Cadillac Allante: Price, Mileage, Features, Specs, Variants, Engine, Interior, History & More

Brief Introduction of Cadillac Allante

The Cadillac Allante is a two-door, two-seater luxury roadster that was marketed by Cadillac from 1987 to 1993. As Cadillac’s foray into the high-end European-dominated luxury convertible market, the Allante was a unique blend of Italian design and American engineering. Its bodies were designed and manufactured by the famed Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina in Turin, Italy, and then flown to Detroit, Michigan, for final assembly in what was dubbed the “world’s longest assembly line.” This ambitious and costly production process underscored Cadillac’s attempt to create a “halo” car that would compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz SL and Jaguar XJS. Though it only had a single generation, the Allante saw significant yearly updates and engine variations, making it a noteworthy and collectible vehicle in Cadillac’s history.

Cadillac Allante Overview

Generations and History of Cadillac Allante

First Generation (1987-1993)

The Cadillac Allante was produced for a single generation, spanning from the 1987 to 1993 model years. The initial 1987 model was introduced with a 4.1-liter V8 engine producing 170 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The Allante’s most distinctive feature was its production process, a collaboration between General Motors and Pininfarina of Italy. The car bodies were built in Italy and then flown to GM’s Hamtramck, Michigan assembly plant to be mated with the chassis and powertrain. This unique “Air Bridge” was a testament to the intended exclusivity and high-end positioning of the Allante.

Throughout its production run, the Allante received several key updates. In 1989, the engine was upgraded to a 4.5-liter V8, which increased the output to 200 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This engine gave the Allante the distinction of having the most torque of any front-wheel-drive car in production at the time. The final and most significant powertrain update came in 1993 with the introduction of the 4.6-liter Northstar V8 engine, which produced a potent 295 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. This transformed the Allante’s performance, making it a much more competitive player in the luxury roadster segment.

The Allante is a discontinued model, with production ending after the 1993 model year. There are no currently available versions of the Cadillac Allante being produced.

Cadillac Allante Facelifts and Yearly Updates

Cadillac Allante Variants and Features

The Cadillac Allante was offered as a single variant: a two-door convertible. A removable aluminum hardtop was standard on early models and became an option in later years. The interior was well-appointed with leather upholstery and a host of technological features for its time. Early models featured 10-way adjustable Recaro leather seats. In 1993, these were replaced with Lear-designed eight-way dual power seats. The instrument panel was a digital display, though an analog version was available as a no-cost option in some years. Standard comfort and convenience features included automatic climate control, power windows, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with a tilt function. The audio systems were a key feature, starting with a Delco-GM/Bose Symphony Sound System and later being upgraded to a more powerful version, and then to a Delco “Premium Symphony Sound System” in the final year. For safety, the Allante was equipped with Bosch anti-lock brakes from its inception and a driver’s side airbag was added in 1990.

Cadillac Allante Engine, Performance, and Driving Experience

The Cadillac Allante’s performance evolved significantly over its production run. The initial 1987 and 1988 models with the 170-horsepower 4.1L V8 were more suited for comfortable cruising than spirited driving. The upgrade to the 200-horsepower 4.5L V8 in 1989 provided a welcome boost in performance, with a 0-60 mph time of around 8 seconds. The driving experience was further enhanced by the introduction of the Speed Dependent Damping Control suspension system, which adjusted firmness based on speed. The 1993 model with the 295-horsepower 4.6L Northstar V8 was a game-changer, dropping the 0-60 mph time to under 7 seconds and giving the Allante the power to truly compete with its European rivals. All Allante models featured a 4-speed automatic transmission and a front-wheel-drive layout. The suspension was independent on all four wheels, with MacPherson struts in the front and a transverse leaf spring setup in the rear, similar to the Corvette of the era, providing a balance of a comfortable ride and capable handling.

Cadillac Allante Pricing and Mileage

The Cadillac Allante was positioned as a premium luxury vehicle with a correspondingly high price tag. The 1987 model had a starting MSRP of $54,700. By 1988, the base price had risen to $56,533. The 1989 model had an MSRP of $57,183. For 1990, the price was around $58,033, and the 1992 model was priced at $58,470 for the convertible. The 1993 model with the new Northstar engine had an MSRP of around $59,975. Fuel economy for the Allante varied by engine. The 4.1L V8 offered approximately 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The 4.5L V8 was rated at around 15 mpg city and 22-23 mpg highway. The more powerful 4.6L Northstar V8 in the 1993 model achieved an estimated 13 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

Cadillac Allante Colors, Design, and Dimensions

The Cadillac Allante’s design, penned by Pininfarina, was a departure from traditional Cadillac styling, featuring clean, European-inspired lines. Popular exterior colors included Pearl White, Silver Metallic, Bright Red, and Black. Other available colors throughout its run were Gold Metallic, Light Blue Metallic, Maroon Metallic, and Pearl Red. The interior was typically appointed with leather in shades of Saddle, Maroon, Charcoal, or Natural Beige. The Allante’s dimensions remained relatively consistent throughout its production. It had a wheelbase of 99.4 inches, a length of approximately 178.6 to 178.7 inches, a width of around 73.5 inches, and a height of about 52.2 inches. The wheel sizes were 15 inches on early models and were upgraded to 16 inches in 1989.

