Cadillac Adding SLS in China

Cadillac will add a stretched STS model, dubbed SLS, to its growing lineup in China.

The General Motors Corp. brand says the new variant, which is 4.0 ins. (10.0 cm) longer than the STS in order to play better in China’s typically chauffeur-driven luxury-car segment, will bow this month at the Beijing auto show.

The model comes with three available mills, including a 2.8L V-6, 3.6L V-6 and 4.6L Northstar V-8 that develops 320 hp.

The Shanghai General Motors Automotive Co. Ltd. joint venture plant will build the new SLS for the Chinese market.

Later this month, Cadillac also will launch sales of the Escalade SUV in China, which already gets the CTS sedan, XLR roadster and SRX cross/utility vehicle.

Stretched STS new Cadillac SLS in China.

GM also will premiere a new offering from its JV partner Wuling Automotive Ld. Co. Ltd. at the Beijing show.

In addition, GM’s stand at the exhibition will feature the Saab Aero-X concept, new Buick Enclave CUV and Chevrolet WTCC Ultra racer concept.

GM’s China Group reported record sales of 645,680 units for the first nine months of 2006, driven by gains for Buick (27.8%), Chevrolet (51.0%) and Cadillac (27.1%).