1996 Cadillac Seville STS The Northstar still shines bright. By Helen V. Hutchings, New Car Test Drive .com

The American motoring press rarely speaks with one voice, but the Cadillac

Northstar System--heart of the Seville sedan and Eldorado coupe--is one area of U.S.

automotive technology that's generated uniformly high marks since its introduction in

1992.

It's the critical edge that keeps these cars competitive against their rivals,

import and domestic, and it revives Cadillac's old marketing slogan-"An American

Standard For The World," a corporate statement dating to 1908.

Although power is a key ingredient, the Northstar System is more than just the

potent 4.6-liter dual overhead cam 32-valve V8 engine that drives the front wheels of

the Seville and Eldorado. Virtually every other vehicle system is integrated as well.

Engine and transmission controls are computer coordinated, giving the standard 4-speed

4T80-E automatic exceptional shift quality to go with the car's blazing acceleration.

Magnasteer translates driver command and returns road feel, enhancing the sense of

control. Braking and acceleration are monitored and optimized by the latest GM

antilock braking system and traction control.

And all these sub-systems are computer-orchestrated by the Northstar Integrated

Chassis Control System, which adapts ride and handling to road conditions and vehicle

speed.

Systems within systems within a system. Anyone who thinks that technological

sophistication is the exclusive province of imported luxury cars probably hasn't had a

taste of the Northstar experience.

Our most recent experience with this outstanding techno symphony came in a '96

Seville STS, the top of the Seville-Eldorado line.