2008 Cadillac CTS
 
Editor: Jim McCraw
All-new and more upscale than before.

Introduction

The Cadillac CTS is virtually all-new for 2008. Cadillac has moved the style, performance and in-car electronics way upmarket from the original CTS in an effort to be more competitive with the best of the imports, namely the BMW 530i, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus GS, Infiniti G35, and Audi A4.

The 2008 Cadillac CTS boasts major changes to the engines and chassis that upgrade performance. The CTS offers a choice of two V6 engines and a choice of either a newly designed six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual, making it the only American luxury car still available with a manual. The CTS comes with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The front and rear tires are a full two inches farther apart in track width for 2008, so the general body shape is wider, and a great deal more aggressive looking, with exaggerated front and rear wheel flares.

In addition to the traditional 3.6-liter V6, there's a whole new 3.6-liter, 24-valve V6 engine with direct fuel injection that makes 15 percent more power. The new engine not only makes more power, it gets better fuel economy, even after adjusting for the new, stricter rules that the EPA is now using for fuel economy labeling.

Styling changes include a huge new grille and larger, more in-your-face light elements front and rear. It looks like it's hungry for red meat. Its new levels of grip, handling and steering were modeled after the BMW 530i sedan, and it was developed by the Cadillac engineers on BMW's home ground, the 14-mile, 73-turn Nurburgring circuit in Germany.

Model Lineup

The new 2008 Cadillac CTS ($32,245) comes standard with a 263-horsepower V6. A 304-hp V6 ($1,000) is optional. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard; a six-speed automatic ($1,300) is optional. The CTS is rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel-drive ($1,900) is optional.

Every CTS comes with a basic package of 32 luxury, comfort, convenience and safety items including all the normal power assists, XM satellite radio, OnStar with turn-by-turn navigation, and a Bose eight-speaker sound system with CD, MP3 and auxiliary capability.

Options are many. The big one, called the Premium Luxury Collection ($8,015) includes a pop-up navigation and audio screen, a 10-speaker Bose 5.1 sound system with a 40-gigabyte sound storage system, an iPod interface that will operate your iPod from the touch screen and display artist and title info, 10-way heated and cooled leather seats, split folding rear seats, a huge sunroof panel, sapele wood trim, 17-inch alloy wheels, power tilt/telescope wheel, remote starting and keyless entry, and a few odds and ends.

Other options include an 18-inch wheel package ($1,740) with P235/50R18 tires, HID headlights and washers, limited-slip differential, sport suspension, heavy-duty cooling and fog lamps; metallic paint ($995), heavy-duty anti-lock brakes ($395); and a compact spare tire ($250). A performance tire package is available with P235/50ZR18 performance tires and alloy wheels, upgraded ABS, and the FE3 performance suspension ($1,240).

Safety features that come standard on all models include front, side and curtain airbags, ABS, traction control, and Stabiltrak electronic stability control. All-wheel drive improves safety further.

2008 Cadillac STS
 
Editor: New Car Test Drive
New look, new power, new features.

Introduction

For 2008, Cadillac STS gets more horsepower, more electronic features, and bolder styling inside and out.

The STS has been given a substantial facelift for 2008. It's the most significant change in appearance since the STS was introduced as an all-new model for 2005.

For 2008, a new V6 engine comes standard, a 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 developing 302 horsepower. The six-speed automatic transmission introduced on V8 models last year now comes with the V6 as well. Also available is one of GM's most sophisticated V8 engines, boasting the latest in computerized management and variable valve timing. The result is smooth, efficient power. For even more potent grand touring, the super-performance STS-V adds supercharged velocity.

New safety technologies for 2008 include Cadillac's latest Lane Departure Warning and Blind Zone Alert systems, plus a more sophisticated StabiliTrak electronic stability control system that uses steering as well as brake and throttle control to avoid dangerous skids.

The interior of the STS is superb, with comfortable but supportive seats that are infinitely adjustable, ample storage space, and superior sound systems. State-of-the-art occupant safety comes standard as well. Entertainment systems include 15-speaker surround-sound.

The STS is unmistakably a Cadillac, but it's also a four-door performance sedan for people who like to drive. The STS offers a choice of suspensions, from the standard setup designed for smooth, comfortable commuting to an active performance suspension that instantly adjusts to any driving situation, whether cruising through a sea of potholes or accelerating around a sweeping turn. Rear-wheel drive provides the balance and control that serious enthusiasts demand. All-wheel drive is also available, for handling stability in inclement weather.

