The Cadillac Motor Car Division is a division of the American automobile manufacturer General Motors Company (GM) that designs and builds luxury vehicles. Its major markets are the United States, Canada, and China. Cadillac models are distributed in 34 additional markets worldwide. Cadillac automobiles are at the top of the luxury field within the United States. In 2019, Cadillac sold 390,458 vehicles worldwide, a record for the brand.

Cadillac is among the first automotive brands in the world, 4th in the United States only to fellow Autocar Company (1897) and GM marques Oldsmobile (1897) and Buick (1899). It was named after Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, who founded Detroit, Michigan. The Cadillac crest is based on his coat of arms.

Cadillac's first automobiles, the Runabout and Tonneau, were completed in October 1902. They were two-seat horseless carriages powered by a 10 hp  single-cylinder engine. They were practically identical to the 1903 Ford Model A.

In 1909, Cadillac was purchased by the General Motors (GM) conglomerate. Cadillac became General Motors' prestige division, devoted to the production of large luxury vehicles. The Cadillac line was also GM's default marque for "commercial chassis" institutional vehicles, such as limousines, ambulances, hearses and funeral home flower cars, the last three of which were custom-built by aftermarket manufacturers. It became positioned at the top of GM's vehicle hierarchy, above Buick, Oldsmobile, Oakland, and later, Chevrolet.

In 1912, Cadillac was the first automobile manufacturer to incorporate an electrical system enabling starting, ignition, and lighting.

By the time General Motors purchased the company in 1909, Cadillac had already established itself as one of America's premier luxury car makers. The complete interchangeability of its precision parts had allowed it to lay the foundation for the modern mass production of automobiles. It was at the forefront of technological advances, introducing full electrical systems, the clashless manual transmission and the steel roof. The brand developed three engines, with its V8 setting the standard for the American automotive industry. Cadillac had the first U.S. car to win the Royal Automobile Club of the United Kingdom's Dewar Trophy by successfully demonstrating the interchangeability of its component parts during a reliability test in 1908; this spawned the firm's slogan "Standard of the World". It won the trophy again in 1912 for incorporating electric starting and lighting in a production automobile.

fleetwood

Through 1984, all Fleetwood series cars were rear-wheel drive. For 1985, "Fleetwood" was used on new front wheel drive models which were made through 1992. In 1987, a stretched wheelbase car was offered and named the Fleetwood 60 Special, a name which was last used in 1970 for the non-Brougham RWD Fleetwood car. During this time, the rear wheel drive cars built on the older Fleetwood platform dating from 1977 continued to be offered as "Fleetwood Brougham" (later shortened to "Brougham"). In 1993, a new rear-wheel drive Fleetwood was introduced, but was discontinued after 1996.

Before 1934, all Cadillac models could be ordered with bodies built by General Motors' Fleetwood operation in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, instead of their usual Fisher Body, and between 1935 and 1941, cars bearing the Fleetwood name were assembled there.

The Fleetwood nameplate departed the front-drive lineup for 1993 (as Fleetwood was transferred to the new rear-drive replacement for the 1992 Brougham). Instead, the Sixty Special nameplate was used on the front-wheel drive model for 1993.

V16

The Cadillac V-16 (also known as the Cadillac Sixteen) was Cadillac's top-of-the-line model from its January 1930 launch until 1940. The V16 powered car was a first in the United States, both extremely expensive and exclusive, with every chassis being custom-finished to order. Only 4076 were constructed in its 11-year run, with the majority built in its debut year before the Great Depression took strong hold. The onset of World War II reduced the sales, resulting in its demise.

Upon its introduction the new car attracted rave reviews from the press and huge public attention. January production averaged a couple of cars per day, then ramped up to twenty-two. By April, 1,000 units had been built, and by June, 2,000 cars. These could be ordered with a wide variety of bodywork. The Fleetwood catalog for the 1930 V-16 included 10 basic body styles; there was also an envelope containing some 30 additional designer's drawings. Research by the Cadillac-La Salle Club, Inc. puts at 70 the number of different job/style numbers built by Fisher and Fleetwood on the Sixteen chassis.

