2008
CTS V6 DI Performance Sedan
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SPECS
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To say
Cadillac has come a long way since the time of fading "American"
automobiles would be an understatement. On the other hand, they seem to have
captured what the driving enthusiast is looking for as well as retain some
of what makes this car company "Cadillac."
In my
day, as they say, owning a Cadillac was the end all, be all. You were really
something if you could own/drive a Cadillac, whether it be the top-of-the-line
Coupe de Ville or the sporty Eldorado. I can remember coveting a 1984 Cadillac
Eldorado, a stablemate at the time to the Buick Rivera and Oldsmobile Toronado.
What a beautiful automobile.
We've
enjoyed driving the recent editions of the new CTS. There is little to complain about. The ride is smooth and quiet,
with little or no noticeable jarring when navigating bumps. The IP, console
that holds the nav system, radio and controls for heating, cooling is sporty
and up-to-date. Understated might be a word used to describe the IP. Controls
are easy to reach and once you learn what all the buttons mean, you'll be
on your way.
As with
many new upscale vehicles today, keyless ignition is standard fare. The CTS,
though, has a key-like stalk on the ignition. The only drawback is you've
got to remember your Œother' key to get back into the car, even though you
don't need it to start the car.
Some of
the many standard features on our test CTS include antilock braking system,
StabiliTrak stability control, all-speed traction control, tire pressure monitor,
tire sealant and inflator kit in place of spare (if you don't pop for the
optional compact spare); front/side impact airbags, driver and front passenger,
head curtain side airbags front/rear, daytime running lights, twilight sentinel
auto lamps, power door locks-programmable, remote keyless entry, 1 yr/ OnStar
directions with turn-by-turn navigation, leather wrapped steering wheel with
auxiliary controls, dual zone climate control seats, power seat adjust-driver,
8 way, power windows, driver and front passenger express up/down, power heated
outside mirrors, inside rearview, mirror, auto dimming, cruise, driver information
center, rear seat pass-thru to trunk, XM Satellite radio (service first 3
months included).
In daily
driving it's hard to find the place where you can see what this CTS will do.
Those who took the first drive noticed some diving left and mild understeer,
but when corrected had good recovery.
The 08 CTS is built on an evolution of the Sigma-based original (think
STS). The wheelbase is the same but with STS' wider track. In order to transform
the CTS' proportions, Cadillac borrowed the floorpan structure, front of dash,
lower A-pillar and rear chassis rails from the STS.
What's
new on the CTS is the wide use of aluminum, in the short/long arm front suspension
and all-aluminum front 40-percent stiffer cradle. There is a large aluminum
brace across the engine compartment. In spite of all that's new in this performance
sedan, it's up to the driver to choose which suspension suits: There are three
different setups, two different size wheels and three different-spec Michelin
tires. If you want it, all-wheel-drive is also available.
Two six-speed
transmissions are available: GM's new 6L50 automatic and the Aisin Warner
AY6 manual. Our test vehicle came equipped with the 6-speed automatic. The
"sport" mode will adapt to your driving style and dynamic inputs
such as brake and steering. GM
figures just under 2 percent of American CTS customers will choose the six-speed
manual.
Initially
offered with three engines: 210 hp., 2.8-liter V6; 258 hp., 3.6-liter V6 and
304-hp., 3.6 V6 with direct injection. All three are versions of GM's all-aluminum,
quad cam, 24-valve "high-feature" engine. Top-of-the-line 3.6-liter
V6 offers plenty of punch and carries the CTS along just nicely. For the purist,
maybe not. But for those thinking about adding the CTS to their fleet, it
probably will be.
Born and
bred in the U.S., the Cadillac CTS is sharper and more defined this time around.
A look that says performance and muscle defines this new CTS. But don't forget
to notice that not only is it "premium," it is "all-American."
Is it
possible to buy this CTS performance sedan for less than $45,000? Well, if
you can do without some of the goodies that GM invariably throws on, at a
price. Our test car came with about every option available. First up is the
Premium Luxury Collection, that includes everything but the kitchen sink,
including AM/FM stereo CD/DVD player, MP3 format, Bose 5.1 cabin surround
sound 10 speaker system, 40GB Hard Drive device, navigation system with XM
navigation traffic-service fee extra (first 3 months included); Ultraview
sunroof, Sapele wood trim on center console, instrument panel and door trim.
Next up
in options, and included in the $8,165 price is the Luxury level One Package
(17-inch machined finish aluminum wheels, theft deterrent alarm system, rainsense
windshield wipers, interior accent lighting. Also included is the Luxury Level
II Package (heated and cooled seats, driver and front passenger seats, rear
split folding, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, universal home remote,
keyless access, rear park assist, seating package (seats, leather surfaces
, power seat adjust-front, passenger and power lumbar-front passenger/driver,
10-way, memory seat adjuster, heated windshield, washer fluid.
To top
off the option list is the Crystal Red Premium Paint, $995, and compact spare
tire, $250 (replaces the tire inflator kit).
As we've
always maintained, nothing much comes for free (or standard) with GM automobiles.
So much is optional. A vehicle without all of the above is a darn nice vehicle,
but once one gets accustomed to the above, it's hard to be without. Exactly
the point! And, of course, those buyers in this market won't be quibbling
about extras.
Reviewed by Susan
Frissell. Womenwithwheels.com. All Rights Reserved. 2008.