Model Lineup

The 2008 Cadillac STS comes with a choice of V6 ($42,390) or V8 ($51,810) engines. The high-performance STS-V ($76,555) comes with a supercharged V8. All come with a six-speed automatic transmission, although the supercharged V-model uses a heavy-duty unit.

All-wheel drive is available for the V6 ($1900) and base V8 ($1550), but not the STS-V.

Standard features include leather upholstery, aluminum interior trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bose AM/FM/CD stereo, interior auto-dimming rearview mirror, and the usual lineup of power creature comforts and driver aids. OnStar telematics (with one year's service), StabiliTrak electronic stability control, automatic high-beam control (Intellibeam) for the headlights, and rear park assist are also standard.

The popular V6 Luxury Package ($3,540) adds two-driver memory for seats, mirrors, climate and radio controls; Rainsense wipers; six-disc in-dash CD-changer; Eucalyptus wood trim on the instrument panel, steering wheel, console and center stack; heated and ventilated front seats with four-way power lumbar; heated rear seats; heated steering wheel; tire pressure monitor, universal home remote; and a cargo net. The V6 Luxury Performance Package ($5,845) includes all of the above, plus a limited slip rear differential, Premium ZF steering gear, performance cooling package, rear spoiler, Brembo performance brakes, and P235/50R18 front tires and P255/45R18 rear tires on 18-inch polished aluminum wheels. The new Luxury Level Two Package ($705) adds Xenon HID Intellibeam headlamps with washers, a premium sound system, and navigation to V6 models with the Luxury Package.

Much of the content of the V6 Luxury Package is standard on the V8 model. The V8 Luxury Package ($4,200) adds Bose 5.1 surround sound, Xenon HID Intellibeam headlamps with washers, and heated and ventilated front seats. The V8 Luxury Performance Package ($8,190) includes all Luxury Package features plus Premium ZF steering gear, performance cooling, Magnetic Ride Control, rear spoiler, Brembo performance brakes, P235/50R18 front tires, P255/45R18 rear tires, and 18-inch polished aluminum wheels.

A new Performance Handling Package ($1,600) is available for the rear-drive V6 and both rear and all-wheel-drive V8s. It bundles StabiliTrak with the high-performance Brembo brakes and chrome-plated wheels fitted with new P255/45R18 Michelin Pilot Sport summer-only tires. On AWD V8s only, StabiliTrak includes active steering.

Standalone options for V6 and V8 models include the Bose 5.1 surround-sound stereo ($2645), premium Tuscany leather seats ($1295), a power glass sunroof ($1200) and the Brembo brakes ($395). A heads-up display (HUD) is now available on all models ($600), as is an engine block heater ($100). Some paint colors also cost extra ($995). Wood trim ($250) is available for the V6.

A new Platinum Edition features special paint, trim, wheels, and upholstery.

STS-V comes with a higher level of standard equipment, including EZ Key with remote start, XM Satellite Radio, rear AV jacks, rear climate system controls, rear obstacle detection, the Lane Departure Warning System, hand-wrapped leather seats with suede inserts, and olive ash burl wood and aluminum interior accents. Special paint and the engine block heater are the only options; the sunroof can be deleted for credit.

Safety features that come standard on all models include dual two-stage frontal airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, and front-and-rear side curtain airbags. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are standard, along with StabiliTrak electronic stability control. Tire-pressure monitors are standard on V8s and available as part of the Luxury package on V6s. OnStar comes standard; its operators send out the rescue squad if your airbag goes off and you don't respond to calls.

Lane Departure Warning is an optional system that uses a camera located between the inside rearview mirror and the windshield to detect lane markings on the road and alert drivers when they inadvertently stray from the lane. Side Blind Zone Alert is an optional system that uses radar sensors behind the rear fascia that signal an audible and visual alert if objects are detected where it might be difficult for the driver to see them. Adaptive cruise control with head-up display ($1695) is offered only on the V8, and enhanced StabiliTrak with active steering ($995) is available only on V8s with AWD.

2008 Cadillac DTS
 
Editor: New Car Test Drive
Improved safety for big luxury sedan.

Introduction

Cadillac DTS is a thoroughly modern interpretation of the big, luxurious, powerful, stylish machines that once made Cadillac America's most-desired automobile.

The DTS is a full-size luxury car with full-size American power and a warm, spacious interior. Its 115.6-inch wheelbase would have qualified it as full-size car even in the mid-1950s.

Its V8 engine develops 275 horsepower, and a higher-output version is available that delivers 292 horsepower. Though its styling is restrained, the DTS is loaded with the latest technology. Yet, unlike many luxury cars these days, there's no need to study the owner's manual to make the DTS do its job. This is a rational luxury car, easy to operate in addition to being large and luxurious. We like that.