After the peak in V-16 orders in mid-1930, production fell precipitously. During October 1930, only 54 cars were built. The lowest figures for the 452/452A cars of 1930–31 were August 1931 (seven units) and November 1931 (six units). Minimum production continued throughout the rest of the decade with a mere 50 units being built both in 1935 and in 1937. 1940 was only marginally better with a total of 51 units. Not surprisingly, Cadillac later estimated that they lost money on every single V-16 they sold.

70 series

The Cadillac Series 70 (models 70 and 75) is a full-size V8-powered series of cars that were produced by Cadillac from the 1930s to the 1980s. It replaced the 1935 355E as the company's mainstream car just as the much less expensive Series 60 was introduced. The Series 72 and 67 were similar to the Series 75 but the 72 and 67 were produced on a slightly shorter and longer wheelbase respectively. The Series 72 was only produced in 1940 and the Series 67 was only produced in 1941 and 1942. For much of the postwar era, it was the top-of-the-line Cadillac, and was Cadillac's factory-built limousine offering.

Production of the short wheelbase Series 70 ceased in 1938, but reappeared briefly as the relatively expensive Series 70 Eldorado Brougham 4-door hardtop from 1957 to 1958, while the long wheelbase Series 75 made a final appearance in the 1987 model year.

62 series

1940-1941: The Fisher-bodied Series 62 replaced the Cadillac Series 61 as an entry level product for the 1940 model line. The Series 62 featured a low sleek "torpedo" style C-body with chrome window reveals, more slant in the windshield, and a curved rear window. All Cadillacs shared the same 5.7 L 135 hp L-head V8 that year, with power rising to 150 hp.

1942-1947: The grille became more massive in 1942, with even fewer bars. Parking lights became round and fog light sockets became rectangular and were included in the grille area. A bullet shape appeared on the tops of the bumper guards. Fenders were rounded and longer. Front fenders extended into the front doors. Rear fenders extended forward into the rear doors. The new fenders had heavy moldings along the sides. Cadillac had as many as 100,000 unfilled orders into 1947. Due to materials shortages, some Cadillacs shipped from the factory with wooden bumpers, dealers being expected to install proper ones as they became available.

1948-1953: The first all-new postwar Cadillacs arrived in 1948, sporting tail fins inspired by the Lockheed P-38 fighter plane  on a Cadillac. Series 62 Cadillacs had a slightly shortened wheelbase, but the track width was increased by two inches, increasing interior room. However, updated drivetrains would have to wait another year and for the time being, the new Cadillacs were still powered by the same 346 CID flathead V8 used across the board since 1941.

1954-1956: The Series 62 included a lower sleeker body, a new cellular grille insert, and inverted gull wing front bumpers and tapered dagmar style bumper guards. Round jet style dual exhaust outlets were incorporated into the vertical bumper extensions and the rear bumper was entirely redesigned. An Eldorado style wraparound windshield was seen on all models. Series 62 sales reached an all-time record in 1956 at 134,502 units, accounting for an all-time record 86.4% of all Cadillacs sold. 

1957-1958:  The grille insert was wider and new bumper guards were positioned lower to the parking lamps. New dual headlamps were used and small chrome fins decorated the front fenders. Tailfins were less pronounced and trim attachments were revised. The word Cadillac appeared in block letters on the fins of base models. On the sides of the car were five longer horizontal wind splits ahead of the unskirted rear wheel housing and front fender horizontal mouldings with crests placed above the trailing edge and no rocker sill trim.

