This new iteration sports a more aggressive fascia.
By Rob Bothwell
Auto 123.com
The Cadillac CTS was first introduced in 2003 as Cadillac's entry-level, premium sports sedan. 2008 finds us with a completely new version of this atypical Caddy, more inline with its European rivals.
Cut and chiseled outside, flowing and ergonomic inside
As if spending time in the gym while on the juice, the latest CTS is far more muscular in both appearance and performance. It presents a wider stance and a more athletic figure through its sharply defined lines and bold front grille- something akin to Cadillac's wild, Sixteen concept car.
This new iteration sports a more aggressive fascia.
I was pretty much nonplussed with the edgy, boxy appearance of the first generation CTS however that's all changed. To my eye the less angular body of the 2008 version, with its dramatic lines and stubby trunk projects a stronger sense of power and symmetry while not going over the top style-wise. Cadillac seems to have got it right.
Notable revisions apply to the CTS cabin as well. Here one will find a much more flowing theme than previous. I used to think of the original instrument panel as some sort of snap-together arrangement, not unlike that found in a child's plastic car model. Today's instrument panel is covered in leather, which as with Jaguar products, is stitched together- a very nice touch indeed.
Also worth praise is the pop-up navigation/audio interface screen. When retracted, only the top portion of the screen is visible, displaying audio presets. Raise the touch-sensitive screen and the navigation system along with numerous other functions and settings, including audio, can be addressed.
Seating in the CTS is vastly improved for 2008. Not only are these seats supportive and wonderfully comfortable, they provide better sight lines for driving than I recall from previous CTS experiences. Two aspects of the Caddy's cabin I find particularly appealing are the gauge cluster and the centre stack, the latter of which morphs seamlessly into a sculpted centre console. On the negative side, too many small buttons are clumped together for me to intuitively decode.
New V6 power and 6-speed autobox
The base engine for 2008 is a 263-horsepower 3.6 litre V6. The optional engine, and the mill powering this week's tester, is a 304-horsepower 3.6 litre V6 featuring Variable Valve Timing (VVT). This is GM's latest V6 powerplant, and it's a huge improvement over previous units. Accompanying the mass of 304 ponies is 273 pound-feet of torque.
The healthy output finds its way to the rear wheels via a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Together they lure the CTS from 0-100kph in approximately 6.5 seconds. En-route to a metric century, expect to be serenaded with a sizeable but refined growl from the hotter V6. A 6-speed Aisin manual gearbox is available as standard equipment to please those yearning for the old ways.
For drivers accessing ski resorts or subject to inclement weather, Cadillac offers the CTS with all-wheel-drive (AWD), which would definitely pay dividends to wet-climate users. Still, the vehicle comes with a limited-slip rear differential; definitely beneficial on traction-compromised surfaces. GM's Traction Control and their full-range StabiliTrak program are also provided as standard fare.
Nürburgring-tuned chassis improves handling prowess
Cadillac is hoping to take on the big guns in the sport sedan category. To do so, their engineers spent a lot of time on the famous Nurburgring Road Course tweaking the underpinnings of the CTS. Although my testing didn't include hot laps around Nurburgring or any other such venue, I was impressed with the car's neutral handling dynamic and its decisive, tenacious cornering ability.
My tester was equipped with the Sport Package, which includes 18-inch wheels and a performance-handling suspension setup, which undoubtedly contributed to the sedan's road-worthiness while delivering a taut yet composed and reasonably compliant ride quality. The structural integrity of the CTS is unified and solid in feel.
Overall the CTS driving experience, in terms of ride and handling, is not unlike that of its closest European rivals- and that's an attribute not normally associated with Cadillac.
Luxury and content abound- but at what price?
More notably associated with Cadillac is luxury, and in this regard the CTS is all Cadillac however expect to pony-up heavily to acquire a "full load." The base price of my tester was $41,400, which is very reasonable for a vehicle competing in the premium sports sedan segment. At this price, the entry-level Caddy is well equipped, and offers tremendous value.
Nevertheless with its various option packages, my tester was stickered at $58,555, a far cry from the 41 and change it grew from. At $3,900, the priciest box on the order sheet belongs to the 10-speaker premium audio/navigation system, which includes a 40GB hard drive. The 6-speed autobox commands another $1,700.
An enlightening option is the Ultraview power sunroof. It's like ordering a double dose of healing rays. The twin panel glass roof covers 70% of the vehicle's roof surface. Fortunately a power-operated screen keeps the heat and light out when not desired. Another $1,660 must be spared for the Ultraview's inclusion.
To rival or not?
I'm confident that the CTS is capable of showing the Europeans they don't "own" the premium sports sedan market. At its entry price ($41,400), the CTS is a value leader in the segment. At $58,555, a lot of other doors open up, making the battle for bragging rights far more vicious and diversified.
Wooing buyers away from Audis and BMWs will be tough, not to mention the Japanese competition from Lexus and Infiniti or even domestic contenders such as the Lincoln MKZ. There's little doubt that Cadillac's contender has the looks and much of the value and brawn to do so but they'll have to watch their build quality. I noticed an unacceptable, minor misalignment of the driver's door on this week's test unit.
Summary
• Awesome looks
Much improved cabin design and execution
Sure-footed on the road
High entry-level value
• Complicated arrangement of small buttons on centre stack
Minor misalignment of driver's door
• Option packages diminish overall value factor
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