SLS to be sold in Middle East

The SLS, a stretched version of the STS that was designed for the Chinese market now will have a second market to call home - the Middle East. In the first quarter of 08, the lengthened version of the STS, with a ritzier interior than we get even in the 2008 STS and built in Shanghai, China will go on sale in several markets of the Middle East (a place where Cadillac is doing quite well already). Read on for the official press release:DETROIT– Cadillac announced that the SLS, the stretched version of the STS luxury sedan, will become available in the Middle East in the first quarter of 2008. The SLS is based on the STS sedan with additional design and engineering work, as well as manufacturing, taking place at Shanghai GM’s state-of-the art facilities in Shanghai, China. The SLS went on sale in China in March. The car has helped to boost overall Cadillac sales in China by 128 percent in the first nine months of 2007, compared to the same period in 2006. “We’re proud to bring the SLS to the Middle East market, where we believe it will be just as successful with luxury car consumers there as it has been in China,” said Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor. Based on the STS luxury sedan, the SLS is stretched 100 mm. The additional length results in a luxurious and spacious interior with rear legroom of 1060 mm. The design of the SLS is unmistakably Cadillac. Diamond-faceted contours echo the geometry of other Cadillac vehicles. Subtle V-shapes, inspired by Cadillac’s shield badge, are a recurring motif in both the exterior and interior design. In typical Cadillac fashion, the SLS interior design and fit and finish deliver an outstanding experience from any seat. Ambient lighting, Tuscany leather and sapele pommele wood accents all give the cabin a relaxing and premium look and feel. Under the hood, the Northstar 4.6 liter V-8 engine produces 320 horsepower, giving the SLS outstanding performance. The six-speed automatic transmission is electronically-controlled. Magnetic Ride Control and StabilTrak, along with a sport suspension, deliver both a refined ride and responsive handling.