1959-1960: The 1959 Cadillac is remembered for its iconic huge tailfins with dual bullet tail lights. The new model year also saw two distinctive rooflines and roof pillar configurations, new jewel-like grille patterns and matching deck lid beauty panels. For 1959, the Series 6200 became the Series 62. De Villes and 2-door Eldorados were moved from the Series 6200 to their own series, the Series 63 and Series 64 respectively, though they all, including the 4-door Eldorado Brougham (which was moved from the Series 70 to Series 69), shared the same 3,302 mm wheelbase. Engine output was an even 325 hp from the 6.4 L engine.

1961-1964: Cadillac was restyled and re-engineered for 1961. The new grille slanted back towards both the bumper and the hood lip, along the horizontal plan, and sat between dual headlamps. New forward slanting front pillars with non-wraparound windshield glass were seen. The revised backlight treatment had crisp angular lines with thin pillars on some models and heavier semi-blind quarter roof posts on others.  In its final year only 35,079 Series 62s were sold, the smallest number since 1946 and little more than a quarter of their all-time sales record in 1956. The 62 convertible was dropped for 1964.

eldorado

The Cadillac Eldorado is a luxury car manufactured and marketed by Cadillac from 1952 to 2002 over twelve generations.

deville

The Cadillac DeVille was originally a trim level and later a separate model produced by Cadillac.The name "DeVille" is derived from the French de la ville or de ville meaning "of the town".

1959-1960

The 1959 Cadillac is remembered for its huge sharp tailfins with dual bullet tail lights, two distinctive rooflines and roof pillar configurations, new jewel-like grille patterns and matching deck lid beauty panels. In 1959 the Series 62 were moved from the Series 62 to their own series, the Series 6200. DeVilles and 2-door Eldorados became the Series 6300 and Series 6400 respectively, though they all, including the 4-door Eldorado Brougham (which was moved from the Series 70 to Series 6900), shared the same 130 in (3,302 mm) wheelbase. Engine output was an even 325 hp from the  (6.4 L) engine. The DeVille Series had script nameplates on the rear fenders. Standard equipment included power brakes with 15-inch wheels, power steering, automatic transmission, back-up lamps, windshield wipers, two-speed wipers, wheel discs, outside rearview mirror, vanity mirror, oil filter, power windows and two-way power seats.

1961-1964

Cadillac was restyled and re-engineered for 1961. The new grille slanted back towards both the bumper and the hood lip, along the horizontal plane, and sat between dual headlamps. New forward slanting front pillars with non-wraparound windshield glass were seen. The revised backlight treatment had crisp angular lines with thin pillars on some models and heavier semi-blind quarter roof posts on others. DeVille models featured front series designation scripts and a lower body "skeg" trimmed with a thin, three-quarter-length spear molding running from behind the front wheel opening to the rear of the car. Standard equipment included power brakes, power steering, automatic transmission, dual backup lights, windshield washer, dual speed wipers, wheel discs, plain fender skirts, outside rearview mirror, vanity mirror, oil filter, power windows and 2-way power seats. Rubberized front and rear coil springs replaced the trouble prone air suspension system. 

1965-1970

As it had been since DeVille became a separate series, DeVille denoted Cadillac's mainstream model, falling between the Calais (which had replaced the Series 62) and the Sixty Special and Eldorado. The DeVille was redesigned for 1965 but rode on the same 129.5-inch (3,290 mm) wheelbase. Tailfins were canted slightly downward, and sharp, distinct body lines replaced the rounded look. Also new were a straight rear bumper and vertical lamp clusters. The headlight pairs switched from horizontal to vertical, thus permitting a wider grille. The 1967 DeVilles were extensively restyled. Prominent styling features were given a powerful frontal appearance with forward-leaning front end, long, sculptured body lines, and redefined rear fenders that had more than just a hint of tail fins in them.

