For the 2006 model year the Cadillac DeVille nameplate, but not the car itself, was replaced by the Cadillac DTS. This is in fact an abbreviation of "DeVille Touring Sedan", a name that dates back to 1985 when it was used for the optional touring package that eventually became its own model. This follows the same naming pattern as the CTS ("Catera Touring Sedan"), STS ("Seville Touring Sedan") and ETC ("Eldorado Touring Coupe"), although the ETC is no longer produced. The last DeVille rolled off the Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly line on June 23, 2005.

Technology
As GM's top of the line sedan, DeVilles feature class leading automotive technology. For example, it was one of the first cars to feature airbags, night-vision technology, XM Satellite Radio, OnStar roadside assistance, etc.

The DeVille's Raytheon night vision system was particularly notable. It was the first thermal imaging night vision system offered as original equipment by an auto manufacturer. It was introduced in the 2000 model and sold well with over 7,000 buyers. Sales fell quickly, however, and only 600 systems were sold for 2004. It was dropped in September of that year with just 145 units installed in 2005 vehicles before its demise.

DeVilles are also a popular conversion chassis, most commonly as limousines and hearses, however the Lincoln Town Car is more commonly used as a limousine chassis due to its rear wheel drive and body on frame architecture, which provides a more rigid chassis for a long car. Additionally, a conventional rear wheel drive car is cheaper to maintain in fleets.

Trivia
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has the DeVille as his official car. The choice of car was recommended by the Massachusetts State Police for use, security system, and the exterior color. The controversy was spurred over the $38,000 choice than former Governor Mitt Romney's Ford Crown Victoria. The excuse was "...they don't make that model anymore." He is currently paying half the lease personally as reimbursement. Lt. Gov. Tim Murray is using Kerry Healey's old Crown Vic for Greater Boston travel and rides the MBTA Commuter Rail to and from work and his Worcester home.

Awards

 * 2003 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study 4th winner (Mid luxury)