The name speaks to the car's powerful
16-cylinder, 1000-horsepower engine and Cadillac's heritage as a maker
of fine luxury automobiles. Cadillac's reputation grew exponentially
during the '30s in no small part because of the development of the
automotive industry's first V-16. The Cadillac Sixteen's grand exterior
proportions create an unparalleled presence; its splendid interior is
meticulously handcrafted and urbane.
General Motors' designers drew extensively on the traditions of the
coachbuilt era in crafting the Cadillac Sixteen, employing the
distinctive talents of leading artisans for the upholstery,
instrumentation, interior wood and metal elements, and aluminum body
panels.
As an exterior statement, the Cadillac Sixteen's proportional
composition is bold. The aluminum hood is long, giving the Cadillac
Sixteen tremendous dash-to-axle dimension; the wheel arches were
designed to accommodate the beautiful 24-inch polished aluminum wheels.
The four-door hardtop incorporates an all-glass roof and is without
B-pillars. Crisp-edged lines of the midnight silver aluminum body panels
accentuate the Cadillac Sixteen's striking appearance.
Even the engine compartment, with its sculpted design, has drama. With
dual panels hinged about a center spine that runs the length of the
expansive hood, it makes an event out of opening the engine bay. The
hood panels are power-operated.
The interior theme is evocative of the posh accommodations of 1930s-era
Cadillacs, but with contemporary style. For instance, the dashboard
features a center-mounted Bvlgari clock.
The hand-stitched, Tuscany leather upholstered seats nestle the
occupants. The right rear seat features power adjustable slope to
recline like a chaise lounge. Warm, hand-woven silk carpets the floor in
a light cream color that matches the leather upholstery. The dash, door
panels, and front and rear consoles are trimmed with walnut burl veneer
inlays.
Meanwhile, the custom-designed crystal on the cluster dials offers
subtle cues of the Cadillac Sixteen's precise engineering, elegance and
craftsmanship.
While GM designers drew inspiration from the ultra-luxury sedan's
ancestry, the Cadillac Sixteen is thoroughly modern in its powerplant
and technological content.
The Cadillac Sixteen's 32-valve V-16 concept engine displaces 13.6
liters and is mated to a four-speed electronically controlled automatic
transmission. The engine features fuel-saving Displacement on Demand
technology, debuting in 2004 on some 2005 GM models, which shuts down
half of the cylinders during most driving conditions and automatically
and seamlessly reactivates them for more demanding conditions, such as
brisk acceleration or load hauling cylinders when the driver needs the
engine's full power. The engine produces 1000 horsepower and 1000
lbs.-ft. of torque.
The extensive use of aluminum components and structure provide
substantial weight advantages. The aluminum-steel chassis employs
high-arm SLA suspension up front and independent semi-trailing arm
suspension in the rear. Four-wheel steering enhances the Cadillac
Sixteen's maneuverability. The front and rear brakes are six-piston
calipers with 16-inch rotors.
Electronic amenities include a rear-seat DVD information system, Bose
sound system, and the fifth-generation OnStar in-vehicle safety and
security communication system. The head and tail lamps feature LED
technology.