1971-1976

As with all GM full-size lines, the DeVille was completely redesigned for 1971. The new GM full-size bodies, at 64.3 inches front shoulder room (62.1 inches on Cadillac) and 63.4 inches rear shoulder room (64.0 inches on Cadillac) set a record for interior width that would not be matched by any car until the full-size GM rear-wheel-drive models of the early to mid-1990s. Pairs of individually housed squarish headlamps were set wider apart. The V-shaped grille had an eggcrate style insert and was protected by massive vertical guards framing a rectangular license plate indentation. A wide hood with full-length windsplints, a prominent center crease and hidden windshield wipers was seen. A Cadillac crest decorated the nose and new indicator lamps appeared atop each front fender. 

1977-1984

1977 was Cadillac's 75th anniversary, and saw the introduction of the downsized DeVille coupes and sedans. These new cars featured a higher roofline, resulting in a vehicle that was over nine inches shorter, four inches narrower, and 1/2 ton lighter than the previous year, but with a larger trunk and more headroom and legroom. These were also the first DeVilles ever to be marketed without fender skirts over the rear wheels. The old door pull straps returned for 1977 and on. The 500 in³ V8 (which produced 190 horsepower) was replaced for 1977 by a 180-horsepower 425 in³ V8 variant of similar design. The reduction in size and weight was implemented to improve fuel economy and emissions as a result of the United States Federal Government passage of Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulations.

1985-1993

For the 1985 model year, DeVille switched to GM's new FWD C-body platform. A Fleetwood sedan variant was added to the mix at the start of production and shared the new front-wheel-drive platform and most dimensions with the DeVilles (the "Fleetwood Brougham" nomenclature remained on the rear-wheel-drive chassis through model year 1986 at which time the "Fleetwood" portion of the name was dropped and it became simply "Brougham" from 1987 through 1992). Cadillac was the only line to offer a V8 engine. The other GM vehicles were equipped with a Buick-derived 3.0 or 3.8 V6 engine, or - for 1985 only - Oldsmobile's 4.3L V6 diesel powerplant.

1994-1999

For 1994, the DeVille was redesigned to share the K-body platform with the Seville. The body was redesigned, although the wheelbase remained 113.8 inches—rather than the 111 inches used on the Seville. Production moved to Hamtramck, Michigan. The DeVille Concours was available with the new 270 hp  LD8 Northstar V8, while lesser models retained the 4.9L L26 V8 until 1996. That year, the base model took on the lower-output Northstar while the Concours moved up to the high-output L37 Northstar, with 300 hp. The DeVille Concours replaced the previous generation's DeVille Touring Sedan. The Concours introduced continuously variable road sensing suspension (CVRSS).

2000-2005

The 2000 model year saw the first major redesign since 1994; this generation marked the move from the K platform to the G platform; despite this move GM continued to refer to it as the K platform. Production started in August 1999. The exterior was completely redesigned featuring a sportier, elegant and more aerodynamic design with a drag coefficient of 0.30. The revamped interior featured completely new door panels and seats, while the dashboard and radio face only received minor facelifts.

The 2000 DeVille was one of the first American production cars to offer LED tail lamps in automobiles, a feature now becoming increasingly commonplace on luxury and family cars. The last 2005 DeVille rolled off the Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly line on June 23, 2005. It was replaced by the restyled and renamed DTS for 2006.

In 2006, the DeVille nameplate was replaced by Cadillac DTS, an abbreviation dating back to 1985's DeVille Touring Sedan package. The new name brought the DeVille into line with Cadillac's Art & Science-era nomenclature, which saw the Seville renamed to STS and the Catera replacement called the CTS.

seville

The Seville was manufactured by Cadillac between 1975 and 2004 as a smaller-sized, premium model. It was replaced by the STS in 2004.

1976-1979

The Seville, introduced in May 1975 as an early 1976 model, was Cadillac's answer to the rising popularity of European luxury imports as Mercedes-Benz and BMW. GM planners were becoming concerned that the division's once-vaunted image as the “standard of the world" was fading, especially among the younger generation of car buyers.

