The ultra-luxury Allanté's body and interior was built by Pininfarina in Turin, Italy. The finished bodies were flown to GM's Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant where the powerplant and suspension were installed. Each completed model was driven for 25 miles for an individual evaluation. The front-wheel drive Allanté was powered by a specially tuned version of Cadillac's 4.1-liter V-8. It used special magnesium rocker arm covers and an aluminum oil pan.

The Allanté chassis was intended for use on a convertible. Its all-independent suspension consisting of front MacPherson struts and coil springs in conjunction with rear MacPherson struts and a composite transverse leaf spring provided skidpad readings of 0.82 g. Also found on the Allanté was a new Bosch II ABS and exclusive P225/60VR15 Eagle GT tires.

Only two interior options were available for the Allanté: a choice of two leather colors and a cellular telephone. The Allanté interior was available in either burgundy or natural saddle leather. The Allanté seats were manufactured by Recaro and featured a 10-way memory system.

The Allanté's exterior design, characterized by a wedge-shaped profile and a pronounced forward rake, was very aerodynamic with a drag coefficient of 0.34. General Manager Grettenberger remarked that "Allanté owners will find that even with the top down they will be able to carry on a conversation in normal tones." Sergio Pininfarina reported that working with Cadillac to produce the Allanté was "the realization of a life-long dream."

STYLE

Model
Number
Style
Number
Body
Type
SeatingFactory
Price
Shipping
Weight
Production
Total
6VR672-door Convertible2$547003494 lb3366

ENGINE

Type90-degree, overhead valve, V-8, aluminum block and cast iron cylinder liners, cast iron cylinder heads
Displacement249 cu. in. (4.0 liters)
Bore & Stroke3.46 in. x 3.31 in.
Compression ratio8.5:1
Brake horsepower170 @ 4300 rpm
Torque235 lb-ft. @ 3200 rpm
Main BearingsFive main bearings
Valve LiftersRoller hydraulic valve lifters
Fuel DeliverySequential multi-port fuel injection

CHASSIS

Wheelbase99.4 in.
Overall Length178.6 in.
Height52.2 in.
Width73.5 in.
Front Tread60.4 in.
Rear Tread60.4 in.
Standard TiresGoodyear Eagle VL P225/55VR16

DRIVETRAIN

TransmissionTHM F7 automatic four-speed (includes overdrive, viscous converter clutch and electronic shift control)
Steeringpower-assisted rack and pinion.
Steering Ratios15.6:1
Front SuspensionIndependent MacPherson strut with coil springs, strut-type shock absorbers (integral-in strut and electronic variable) and stabilizer bar
Rear Suspensionfully independent with coil springs. integral-in strut electronic variable shock absorbers with no rear stabilizer
Brakespower discs, front and rear
Body Constructionintegral body frame
Fuel Tank22 gal.

LITERATURE & LINKS