Introduction

The moment you sit in the Eldorado Touring Coupe, or "ETC," as it has been badged, you know you're in a Cadillac. The cues and styling of the Eldorado interior say what Cadillacs have always said: "big," "lavish," "grandiose." But dipping into the power of the forceful Northstar V8, a different breed of Cadillac comes to life. From the first takeoff this car identifies itself as a far more aggressive package than you remember, aimed at a much younger buyer. The ETC definitely has its strengths -- but it also has enough "old" Cadillac qualities to compromise the result.

Walkaround

At a glance, the ETC is no lightweight with a curb weight of 3876 pounds. It shouldn't be, but the ETC's weight is visual and stylistic as well as physical. This car's lines are clean and spare, but the high beltline, huge C-pillar, heavy-looking trunk box and small, bunker-like windows convey an impression of enormous mass. And the closer you get, the bigger it seems. With a lengthy 108-inch wheelbase and overall length of 200.6 inches, it is the largest of the mass-market coupes, surpassed only by the recently deceased Lincoln Continental Mark VIII. The ETC is furnished with the full-thrust 300-horsepower Northstar V8, while the base Eldorado has a milder 275-horsepower version of the same engine. Body-colored grille and bumpers blend handsomely into the car's form, the whole tied to together by a narrow band of chrome running the full length of the car. Our test ETC was furnished with optional chrome eight-spoke sport wheels ($795), which brighten the car's character nicely, and optional Goodyear Eagle GA P225/60ZR16 tires ($250). Officially categorized as "mid-size," the ETC has class-leading volume in both the front seat and back seat, and the impression created by the enormous trunk box is no illusion. Classically Cadillac, the ETC trunk is a massive 15 cubic feet, far greater than other mid-size coupes.

Interior Features

The Eldorado Touring Coupe's interior is large, elegant, and generous in appointments. For safety, dual front de-powered airbags are standard. A beautifully sleek band of fine Zebrano wood trim encircles you from mid-door around the dashboard to mid-door. The dash is admirably simple and straightforward, with excellent analog instruments. The automatic twilight-sensing headlight system can be adjusted for sensitivity or switched off altogether. The steering wheel has two paddles, one that controls audio volume and station selection, the other controlling the climate control's temperature and fan level. The wheel adjusts up and down, but does not telescope fore and aft. A full multi-task trip computer is mounted on the dash above the console. It computes current cruising range, fuel efficiency, fuel used, average speed, elapsed time, battery voltage, percent of oil-life left -- in either English or metric figures. Next to this computer are remote controls for opening the trunk and fuel door. A fine Bose AM/FM/cassette/CD is standard on the ETC (optional in the base Eldorado) with a 12-disc remote changer in the trunk standard. The radio also has a radio data system that will display the station, search for particular kinds of stations or look for traffic bulletins. It can even interrupt tapes and CDs with emergency information. The heating and air conditioning system delivers readouts for both interior and exterior ambient temperature. A toggle on the lower right allows the front passenger to select separate temperature settings. Rear-seat passengers get their own climate controls as well. The ETC's heated seats warm quickly, but we found the lowest of the two settings too hot. Fog lights are standard, as are the obligatory two front cupholders. The electric external rearview mirrors have a handy provision that adjusts them downward to the curb when Reverse is selected, aiding in parking this large car. Our test car was furnished with the standard compass in the rearview mirror and an optional overhead garage-door opener ($107). The Eldorado Touring Coupe's upholstery is gorgeous, glove-quality light-cream leather. The front seats have eight-way power adjustment. Lateral support is average, but the lumbar adjustment is excellent. We found the seatback-tilt range insufficient, dictating more recline than some drivers demand.