Over time, European luxury cars had become quite luxurious and even more expensive than the much larger Cadillacs. As market share of these imports continued to climb, it became obvious that the traditional American automotive paradigm of "bigger equals better" had begun to falter. The Seville became the smallest and most expensive model in the lineup.

1980-1985

While the first-generation Seville had proved quite successful, it failed in its primary mission of winning over younger import buyers. Marketing research indicated that the car was most popular with older women who wanted a Cadillac in a smaller, more maneuverable size. For the 1980 model year, the Seville's K-body platform became front-wheel drive, based on the E-body Eldorado, Buick Riviera, and Oldsmobile Toronado. Cadillac's new 6.0 L L62 V8 with Digital Fuel Injection was a no-cost option except in California, where the fuel-injected Oldsmobile 350 remained available as a no-cost option.

The razor-edged bustle-back rear styling drew inspiration from English coachbuilder Hooper & Co.'s "Empress Line" designs from the early 1950s, which were considered a dramatic, modern take on the mid-'30s style of trunk/body integration.

1986-1991

In 1985, an all-new, smaller body style attempted to combine the crisp angularity of the original Seville with the rounded edges of the new aerodynamic aesthetic. This series featured a transverse-mounted V8 driving the front wheels. The smaller exterior size and cautious styling were regarded by some traditional Cadillac customers as being too similar to cars produced by other GM divisions. The new Seville also came with a 15% price increase over the 1985 model.

In 1990, the Seville got a new fuel injection system which brought the horsepower up to 180. Front park lamps were no longer mounted in the fender on any Cadillac but the STS was further modified. New side and rear body color fascias gave the car a sportier, more aggressive look.

1992-1997

For 1992, Cadillac delivered a new, European-flavored Seville with positive reviews from both car magazines and customers. The Seville Touring Sedan was Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1992. It also made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list that year. The Seville STS adopted styling cues from the 1988 Cadillac Voyage concept car. The 1993 addition of the Northstar System, including the Northstar quad-cam 32-valve aluminum V8 and a new unequal-length control arm rear suspension to the STS helped the Seville increase sales. The rear suspension previously featured a single transverse leaf spring like the Chevrolet Corvette. The wheelbase was back up to  2,800 mm with a 5,180 mm overall length. The Seville was divided into two sub-models:

• The Seville Luxury Sedan (SLS) started with the 4.9 L HT-4900 V8 but got a 270 hp  LD8 Northstar V8 for 1994
• The Seville Touring Sedan (STS) also started with the 4.9 L HT-4900 in 1992 but was upgraded to the 295 hp  L37 Northstar in 1993

1998-2004

A redesigned Seville was introduced in late 1997 for 1998 MY, built on GM's G platform (which GM chose to continue to refer to as the K).

The Seville STS (and companion Eldorado ETC) became the most powerful front-wheel-drive cars on the market at 300 hp (224 kW). The top STS model ran 0–60 mph in 6.4 seconds and had a 14.8 second quarter-mile time. The fifth-generation Seville was the first Cadillac engineered to be built in both left- and right-hand-drive form; and the first modern Cadillac to be officially sold in a right-hand-drive market (the United Kingdom). Models sold in Japan were left-hand drive. In the past, right-hand-drive Cadillacs were built from CKD kits or special conversion kits shipped for local conversion. An export version was produced with narrower bumpers to get under a 5 meter taxation length.

Production of the Seville STS ended on May 16, 2003. Seville SLS production ended seven months later on December 4, 2003. In 2004, only the Seville SLS model was available for purchase. The Seville model name was discontinued for 2005 and replaced with the Cadillac STS.

escalade

The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV engineered and manufactured by General Motors. It was Cadillac's first major entry into the SUV market. The Escalade was introduced for the 1999 model year in response to competition from the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Range Rover and Lexus LX as well as Ford's 1998 release of the Lincoln Navigator. The Escalade project went into production only ten months after it was approved. The Escalade is built in Arlington, Texas. The word "escalade" refers to a siege warfare tactic of scaling defensive walls or ramparts with the aid of ladders or siege towers.

ciel

The Cadillac Ciel is a hybrid electric concept car created by Cadillac and unveiled at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The Ciel has a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter direct injection V6 producing 425 hp  and a hybrid system using lithium-ion battery technology. The Ciel is a four-seat convertible with a wheelbase of 3,200 mm. It was developed at GM Design's North Hollywood Design Center.

