Eyes on Design

General Motors Corp.'s Cadillac division will continue to be represented by boldly designed, performance luxury vehicles as it moves ahead with the second phase of its Art & Science-theme product onslaught.

Launched in 2001 with the introduction of the second-generation Escalade SUV, the turnaround effort, labeled Renaissance, was aimed at regaining the luxury image and prestige of the Cadillac brand.

Its apparent success is seen in a 37% sales jump over the past five years, says Jon Brancheau, Cadillac director-marketing and retail integration.

Although he declines to give a timetable for phase two, Brancheau says continuation of the Renaissance plan will improve the perception of the brand significantly, establishing a dramatic presence for Cadillac vehicles through elegant executions and “fun to drive” performance characteristics.

The brand's “luxury with attitude” concept is epitomized by the new '07 Escalade, which brags expansive layers of chrome trim, a 403-hp V-8 and luxurious interior.

Gary White, GM North America vice president and vehicle line executive-fullsize trucks, confirms work already has begun on a future Platinum Edition Escalade which will serve more as a mid-cycle refreshment for the iconic SUV, rather than a standalone sales booster.

Other near-term additions include a refreshed '07 SRX cross/utility vehicle, available this summer, and an all-new CTS sedan, which Brancheau says will debut early next year as an '08 model.

For '07, the SRX receives an optional sport package and a revised interior, including a new instrument panel, center console, door trim and steering wheel.

The interior also will benefit from a more detail-oriented, handcrafted execution evolved from the process used in the new STS-V and XLR-V models, the auto maker says.

Sport package upgrades for the SRX will include new front and rear fascias, a body-color grille with mesh backing, dual 4-in. (10.2-cm) exhaust tips, 6-speed automatic transmission and optional 20-in. wheels with performance tires.

The limited-production V-Series will play a prominent role in Cadillac's future, as well, exemplifying the brand's performance attributes and accomplishments in motorsports.

This includes the CTS-V racecars' winning of the 2005 manufacturer's and driver's championships in the Speed World Challenge GT Series.