1997 Cadillac Catera - First Drive
Cadillac admits the biggest challenge will be finding a way to effectively market the Catera, which will be built in Germany and classified as an EPA import. Although the first-year sales bogey is a modest 25,000 units, some serious questions remain-not the least of which is whether potential buyers, particularly women, will find sufficient style and luxury in the Catera to be swayed from more established competitive offerings. The amount of advance prep work being done should ensure that the Catera meets a better fate than the division's last entry-level offering, the '80s Cimarron. However, it only takes one drive in this intelligently designed sedan to be convinced that it's anything but a pretender.
| TECH DATA |
| ’97 Cadillac Catera |
| GENERAL/POWERTRAIN |
| Body style | 4-door, 5-passenger |
| Vehicle configuration | Front engine, rear drive |
| Airbag | Dual |
| Engine configuration | V-6, DOHC, |
| | 4 valves/cylinder |
| Engine displacement, ci/cc | 181/2962 |
| Horsepower, |
| hp @ rpm, SAE net | 200 @ 6000 |
| Torque, |
| lb-ft @ rpm, SAE net | 192 @ 3600 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Axle ratio | 3.90:1 |
| DIMENSIONS |
| Wheelbase, in./mm | 107.4/2730 |
| Length, in./mm | 193.8/4924 |
| Base curb weight, lb | 3770 |
| Fuel capacity, gal. | 18.0 |
| Fuel economy, |
| EPA city/hwy., mpg | 17/24 (est.) |
| CHASSIS |
| Suspension, f/r | MacPherson struts/multilink |
| Steering | Recirculating ball, variable power assist |
| Brakes, f/r | Vented discs/discs, ABS |
| Wheels | 16 x 7.0, cast aluminum |
| Tires | Goodyear Eagle RS-A, 225/55HR16 |
| PRICE |
| Estimated base price | $33,000-$35,000 |