The Ciel comes with rear suicide doors, and the interior features a smooth wooden dashboard with a simple gauge look. The word "Ciel" is French for "sky"- which is what the designers had in mind when they made the vehicle. At the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Cadillac unveiled a new concept, the Cadillac Elmiraj, which is similar in design to the Ciel, except it is a coupe. Both vehicles were designed by Niki Smart.

ct6

The CT6 is longer and wider than the XTS and offers more interior volume. It uses a mix of steel and aluminum making it lighter than other cars in its size class. It was brought to market as an addition to, not a replacement for, the now-discontinued XTS.

Cadillac projected the CT6 would be the temporary flagship until it would bring a larger, more luxurious CT8 sedan to market.^[9] However, the CT8 did not come to fruition, and the CT6 remained the brand's flagship sedan.

The CT6 was initially available with a choice of three engines, a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter turbo (a first for a full-size Cadillac) and two V6 engines, a 3.6-liter and a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged offering 404 hp and 542 N⋅m together with cylinder deactivation. The CT6 will be available in both rear-wheel drive (standard on four-cylinder models) and all-wheel drive (standard on all six-cylinder models). A 4.2-liter twin-turbo V8 engine is available for the 2019 models making 550 hp in the CT6-V and 500 hp in the V-Sport version. Torque for both engines is 868 and 778 N⋅m respectively.

The second-generation Cadillac CT6 has been leaked thanks to China’s Ministry of Industry and Technology revealing the entirety of its exterior design and some specs. The new model, reserved for the Chinese market, will serve as Cadillac’s ICE-powered flagship model outside the US.

The second-gen Cadillac CT6 measures about the same as the first generation. The 3109 mm wheelbase is identical, all but confirming the rumors that the new model sits on an upgraded version of its predecessor’s GM Omega RWD underpinnings.

The new Cadillac will be fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine manufactured by the SAIC-GM joint venture. The engine produces 233 hp  which is identical to the outgoing model. The top speed is rated at 230 km/h.

lyriq

The Cadillac Lyriq is a battery electric crossover. As Cadillac's first fully electric vehicle, and the first GM production vehicle using the BEV3 platform, the Lyriq introduces a new version of GM's Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system.

At debut, the Cadillac Lyriq is offered with a single motor driving the rear wheels.  All-wheel drive is expected to follow later. The motor generates 340 hp and 441 N⋅m torque. It is powered by a 100 kWh (360 MJ) battery with an estimated 480 km range. The battery supports Level 2 and DC fast charging.

The Lyriq was first delivered to American dealerships in the highest demand markets of New York, Los Angeles, and Detroit in the first week of July 2022.

celestiq

The Cadillac Celestiq is a battery electric car made by the Cadillac division of General Motors. It is the brand's flagship sedan, replacing the Cadillac CT6. Production commenced in January 2024. One of the vehicle's distinct features is its smart glass roof, manufactured by Research Frontiers.

Like the Cadillac Lyriq, an electric SUV which precedes it, the Celestiq uses GM's Ultium battery technology and BEV3 platform.

The designer of the Celestiq, Magalie Debellis, also was responsible for designing the Lyriq, and the two electric vehicles shared design elements such as the front grille and taillamps.  Overall, the concept drew inspiration from earlier Cadillac models, including the 1957 Eldorado Brougham and 1930–40 Cadillac V-16, as well as the architecture of Eero Saarinen, who designed GMTC and the Gateway Arch.

