2008 Cadillac CTS
By Chris Jackson, www.car-data.com
The new Cadillac CTS really surprised me. I suppose I should have seen it coming; with thesuccess of mid-sized luxury/sport sedans from overseas, the Big Three have been trying to crack themarket for a long time. Lincoln’s effort, the MKZ, is quite a long way off- base, possibly theright vehicle for Lincoln but not the best way to get the attention of the sport-luxury public, soto speak. The previous generation CTS was a nearer miss, with good driving dynamics and a uniquelyAmerican look. An overly plasticky cabin, so-so drivetrain and average build quality were the onlyelements out of place.
The redesigned 2008 model addresses these points without losing the CTS’ good elements, and hitsthe target straight on. It’s got impressive performance, high technology, and excellent buildquality, wrapped up with design and materials that are first-rate and will make the naysayers takenotice. In short, like the similarly sized offerings from BMW, Audi, Lexus and others, the CTS isvery much the “real deal.”
That’s a good thing for the CTS, because the sport-sedan market has never been a place forposeurs or pretenders and that’s never been truer than in 2008. The CTS communicates its intentwith evolutionary, expressive styling that’s similar to that of the larger Cadillac STS. The CTS’edgy, bladed look is unmistakably Cadillac, and upgrades like a more upright and deeply contouredchrome grille in place of the conservative body-colored unit boost the baby Cadillac’s curbpresence. It’s familiar and fresh at the same time.
Chromed air extractors on the front fenders look like the latest styling trend, but they alsohelp link the CTS to the Escalade and other Cadillacs.
The car’s silhouette is more like a coupe’s than a sedan’s, and there’s an availabledouble-paned sunroof that opens the entire interior up to the sky.
And of course it wouldn’t be a Cadillac without the tall, narrow vertical taillights.
The interior’s even better, with sharp angles that match the exterior and top-class materialsthat even impressed interior designers.
Nothing in the CTS feels cheap. Cadillac makes good use of hand-cut, -stitched and -sewnmaterials, while leather and nickel trim, just a hint of chrome and carbon fiber-like appliqu’s allwork together to create a dash that’s subtle and striking at the same time. Sapele wood interiortrim is also available. The seats are comfortable enough for long drives but firm enough to holdeveryone in place for hard drives. A cool two-mode information screen shows radio settings whenlowered, then raises to become a full-screen GPS display. In addition to impressing passengers,this allows the CTS’ dashboard to carry its extremely contoured design all the way into the consolewithout a break for a large flat information screen.
At night, carefully placed LED lighting adds drama to the interior, and the heated and cooledfront seats are decorated with an elegant V-shaped piece of chrome. Other available featuresinclude heated washer fluid, adaptive headlights, a 10-speaker Bose 5.1 surround-sound audio systemand a remote start.
These days, it’s hard for a luxury car to get anyone’s attention if it hasn’t got impressivemoves on the road, so Cadillac has yanked out the underwhelming six-cylinder that powered theprevious CTS and replaced it with an all-new 3.6 liter direct-injection gasoline V6.
This 304 horsepower engine is responsive and powerful as well as more efficient, as theinjector-less fuel delivery system provides more precise combustion and reduced emissions.Variable valve timing improves midrange response. A conventional 3.6 liter V6 making 263horsepower is the standard engine. The CTS is rear-wheel drive as well, so it offers anentertaining ride when the road permits. A choice of short-throw six-speed manual or automatictransmissions is offered. The six-speed automatic has a clutchless manual shift mode, controlledwith steering wheel paddles. Left in full-automatic mode, it can be slow to downshift and seems tobe calibrated more for comfort than luxury, but rear-drive and a manual transmission are a recipebound to make driving enthusiasts smile, especially with over three hundred horses to motivate thepackage. An all-wheel drive CTS is also available, just to challenge Audi’s AWD dominance.
Planted, confident athleticism is the name of the game when it comes to handling. Lightweightsuspension components front and rear reduce unsprung weight and improve response. The CTS isavailable with a choice of suspension settings as well, offering three ride-quality options. Awider track and standard strut tower brace provide improved roadholding.
StabiliTrak stability control and anti-lock brakes are standard. Out on the road, the CTS iseasily as responsive as any competitive Lexus or Acura, and with a great deal more personalitybesides.
Back in the 1980s, Cadillac practically ruined its good name by introducing a compact car thatdidn’t match up to the brand’s standards. It has clearly learned from that mistake; the CTS may bethe junior member of the Cadillac family, but it’s got the luxury and the performance to gohead-to-head with the best from Germany and Japan. CTS pricing starts at a highly competitive $34,545. My test car was equipped with additional performance and infotainment options, and went outthe door for $42,090.
Specifications:
All specs are for the 2008 Cadillac CTS.
Length: 191.6 in.
Width: 72.5 in.
Height: 58.0 in.
Wheelbase: 113.4 in.
Curb weight: 3874 lb.
Cargo space: 13.6 cu.ft.
Base price: $34,545
Price as tested: $42,090
Engine: 3.6 liter DOHC direct-injection V6
Drivetrain: six-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Horsepower: 304 @ 6300
Torque: 273 @ 5200
Fuel capacity: 18.0 gal.
Est. mileage: 17/26
