1992 Eldorado
The 1992 Seville and Eldorado models were Cadillac's first totally new offerings since the luxury automaker was reorganized in 1987 as an autonomous General Motors division.
Nineteen ninety-two brought the new fifth-generation front-drive Eldorado -- and a handsome gift it was. With the Seville having become Cadillac's designated player in the "international" luxury game, some observers felt its two-door companion would revert to a more baroque, less youthful concept. Not so. The driver-oriented Touring Coupe is back, and a thoughtful redesign renders both it and the standard Eldorado decisive world-class cars, Cadillac-style.
1992 Eldorado
Though wheelbase is unchanged at 108 inches, overall length is up 10.8 inches (to 202.2), width 3.5 inches (to 74.8), and height about an inch (to 54). Cadillac has used these gains to provide not only more passenger and cargo space, but also a more balanced and "important" look. We see traces of the taut Allanté in the nose and lower body, yet overall appearance is expressively unique, highlighted by wide roof sail panels, curved backlight, and an artfully sculptured rear end.
1992 Eldorado
Weight has also increased, though only by some 200 pounds -- modest given the increased exterior dimensions and a stouter understructure with softer mounts that all but eliminate noise, vibration, and harshness. Cadillac's Computer Command Ride system has been retuned to suit -- and to suit each model's carefully conceived on-road personality; a new transverse tubular -- steel bar lends extra rigidity to the cowl area. Save larger brakes all-round, running gear is little changed -- and didn't need to be. Performance is likewise as good as before, despite the extra weight, with Cadillac claiming 0-60 in under nine seconds.
1992 Eldorado
As before, the '92 Eldorados portray different personas inside as much as outside. Where the standard model remains traditional -- digital instrumentation, column shift, plush cloth seats -- the Touring Coupe presents analog gauges, a full-length console with floor shift, and multi-adjustable power sport seats covered in leather. The good news is that TC-type appointments are available on the standard Eldorado, and both models boast a sweeping new ergonomically designed instrument panel, rear-seat air ducts, improved automatic climate control system, and rich Zebrano wood accents. Standard equipment, ever generous on Eldorados, is newly expanded to include GM's "PASS-Key" theft-deterrent system. On the options list are heated front seats, power front seatback recliners and lumbar-support adjusters, heated windshield, and self-dipping electrochromic rearview mirror. The standard audio system is a 200-watt AM/FM/cassette unit with graphic equalizer; optional is a revamped Delco/Bose system with integrated compact-disc.
1992 Eldorado
In short, the '92 Eldorado is quite a package: smooth, sophisticated and ... well, elegant. Of course, it's too early now to say just how history will ultimately judge it, but we think this latest in the long line of front-drive personal Cadillacs will be as much a collectible automobile one day as that first trend-setting '67 has become in our time.
1992 Eldorado
One thing sure: Eldorado will continue to be an exemplar of contemporary automotive elegance, just as Cadillac will continue to reclaim its historic position as the world's dominant luxury-car power. Certainly the grand new 1992 Eldorado gives clear notice that the troubles of Cadillac's recent past are over. Yes, "The Standard of the World" is back, and we couldn't be happier.
The 1992 Cadillac had a 17-symbol vehicle identification number (VIN) stamped on a metal tag attached to the upper left surface of the cowl visible through the windshield. The digits of the code were as follows: |
First digit = "1" = manufacturing country (United States) |
Second = "G" = General Motors |
Third = "6" = Cadillac |
Fourth & fifth = car line/series: E/L=Eldorado |
Sixth = the body style: 1 = two-door coupe/sedan |
Seventh = the restraint code:
|
Eighth = the engine: "B" = L26 4.9L V-8 |
Ninth = check digit |
10th = model year, "N" for 1992 |
11th = the assembly plant |
The remaining six digits identify the production sequence number |
Series | Body/Style | Body Type | Factory Price | Shipping Weight | Prod. Total |
EL | L57 | 2-dr. Coupe | $32470 | 3604 lb | 31,151 (Includes Eldorados equipped with Touring Coupe option) |
Type | 90-degree, overhead valve V-8 |
Block | Aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners. cast iron cylinder heads |
Displacement | 300 cu . in. (4.9 liters) |
Bore & Stroke | 3.62 x 3.62 in. |
Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
Brake horsepower | 200 @ 4100 rpm. |
Torque | 275 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm. |
Valve lifters | Roller hydraulic |
Fuel supply | Sequential port fuel injection. |
Wheelbase | 108.0 in. |
Overall Length | 202.2 in. |
Height | 54.0 in. |
Width | 74.8 in. |
Front Tread | 60.9 in. |
Rear Tread | 60.9 in. |
Standard Tires | P225/60R16 |
Touring Tires | Goodyear Eagle GA P225/60HR16 |
Transmission | 4T60-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic with overdrive (includes viscous converter clutch) |
Steering | Power-assisted rack-and-pinion |
Front suspension | Independent Macpherson strut with coil springs, strut-type shock absorbers -- Computer Command Ride and stabilizer bar |
Rear Suspension | Fully independent transverse monoleaf w/automatic level control and Computer Command Ride, no rear stabilizer |
Brakes | Power assisted front and rear disc w/Bosch II anti-lock braking system |
Body Construction | Integral body-frame |
Fuel Tank | 18.8 gals. |