Sporty and Luxurious: New Arrivals From Cadillac and Chevrolet

Cadillac SRX: Impressive wagon/SUV cross-over
Cadillac XLR: Elegant two-seater roadster/coupe
Cadillac Sixteen: Strikingly designed luxury sedan study
Exclusive "Commemorative Edition" Corvette

"Cars - Pure Fascination" is the motto of the 60th IAA International Motor Show (September 13 - 21, 2003). And a fitting one indeed for the sporty/luxurious range of General Motors models that are celebrating their European and German premieres in hall 8 of the Frankfurt show. The Cadillac SRX, for example, will be making its first appearance on European soil. The 4.95-meter-long five-door model defies conventional classification, combining the advantages of a wagon and an SUV. With space for up to seven people and plenty of luggage, two powerful V6 and V8 engines boasting 191 kW/260 hp and 239 kW/320 hp as well as rear-wheel or full-time all-wheel drive, the newcomer is a genuine all-rounder.

It is due to go on sale in Europe in the near future, as is the Cadillac XLR, the second highlight at the General Motors stand. This elegant two-seater roadster/coupe boasts a retractable hardtop and is fitted with technical wizardry such as automatic headway control via radar and head-up display. The XLR is driven by the 4.6-liter Northstar V8 with 231 kW/315 hp. The Cadillac Sixteen, which is celebrating its German premiere at the IAA, is over three times as powerful - the monstrous V16 engine under the hood delivers exactly 1000 hp or 745 kW. This 5.67-meter-long concept car boasts an innovative aluminum body with a large glass roof and a sumptuously furnished interior with walnut wood and crystal accents that recreates the classic atmosphere of a 1930s luxury automobile.

The "Commemorative Edition" Corvette is aimed at sportier tastes. Limited to just 150 units and available only in Europe, this special version is General Motors' homage to the highly successful motorsports career of the C5-R racing version, including triumphs at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. At the same time, it represents a celebratory farewell to the fifth Corvette generation.

Visually, the blue metallic Commemorative Edition coupe with red, white and blue stripes is very similar to the C5-R racing Corvette. The hood is made of extremely light carbon fiber material. While the V8 engine with its 5.7-liter displacement and 253 kW/344 hp is exactly the same unit as that in the standard Corvette, engineers decided to enhance the special version's suspension for an even sportier performance.

In addition to these highly attractive new cars, General Motors will also be presenting its current model ranges at the IAA, including the HUMMER H2 luxury off-roader, which is also an established cult vehicle in Europe.