The Celestiq will be an all-wheel drive vehicle using two electric traction motors, one each for the front and rear axle, delivering an estimated combined output of 600 hp and 870 N⋅m of torque, with an estimated acceleration of 0–100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.

cyclone concept

One of the last cars designed by Harley Earl, the Cyclone was a testbed for futuristic styling and technology. Built on a 104" wheelbase chassis, it featured a front-mounted 390in³ engine, rear-mounted automatic transaxle, and an all-wheel independent suspension. Uniquely, the Cyclone's engine exhaust was ported out just ahead of the front wheels. It also featured a radar-operated collision avoidance system, with the radar sensors mounted in twin "nose-cones" on the front of the car.

Of the Cyclone's stylistic features, the bubble top canopy was the most prominent. Silver coated for UV protection, the canopy automatically opened along with the sliding electrically operated doors. The canopy could also be stowed in the rear compartment, where it rested on a special air-bag base.

The Cyclone's design was heavily inspired by the aviation and rocket designs of the 1950s. The original design of the Cyclone included larger tailfins (similar looking to the 1959 Cadillac lineup), adorned with the logo of the General Motors Air Transport Section (GMATS). These fins were reduced in size in 1964 (and the GMATS logo removed) to look more like the 1963-64 Cadillac range.  It currently resides within the GM Heritage Collection.

more concept cars

The Cadillac DPi-V.R is a sports prototype racing car which started competing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in North America in 2017. It is the successor to the Corvette DP. It marked Cadillac's début to sports car racing as a full constructor since Cadillac Northstar LMP that competed in American Le Mans Series from 2000 to 2002. It was unveiled on November 30, 2016. Cadillac DPi-V.R is the variation of Dallara P217 base. The car was designed to compete in the DPi Prototype class. The car's first win came at the 2017 24 Hours of Daytona by Wayne Taylor Racing.

1950 Cadillac Series 61 Le Mans “Le Monstre”

In 1950 the Cadillac was registered for the first time at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The French called this car “Le Monstre.” As Le Mans rules permitted rebodying of standard automobiles, this aberrant look represented an attempt to reduce both weight and wind resistance. Briggs Cunningham had decided to hedge his two-Cadillac bet for Le Mans, streamlining this car to render it more competitive, while leaving the other alone in case the aerodynamic experiment failed.

Its body was so extraordinary that Le Mans officials spent hours in examination to assure themselves that the chassis was standard Cadillac. Standard, too, was the engine, except for a five carburetor induction system and some fine tuning. The engines was a 90 degree V8, overhead valves, 160 hp at 3800 rpm.

A Grumman engineer on Long Island had contributed the body design. The scale model was tested in a wind tunnel normally used for evaluating crop dusters and other slow flying airplanes. Aircraft influence in the car extended to inclusion of a tubular “crash frame.” 

Cadillac powered the Cadillac Northstar LMP a Le Mans Prototype in the early years of the American Le Mans Series from 2000 to 2002. When the prototype proved unsuccessful, Cadillac withdrew from the series. Cadillac's most successful venture into motorsport in recent years has been its use of the CTS-V in the SCCA World Challenge Grand Touring class. Cadillac returned to prototype racing in 2017 with the Cadillac DPi-V.R in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with considerable success.

Cadillac will return to endurance racing with a Hypercar entry in 2023, alongside Toyota, Peugeot, Porsche, Ferrari, Audi, BMW, Acura, Glickenhaus and ByKOLLES.  

V-series.R

The Cadillac V-Series.R, originally named the Cadillac V-LMDh, is a sports prototype racing car designed by Cadillac and built by Dallara. It is designed to the Le Mans Daytona h regulations, and debuted in the IMSA SportsCar Championship at the season opening 24 Hours of Daytona. The car is also contesting the FIA World Endurance Championship from 2023 onwards. The engine's 5.5L displacement is the largest displacement of any of the GTP cars debuted in the revival of the GTP class at the 2023 24 Hours of Daytona.