Cadillac Allante Safety Features

• Airbags: A driver’s side airbag was introduced as a standard feature in 1990.
• ABS / EBD: A Bosch anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard on all Allante models from its introduction in 1987.
• Electronic Stability Control: The Allante featured a traction control system from the 1990 model year onward.
• Crash Test Ratings: The Cadillac Allante was not crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Cadillac Allante Infotainment and Connectivity

For its era, the Cadillac Allante was well-equipped with advanced infotainment features. The standard sound system was a high-quality Delco-GM/Bose Symphony Sound System, which included an AM/FM stereo with a cassette player. In 1990, a CD player was added as a standard feature alongside the cassette player. The 1991 model year saw an upgrade to a 200-watt Bose system. For its final year, the 1993 Allante featured a Delco “Premium Symphony Sound System.” An integrated cellular telephone was available as an option. The instrument cluster was a digital display that provided the driver with a wealth of information.

Cadillac Allante Owner Reviews & Ratings

Owner reviews for the Cadillac Allante are generally positive, with many owners praising its styling, comfort, and, particularly for the 1993 model, its performance. Owners of the 1990-1993 models gave the car a 4.4 out of 5-star rating, with 88% recommending it. Common points of praise include the car’s timeless Pininfarina design, the comfortable ride, and the powerful Northstar V8 in the 1993 model. Some common complaints from owners include the complexity and potential for issues with the convertible top’s pull-down mechanism and the notorious fragility of the Bose stereo systems in earlier models. Electrical issues have also been reported by some owners. Despite these potential issues, many owners express a strong affection for the car, viewing it as a stylish and enjoyable modern classic.

Cadillac Allante Comparison with Similar Cars

The Cadillac Allante was primarily developed to compete with the Mercedes-Benz SL and the Jaguar XJS. In a 1992 comparison by Car and Driver, a 1993 Allante with the Northstar engine was ranked ahead of a Mercedes-Benz 300SL and a Jaguar XJS. The Allante was praised for its powerful engine and responsive handling. A key differentiator for the Allante was its front-wheel-drive layout, which was uncommon in the high-end roadster segment where its main rivals were rear-wheel drive. While the Allante’s initial performance was not on par with the V8-powered Mercedes-Benz 560SL, the 1993 Northstar-equipped model was much more competitive. In terms of pricing, the Allante was expensive for a Cadillac but was generally priced lower than the Mercedes-Benz SL.

Cadillac Allante Awards and Recognition

• The 1993 Cadillac Allante was selected as the Pace Car for the 1992 Indianapolis 500.
• Fortune magazine named the Allante one of the 25 best-designed products in the U.S. shortly after its debut.
• The Parsons School of Design recognized the Allante as one of the 10 most beautiful automobile designs of the previous half-century.

Interesting Facts about Cadillac Allante

• The name “Allante” was chosen from a list of 1,700 computer-generated names.
• The production process, known as the “Allante Air Bridge,” involved flying 56 car bodies at a time on specially equipped Boeing 747s from Italy to the United States.
• The 1993 Allante Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500 was driven by legendary race car driver Bobby Unser.

Cadillac Allante Legacy and Influence

The Cadillac Allante represents a bold and ambitious chapter in the brand’s history. It was a clear attempt to challenge the European dominance in the luxury roadster market and to elevate Cadillac’s image. While it did not achieve the sales success that General Motors had hoped for, the Allante did serve as a technological showcase for Cadillac, introducing features like traction control on a front-wheel-drive V8 car and being the first to feature the now-legendary Northstar V8 engine. The Allante’s unique Italian-American collaboration and its striking Pininfarina design have made it a memorable and collectible car. It pushed the boundaries for Cadillac in terms of design, technology, and price, and its legacy can be seen as a precursor to later halo cars from the brand, such as the Cadillac XLR.

Cadillac Allante Global Availability

The Cadillac Allante was primarily produced for the North American market, with the vast majority of sales in the United States. A small number of Allantes were officially exported. For example, in 1991, only seven cars were manufactured for export, with five going to Canada, one to Italy, and one to Puerto Rico. Canadian models were equipped with a kilometer-based instrument cluster, daytime running lamps, and an engine block heater as standard. The Italian export model had several modifications to comply with European regulations. The Allante was produced exclusively in a left-hand drive configuration.

Cadillac Allante Maintenance and Ownership Costs

The annual maintenance cost for a Cadillac Allante is estimated to be around $460, though this can vary depending on the car’s condition and the specific services required. Some of the more common reported issues include problems with the convertible top’s pull-down mechanism and electrical issues, including with the original Bose sound systems. The engines, particularly the Northstar V8, have a reputation for being generally reliable if well-maintained, but can be costly to repair if major issues arise. The resale value of the Allante has seen some appreciation in recent years as it has become more of a collector’s item. A 1993 Allante has an estimated resale value of around $7,235. A seven-year/100,000-mile warranty was offered on the Allante when it was new.

Final Words about Cadillac Allante

The Cadillac Allante stands as a fascinating and stylish piece of automotive history. Its blend of Italian design flair from Pininfarina and American V8 power created a unique and memorable luxury roadster. While its complex and expensive production process ultimately led to its discontinuation, the Allante remains an appealing vehicle for collectors and enthusiasts. It is particularly attractive to buyers who appreciate its distinctive styling, comfortable ride, and, in the case of the 1993 model, its impressive performance from the Northstar V8 engine. The Allante represents a moment when Cadillac dared to be different and aimed to reclaim its “Standard of the World” status through a bold international collaboration. For those seeking a classic convertible with a unique story and a touch of European elegance, the Cadillac Allante is a compelling choice.