The 1996 Cadillac DeVille Concours is a high-performance, technology-forward variant of Cadillac's classic full-size luxury sedan. It uniquely paired the massive, traditional presence of a 210-inch American cruiser with General Motors' most advanced powertrain and chassis engineering of the 1990s.
Engine & Performance
Unlike the base DeVille, the Concours model was built to prioritize power and road dynamics:
- The Northstar V8: It features a higher-output 4.6-liter, 32-valve DOHC Northstar L37 V8 engine.
- Power Output: It produces 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque (a 25-hp bump over lesser trims).
- Drivetrain: A 4-speed automatic transmission routes power exclusively to the front wheels.
- Acceleration: The higher final-drive ratio allows this 4,000-pound sedan to achieve a surprisingly brisk 0--60 mph sprint in roughly 7 seconds.
Advanced Chassis Technology
To balance classic Cadillac smoothness with sharper European-style handling, the Concours was heavily optioned with high-tech driver aids:
- Continuously Variable Road-Sensing Suspension (CVRSS): This electronic system reads the road surface in real-time, instantly adjusting the dampers to reduce body roll and brake dive.
- Magnasteer Steering: A variable-assist steering setup that tightens up at highway speeds for stability and lightens up for effortless parking lot maneuvering.
- Safety Net: Equipped standard with full-speed traction control and anti-lock disc brakes (ABS).
Interior & Luxury Features
The cabin was heavily upgraded over standard trims to emphasize its flagship status:
- Premium Seating: Six-passenger capacity utilizing plush, gathered leather upholstery and 117.5 cubic feet of total passenger space.
- Dashboard Design: Features a distinct digital instrument cluster alongside genuine Zebrano wood trim spanning the dashboard.
- Modern Amenities: Included dual-zone automatic climate control, a premium multi-speaker audio system, and a cavernous 20-cubic-foot trunk.
