Cadillac Eldorado 11th Generation
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Production period: | 1985 to 1991 |
Body versions : | Coupe |
Engines: | Gasoline : 4.1-4.9 liters (97-149 kW) |
Length: | 4780-4861 mm |
Width: | 1811-1839 mm |
Height: | 1351-1364 mm |
Wheelbase : | 2745 mm |
Curb weight : | 1491-1572 kg |
Already in the summer of 1984 Cadillac had the standard models of DeVille and Fleetwood series for the second time after 1977 greatly reduced. A year later, for the model year 1986, the fourth generation of the front-wheel drive Eldorado appeared, which had also been reduced in size and weight again. The new Eldorado models, such as the Oldsmobile Toronado, the Buick Riviera and the Cadillac Seville, whose new - third - generation stylistically was a four-door version of the Eldorado, took advantage of the newly constructed E-platform.
First series (1986-1987)
The new Eldorado introduced in late summer 1985 was 340 mm shorter and 380 kg lighter than its direct predecessor. He was offered only as a two-door coupe. The role of the open sports car took over the simultaneously presented two-seater Cadillac Allanté , whose technology was the Eldorado, but had an individual, designed by Italian designer Pininfarina body with pronounced European lines and twice as expensive was the Eldorado. The Eldorado had a self-supporting body, The smooth-surfaced, equipped with broadband headlights front of the Eldorado was based on that of the Allanté; Otherwise, its structure was completely independent. The car flanks were smooth. Special feature was a very narrow, almost vertical C-pillar, which was provided on request with a vinyl coating. The design of the new Eldorado has been criticized many times. It was considered uninspired or boring; some observers found it too close to the bodies of other cheaper GM models.
As the only member of the model family used the Eldorado an eight-cylinder engine, which was transversely mounted front ; the sister models of Buick and Oldsmobile had instead a six-cylinder V-engine. The eight-cylinder Eldorado had a capacity of 4.1 liters and made 97 kW (132 hp). The power was transmitted via an automatic four-speed transmission with electronic control, which was operated by a lever attached to the vehicle tunnel; the previously customary steering wheel circuit accounted for. The Eldorado was equipped as standard with four disc brakes. As in the previous generation, a high quality version called Eldorado Biarritz was available.
The extreme reduction in dimensions combined with significant loss of power made the car a failure. The paragraphs collapsed in 1986 compared to the previous year by more than 60 percent. After the debut year, only 21,342 copies of the Eldorado, in 1987, the production fell to 17,775 vehicles. The lack of success is explained primarily by the small dimensions of the Eldorado: The American clientele have not accepted such a small vehicle in the segment of the upper class.
Second Series (1988-1991)
For the model year 1988, GM attacked the criticism of the tight dimensions of its Personal Luxury Coupes. After two unsuccessful years, the Eldorado, the Oldsmobile Toronado and the Buick Riviera were stylistically reworked. The Eldorado received a new front and rear end, whereby the C-pillar was widened. With the wheelbase unchanged, the overall length grew by almost 100 mm. Overall, the design was perceived as "classic". The engine was replaced. 1988 to 1990 provided a first 115 kW (157 hp), then 135 kW (183 DIN-PS) strong 4.5-liter V8 engine for propulsion, 1991, a 4.9-liter with 149 kW (203 DIN PS ). As an addition to Biarritz Cadillac offered from 1989 also again a sporty Touring Coupe .
The revised Eldorado was much more successful than the models of the first series. In 1988, the production doubled compared to the previous year to 33,210 vehicles, in the following years emerged 27,807 (1989), 22,292 (1990) and 16,212 (1991) Eldorados.
