DETROIT - The exterior and interior design of the 2006 Cadillac STS-V delivers the aggressiveness expected of a 440-horsepower sedan, yet does so in the context of refined, sophisticated elegance. It is immediately obvious that the STS-V is a member of the V-Series, thanks to its big, bold polished stainless steel wire mesh grille. A prominent splitter adds to this performance statement, as do integrated brake ducts in the lower portion of the front fascia.
The subtle performance oriented styling of the new STS-V
However, other elements bring a sense of elegant sophistication. A higher, sculpted hood flows fluidly to the fenders - and a crisp centerline leading to the splitter delivers a look of precise elegance. The fluid quality of the hood against the more aggressive grille delivers a finessed balance of beauty and power. Larger six-lug wheels with sculpted spokes showcase the STS-V's high-performance stopping power with a view of V-Series-badged four-piston brake calipers and significantly sized rotors. The back of the STS-V conveys fluidity and performance with a higher, more rearward positioned spoiler that provides more downforce and cleanly integrates the CHMSL and Cadillac wreath and crest. Dual polished exhaust ports - at 2.5-inches in diameter - confirm the sedan's high-performance statement. The interior design continues this sense of performance with leather-wrapped surfaces on the upper and lower instrument panel, doors and console. All-leather Nuance seats convey high-end quality, as do tactile aluminum accents, dark-stained Olive Ash Burl wood finishes, and perforated sueded fabric seat inserts.
Exterior Enhancements While the exterior elements of the STS-V convey sophistication and elegance, all components were altered for specific functional reasons.
Front grille - The signature of the Cadillac V-Series is a prominent polished stainless steel wire mesh front grille featuring a recessed Cadillac emblem. Wider and taller than its STS counterpart, the increased area helps manage additional airflow and dissipate the added heat generated by the higher output engine.
Front fascia -The lower edge of the specific STS-V front fascia has been lowered by an average of 50-millimeters, dramatically increasing the area of the lower wire-mesh grille and significantly increasing cooling capability. Brake ducts integrated below the turn signal and fog lamps provide airflow to the V-Series-specific front brake calipers and rotors. The front overhang has been increased by 25-millimeters, which provides additional downforce via an integrated splitter to counteract the lift created by increasing the grille openings.
Rear fascia - The edge of the fascia surface also is 50-millimeters lower to the ground for a distinctive rear appearance. The rear fascia design facilitates airflow circulation through louvers in the lower surface and a wire mesh grille on the rear-facing surface. Dual openings in the fascia make room for the STS-V's dual polished exhaust tips.
Rockers - STS-V's distinctive rocker design is 27-millimeters lower, which visually bridges the gap between the front and rear lowered fascias. Aluminum V-Series identification doorsill plates wrap over the driver and passenger thresholds.
Hood - A specific hood provides clearance for the supercharged V-8 engine. Made from Sheet Molded Compound (SMC), the hood has a flowing, sculpted appearance and offers superior torsional stiffness. The integral chromed molding provides the final accent to the wire mesh grille.
Wheel design - Ten-spoke painted aluminum alloy wheels offer excellent airflow to help cool the STS-V's 14-inch Brembo brake rotors and four-piston calipers at all corners. The flangeless design produces a visually larger wheel appearance, while increasing strength through the flow-forming process. Front wheels are 18 x 8.5-inches, and rear wheels are 19 x 9.5-inches. The wheels, rotors and calipers are essentially color matched for a highly machined appearance. The V-Series emblem is prominently displayed on the calipers, leaving no doubt the vehicle is tuned for spirited performance. The center cap features a colored Cadillac wreath and crest against a black background.
Badging - The V-Series emblem - symbolic of Cadillac's heritage of high-performance "V" engine technology - appears on the vehicle's rear decklid and front doors. In addition, an aluminized V on the door sill plates can be seen upon entry. The new V-emblem employs the same colors - black against gold, red, silver and blue on a platinum background - as Cadillac's wreath and crest. The word "Supercharged" in chromed, block lettering adorns the doors. Under the hood, a specifically designed black and silver acoustic engine cover carries a center-positioned full-color Cadillac emblem and center-mounted V-Series badge. Separate underhood close-out panels provide a clean, distinctive look.
Exterior colors - The STS-V will be available in three exterior colors: Light Platinum, Raven Black and Stealth Gray.
Interior Enhancements While STS-V's interior retains the basic architecture of its STS counterpart, it takes luxury and style to an even higher level with a high-quality tactile feel and distinctive, crafted appearance:
Instrument panel - The upper and lower sections are hand wrapped with precision-grained leather. The STS-V is further distinguished by the use of distinctive, dark Olive Ash Burl wood, which adorns the center bezel of the instrument panel, console trim, and all four door switch plates. Finished aluminum accents the passenger side of the instrument panel, which also incorporates a multi-colored V-Series emblem. To add an elegant touch, a narrow chromed strip divides the upper and lower sections of the instrument panel. This accent is carried to all four door-trim panels, establishing the theme throughout the car.
Steering wheel - The steering wheel is fully leather wrapped for a sure, uniform feel during driving. The wheel incorporates an aluminum bezel developed in a matching 'Kinetic' finish. In addition to the Driver Information Center (DIC) toggle switches, the steering wheel also is equipped with an interface for cruise control.
Seats - Seats are outfitted with high durability, sueded fabric inserts at critical driver interfaces. The color-matched inserts are designed to better hold the driver and passengers in place during high-performance driving maneuvers. Driver and front-passenger seats also include adjustable lumbar.
The STS-V is available in three interior color combinations: a monochromatic ebony, plus two two-tone interiors; ebony and light gray, or ebony and Tango Red. Tango Red is a new accent color applied to seat inserts (front and rear), console, center armrest, lower instrument panel, and door mid-sections (front and rear).
Standard equipment includes DVD Navigation, XM radio, and a 5.1 Bose surround sound audio system. In addition, a digital engine boost gauge is accessible through the DIC.
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