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.

• Inside and out, it was an all-new Eldorado coupe and Touring Coupe (option code YP5) for 1992.
• The Eldo returned to a traditional hardtop configuration with the "door glass into roof" design rather than a full door frame.
• Overall, compared to the previous year's Eldo, length of the luxury coupe increased 10.8 inches to 202.2 inches, body width increased 3.5 inches to 74.8 inches, and height increased to 54 inches.
• Structurally, Eldo's unibody construction was improved with the addition of crush zones for enhanced safety and an integrated, solid feel.
• The front frame was stiffer and featured new engine and transmission mounts for improved stability and road noise isolation.
• The returning 4.9-liter V-8 received 100,000-mile replacement interval, platinum-tipped spark plugs, and was again coupled to the 4T60-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.
• Eldorados also received a new brake/transmission shift interlock and featured improved braking via larger front and rear brake rotors and larger front calipers.
• Eldo's redesigned appearance included a larger flush-glass windshield and flush-glass door and rear-quarter windows; revamped front fenders, rear quarter panels, and hood with stand-up ornament: body-color fascias with rub strips; chrome-plated grille; revised park, signal and cornering lamps; flush door handles; revamped bodyside moldings with bright upper strip and integral "Eldorado" or "Touring Coupe" lettering with gray border; low-gloss black rocker molding; new center high-mounted stoplamp integrated into package shelf; new tail-lamp assembly and rear fascia, new decklid with revised locking emblem and new "Eldorado" lettering integrated into rear license plate pocket.
• The trunk was also redesigned to reduce liftover height while offering 15.3 cubic feet of space (an increase of 1.2 cubic feet over the previous year's version).
• In addition, the trunklid opened to a full upright position.
• Inside, interior volume increased two cubic feet (115 cubic feet overall).
• New Bistro Cloth trim was used and seats were redesigned for enhanced comfort.
• Other new features included a revamped instrument panel that had Zebrano wood accents, a steering column-mounted transmission shift level, a more compact center front mini console, center front overhead console and modular headliner with ergonomically positioned courtesy/reading lamps and retractable coat hooks.
• The standard climate control system was improved with an upgraded electronic solar sensor and adjustable outlets with five-speed fan control.
• Optional equipment included more supple leather seating areas; Sport Interior package that included full floor console with shift lever and analog instrument cluster; heated front seats (available only with leather); and Delco-Bose Gold Series CD sound system.
• Other new equipment found on the Eldo included 16-inch cast aluminum wheels with Michelin XGT4 P225/60R16 touring tires (blackwall or whitewall could be selected).
• The redesigned Eldo achieved a 0.33 coefficient of drag compared to the previous year's 0.38.
• Steering ratio was 6.5:1, which required 2.81 turns lock-to-lock.
• The Eldo's curb-to-curb turning circle was 40 feet.
• Weight distribution. front to rear was 62.8 percent to 37.2 percent.
• The Touring Coupe featured a monochromatic paint scheme, specific chrome-plated grille with wreath-and-crest emblem, a specific, body-color front fascia and integral foglamps.
• The rear, body-color fascia featured dual cutouts for chrome-plated exhaust tips.
• The Touring Coupe was offered in 11 colors, including three new ones: Slate Green, Dark Plum and Gold Diamond.
• Final drive ratio for the Touring Coupe was 3.33:1.
• Computer Command Ride was standard equipment and featured four electronically controlled struts that were revalved for stiffer suspension qualities.
• The Touring Coupe rode on specific 16-inch aluminum wheels and Goodyear Eagle GA P225/60HR16 tires.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.