Cadillac Imaj takes the fusion of Art & Science to the logical next step
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The Cadillac Imaj, a high-tech concept car revealed at the 2000 Geneva Auto
Show, extends Cadillac's philosophy of blending art and science to its logical
next step: an all-wheel-drive ultra-luxury sedan with exhilarating performance
and unprecedented technological applications.
With its crisp lines and sharp angles, Imaj is a direct descendant of Evoq, the
concept roadster introduced in 1999 and the first embodiment of Cadillac's
vision of art and science. Imaj takes its lead from Evoq in giving further
tangible form to Cadillac's vision to be a uniquely American, global
automotive leader in both design and ingenious technology.
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"Imaj extends Cadillac's core technical values of precise all-weather-control,
active safety and infotainment to an ultra-luxury sedan," said John F. Smith,
GM vice president and Cadillac general manager. "Imaj changes the
traditional ultra-luxury formula of heavy, long and consumptive to
agile, useful and approachable. It has the flexibility, features, and power to
transform from being a chauffeur's car during the week, to a driver's car on
weekends."
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On the outside, Imaj's faceted, sheer forms exude a diamond-like quality,
underscored by knife-edge coachwork, from its louvered roof panels, which opens
the rear as well as the front seats to the sky, to its integrated front and
rear aero panels.
Underneath the hood, Imaj features an updated version of the supercharged
Northstar V8 engine that debuted on the Evoq. Featuring a liquid-to-air
intercooler and continuously variable valve timing, the enhanced Northstar
delivers 425 horsepower. The power is fed to all four wheels through an
all - new five-speed automatic transmission.
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Imaj also features Cadillac's acclaimed Night Vision system, which works both
in front and the rear, to enhance the driver's field of vision behind the car.
Obstacle alert sensors and rear vision cameras, which replace the mirrors,
also enhance rearward mobility.
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Aluminum space frame construction provides low mass and a rigid chassis. The
Goodyear EMT run-flat tires, 20-inch magnesium wheels, Delco ABS and traction
control and Brembo brakes are actively managed by an advanced, next-generation
StabiliTrak chassis control system.
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Inside its 5.1-meter length, Imaj expands the concept of luxury to include the
artful integration of advanced technology. All four of the Imaj's seats are
fully reconfigurable and feature in-seat heating and ventilation. All seats
feature E-mail access and an individual LCD screen with DVD capabilities,
navigation and entertainment, developed by IBM and Delphi. The rear seats
recline and have footrests, like first-class airplane seats.
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Adjustable pedals, seating, steering and head-up display combine with steering
wheel mounted controls and shift-by-wire gear selection to create the
quintessential driver-in-control environment. Adaptive cruise control manages
following distances at highway speeds, while front- and rear-facing radar ease
parking in close quarters.
Vehicle access is controlled by e-lock, a high-tech Biometric Security system
that reads the owner's thumbprint. A pad on the 2000 Concept's door unlocks
it, and one on the dashboard starts the car. The cabin is further secured by
smart air bags and side-impact air bags.
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The Bose audio system incorporates headrest speakers. GM's OnStar is on
board, as are four individual cellular phones. All information is
routed through the Communiport central server, which debuted on Evoq.
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Specifications
EXTERIOR
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Vehicle type
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Four-passenger, four-door luxury sedan, with
electrochromatic louvered glass roof
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Overall height (in/mm)
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55.9/1420
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Overall length (in/mm)
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199.0/5100
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Overall width (in/mm)
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74.8/1900
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Wheelbase (in/mm)
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121.5/3085
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Track (in/mm)
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64/1628
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ENGINE
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Type
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4.2-liter 32-valve supercharged Northstar V8
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Engine block
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Aluminum with iron inserted main bearing bulkheads
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Cylinder heads
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Aluminum
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Valvetrain
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Four camshafts with continuously variable valve
timing, low friction roller cam followers, four valves
per cylinder
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Induction system
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Integral supercharger, liquid-to-air intercooler,
intake manifold, and boost bypass valve;
GM-patented
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Engine control system
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Closed loop fuel control via mass airflow meter
and four oxygen sensors, platinum-tipped spark plugs
with individual ignition coils, four catalytic
converters
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Displacement (cu in/cm3)
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258/4228
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Bore x stroke (in/mm)
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3.52 x 3.31/89.5 x 84.0
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Compression ratio
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9.0:1
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Horsepower
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425 bhp (317 kw) @ 6400 rpm
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Torque
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400 lb.-ft (542 Nm) @ 4000 rpm
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DRIVELINE
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Type
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Longitudinal front engine, all-wheel drive
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Transmission
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Five-speed fully electronically controlled automatic, Performance Algorithm
Shifting system
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CHASSIS
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Structure
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Extruded aluminum space frame chassis
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Suspension, front
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Modular subframe-mounted; double unequal length aluminum lightweight arms;
high-mounted top arm for enhanced geometry control and reduced road noise; long
monotube damper with co-axial coil spring and lower yoke to straddle the front
half shaft
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Suspension, rear
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Modular rubber mounted subframe carries rear suspension and differential for
reduced road noise; multi-link aluminum lightweight arms with adjustable toe
control link; compact coil spring and monotube damper, minimal intrusion into
the cabin and luggage space
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Steering
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Power assisted speed variable rack and pinion (ZF Servotronic); turning circle,
37' (11.3m); electric height and tilt-adjustable steering
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Brakes
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Brembo aluminum lightweight calipers, 14.96-inch (380mm) diameter ventilated
discs, front and rear;front to rear brake split, ABS, vacuum servo assistance;
separate park brake calipers, electrically actuated but mechanically locked to
"fail safe"; electric fore and aft brake pedal adjustment
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Stability enhancement
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Four-channel StabiliTrak yaw control system
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Wheels and tires
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20" magnesium wheels front and rear; Goodyear EMT Runflats 255-40x20
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