2007 Cadillac SLS

Shanghai GM

…in the continuing saga of “As the Standard of the World Turns”

The 2007 Cadillac SLS is a different kind of Cadillac. It is the long wheelbase variant of the American version STS. It was powered by the 4.6 litre Northstar V8 longitudinally mounted for rear-wheel drive. This car was not available in the US. It is the joint venture between General Motors and SAIC known as Shanghai GM.

It debuted at the Auto China 2006 International Motor Show in Beijing where Shanghai GM showcased their new models. The Cadillac SLS is considered a ‘country-specific’ model to meet the needs of specific target markets. The 2007 Cadillac SLS is exciting foreign intrigue…in the continuing saga of “As the Standard of the World Turns.”

The Cadillac STS was lengthened by 100mm adding rear cabin leg room to become the SLS. Multi-media systems were available to meet the buyer’s needs. The interior was designed primarily for the chauffeur-driven segment.

Three engine options were available that included a 2.8 litre V6, a 3.6 litre V6, and the 4.6 litre Northstar. The Cadillac SLS helped to strengthen Cadillac’s presence in the luxury sedan segment in China. The SLS was built between 2007 and 2013. China may overtake the US as the world’s biggest market for premium cars. To be a global brand, presence in the largest markets is paramount.

Shanghai General Motors Company LTD aka Shanghai GM is a joint venture between General Motors & SAIC Motor (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) a Chinese State owned auto manufacturing company with HQ in Shanghai, China.

They are one of the “Big Four” Chinese automakers with Chang’an Motors, FAW Group, and Dongfeng Motor. SAIC has been in business with GM since 1998. SAIC products retail under a variety of names. The venture’s first vehicle was the Buick Regal in Shanghai, China in 1999. Shanghai GM builds Chevrolet, Buick, and Cadillac automobiles.

The Cadillac SLS went on sale in China March of 2007. It boosted Cadillac sales in China by 128% within the first nine months of 2007. Cadillac vehicles are built on three continents; North America, Europe, and Asia. The Cadillac SLS was built for the Chinese market exclusively.

It was assembled at Shanghai GM’s state of the art facilities in Shanghai, China. It is mind-boggling to think of a “Cadillac made in China.” Their refinement, fit & finish are extraordinary and done with precision…what an American Cadillac used to be…GM Detroit had better take note and wake up!

The athletic physique combined with Cadillac-style luxury made the SLS a special automobile. It was luxurious enough to qualify as a limousine. The 2007 Cadillac SLS was indeed a different breed from the brand.

It is one of Cadillac’s “country specific” models. The long wheelbase was important to the Chinese market. They prefer more rear cabin space. The SLS was designed to be chauffeur driven. The long wheelbase and wide rear doors provide greater convenience for the rear compartment.

The added rear passenger area was designed for two occupants with completely bespoke multi-media systems exclusive to the buyer’s needs. It could be equipped as a rolling board room with sophisticated communication systems that included on-board hard drives, LCD monitors, iPad work stations, and remote control access to all functions via Wi-Fi connections. It was Bluetooth compatible as well. Complete internet access with “smart features” programmable to suit the owner were part of this highly bespoke automobile. The SLS was the first car from Shanghai GM to offer OnStar.

Power for the 2007 SLS pictured was provided by the 4.6 litre 278 CID 32-valve GM Northstar LH2 V8 engine. It was equipped with sequential port fuel injection and Variable Valve Timing. The engine was longitudinally mounted for rear-wheel drive to the GM6L50 gearbox. It had 6-gears and was automatic.

The 4.6 litre V8 produced 315 hp @ 6,400 rpm with 427 Nm of peak torque @ 4,400 rpm. Performance is rated as 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, 0-100 mph in 15 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph (electronically governed, 164 mph without speed governor). It could do the ¼ mile @ 98 mph in 14.3 seconds.

The Cadillac SLS was a trim International-size. The 2007 SLS rode upon a long 120.4” wheelbase. It was 201.2” in length and 72.6” wide. This mid-size luxury sedan was front engine rear drive with an excellent weight distribution aiding the car’s overall performance. The SLS was a precision luxury sedan.

The Cadillac SLS was built exclusively for the Chinese market in the state of the art facilities located in Shanghai, China. Shanghai GM is a progressive joint venture between General Motors and SAIC since 1998. The country specific Cadillac SLS was the long wheelbase variant of the US version called STS. The added 100mm provided more leg room to the rear cabin.

It could be equipped as a rolling board room with multi-media and communications accessories to meet the needs of the buyer. Powered by a 315 hp 4.6 litre Northstar V8 engine qualified it as a performance limousine. The SLS was designed to be chauffeur driven.

It boosted Cadillac sales in China by 128% during the first nine months of its introduction in 2007. The automobile market for precision luxury vehicles is rising.

China may overtake the US as the world’s biggest market for premium luxury cars. The 2007 SLS is another jewel in the crown of Cadillac…in the continuing saga of “As the Standard of the World Turns.”

2007 Cadillac SLS from Shanghai GM