Cadillac SLS Joins Portfolio in Middle East

• Middle East sales of SLS luxury sedan to begin in the first quarter of 2008
• SLS is assembled at Shanghai GM's assembly plant

DETROIT– Cadillac announced that the SLS, the stretched version of the STS luxury sedan, will become available in the Middle East in the first quarter of 2008. The SLS is based on the STS sedan with additional design and engineering work, as well as manufacturing, taking place at Shanghai GM's state-of-the art facilities in Shanghai, China.

The SLS went on sale in China in March. The car has helped to boost overall Cadillac sales in China by 128 percent in the first nine months of 2007, compared to the same period in 2006.

"We're proud to bring the SLS to the Middle East market, where we believe it will be just as successful with luxury car consumers there as it has been in China," said Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor.

Based on the STS luxury sedan, the SLS is stretched 100 mm. The additional length results in a luxurious and spacious interior with rear legroom of 1060 mm. The design of the SLS is unmistakably Cadillac. Diamond-faceted contours echo the geometry of other Cadillac vehicles. Subtle V-shapes, inspired by Cadillac's shield badge, are a recurring motif in both the exterior and interior design. In typical Cadillac fashion, the SLS interior design and fit and finish deliver an outstanding experience from any seat. Ambient lighting, Tuscany leather and sapele pommele wood accents all give the cabin a relaxing and premium look and feel.

Under the hood, the Northstar 4.6 liter V-8 engine produces 320 horsepower, giving the SLS outstanding performance. The six-speed automatic transmission is electronically-controlled. Magnetic Ride Control and StabilTrak, along with a sport suspension, deliver both a refined ride and responsive handling.

Cadillac vehicles are now assembled on three continents – North America, Europe, and Asia – all to the same exacting standards.

It's a good way of introducing a larger RWD car to different markets. It most likely won't happen, but I'd like to see it available in Europe as well.