Exclusive paint process enhances richness of CTS-V surface
DETROIT Cadillac will offer this spring a Black Diamond Edition of the high-performance CTS-V that comes with a host of popular performance options and an exclusive tri-coat paint, also called Black Diamond.
The Black Diamond Edition, available in the CTS-V Sedan, Coupe and Wagon models, will be the first use by an automaker of JDSUs proprietary SpectraFlair pigment in North America. JDSU, a Milipitas, Calif.,-based optical technology firm, specializes in cutting-edge colour solutions for a wide range of markets. Its pigments are used in certain DuPont paints supplied to Cadillac.
In the CTS-V Black Diamond, a dark tri-coat paint is embedded with SpectraFlair Bright Silver pigment. While other luxury makers offer metallic paints, Black Diamond is created through a meticulous process that gives the paint added dimension.
Instead of simply containing small bits of metal, the SpectraFlair pigment in Black Diamond uses aluminum flakes encapsulated in a glass-like substance called magnesium fluoride. The result is a paint that has a diamond-like sparkle as light hits the surface from different angles.
The CTS-V Black Diamond Edition is like a finely crafted, tailored tuxedo, said Michelle Killen, Cadillac exterior paint designer. The base colour may be a simple black, but the details and richness of the material set it apart.
Black Diamond helps Cadillac meet growing demand by luxury buyers for paints that are set apart not just by their colour but also by their special effects.
Auto makers and consumers are looking to differentiate the colour black, a ubiquitous colour in automotive, said John Book, Custom Colour Solutions product manager at JDSU. Black Diamond offers the discerning Cadillac customer a special option colour that stands out and remains true to their sense of luxury and style.
In addition to the unique paint, CTS-V Black Diamond comes standard with content that complements its look and feel. The special edition has:
Satin Graphite 19-inch wheels with yellow Brembo brake calipers. These six-piston front, four-piston back brake calipers provide exceptional stopping capabilities.
Recaro seats that feature 14 adjustable elements, French-stitched leather and microfibre suede inserts in the centre sections of the cushions and seatbacks.
Midnight Sapele wood trim known for its durability and distinctive grain.
Weve already established V-Series as a serious sub-brand for Cadillac, said Rich Pinto, Cadillac creative designer. Black Diamond further establishes V-Series in the market as a performance-minded line of vehicles with a luxury twist.
The CTS-V Black Diamond comes with a suggested retail price of $78,320 (Sedan), $77,025 (Coupe) and $80,420 (Sport Wagon) a $5,600 premium over the CTS-V base model prices. The CTS-V Black Diamond will be available at Canadian Cadillac dealerships this Spring.
The CTS-V Black Diamond Edition joins Cadillacs award-winning V-Series line of performance luxury vehicles. The CTS-V Sedan, Coupe and Wagon all feature a supercharged 6.2L V8 engine with 556-horspower, Magnetic Ride Control suspension that reads and reacts to the road 1,000 times a second and Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tire.
About Cadillac in Canada
Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology. More information on Cadillac can be found at www.cadillac.ca.
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