The DTS offers impeccable road manners, with crisp handling and good grip that inspires composure and driving enjoyment on winding roads. It handles surprisingly well given its size. It takes turns with poise and dignity, making it an enjoyable steed when the road goes curvy. The DTS is front-wheel drive.

For 2008, two new options harness the latest technology to enhance safety. The Lane Departure Warning system is designed to help drivers avoid a collision caused by an inadvertent lane change, for example if the driver drifts off to sleep. Side Blind Zone Alert enhances awareness of objects that might otherwise escape the driver's vision, for example a car the driver simply did not know was there.

A new Platinum Edition is available for 2008 that comes with all the performance goodies, plus a bright and cheery handcrafted interior and special exterior trim.

The current DTS was launched as a 2006 model, sporting fresh body lines, a redesigned interior, upgraded running gear, and suspension refinements,. At the same time, Cadillac abandoned the 57-year-old DeVille nameplate. Up through 2005, a DTS badge had indicated a DeVille Touring Sedan, a sporty version of the old DeVille. DTS now stands for the whole revised and revamped model line. It's fitting, given that today's DTS is sportier than yesterday's DeVille.

Model Lineup

The 2008 Cadillac DTS ($41,770) comes in one trim level, with three available Luxury packages, one Performance package, plus the new Platinum Edition package and a moderate list of stand-alone options. All versions are powered by Cadillac's 4.6-liter Northstar V8, which produces 275 horsepower in standard tune, and 292 horsepower with certain option packages. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard.

Standard equipment includes leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front bucket seats with four-way adjustable power lumbar support, eight-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with RDS and integrated antenna, XM Satellite Radio with three-month trial, Magnasteer power steering, cruise control, power windows, power programmable door locks with Pass-Key III Plus security, illuminated visor mirrors, remote starter, driver information center, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, rear seat pass-through, OnStar with one-year Directions & Connections service, automatic headlamps with wiper activation, fog lights, solar-control glass, self-leveling suspension, and P235/55R17 all-season tires on machined aluminum wheels.

The Luxury I package ($3,050) adds park assist, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear outboard seats, rear seat adjustable headrests, four-way power rear lumbar support, heated windshield washer fluid, Rainsense Generation II intermittent wipers with structureless wiper blades, heated power-adjustable mirrors with turn-signal indicators and driver's side auto-dimming, leather wrapped and heated steering wheel, and tilt steering column.

Luxury II ($2,340) includes all the content of Luxury I, plus tri-zone automatic climate control and a universal remote transmitter.

Luxury III ($5,075) includes Luxury I and II, plus an upgraded stereo with a six-disc in-dash CD changer and eight Bose speakers, cargo net, IntelliBeam headlights, front four-way massaging power lumbar, power tilt/telescoping steering column with memory settings, trunk mat, rear illuminated vanity mirrors, genuine Dark Burled Walnut wood trim and 17-inch chromed aluminum wheels

The Performance package ($7,560) includes all but a few of the Luxury I, II, and III items, plus the higher-tuned 292-hp V8, performance algorithm shifting, Magnetic Ride Control, and P245/50 H-rated tires on 18-inch chromed aluminum wheels.

The new Platinum Edition package ($6,490) combines the 292-hp V8, Performance Algorithm shifting, Magnetic Ride Control and 18-inch chromed wheels with special materials on the inside and an extra dash of flash on the outside; a power sunroof, DVD navigation, and other conveniences are included as well.

Options include adaptive cruise control ($1,695), DVD-based navigation ($2,145), a front bench seat ($295), Tehama leather ($1,995), body-color grille ($250), universal home remote ($110), automatic climate control ($195), a power tilt/slide sunroof ($1,200), and 17-inch chromed wheels ($825).

Safety features that come standard on all models include six air bags, including a dual-depth front-passenger air bag. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Brake Assist, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with all-speed traction control, child-safe rear door locks, and a tire pressure monitor come standard. Lane Departure Warning and Side Blind Zone Alert are available on select models.

2008 Cadillac Escalade

Editor: New Car Test Drive
Big and powerful.

Introduction

The Cadillac Escalade is big in every way: in sheer size, in style, in comfort, and in power. All-new for 2007, this latest Escalade breaks from the customized-Suburban mold of its predecessors to provide a smoother, more integrated, more sculptured look. More than anything, it looks like big money, big success, big bling.

The look is no deception. Under its imposing skin, the Escalade offers all the comfort and convenience features of a top-dollar luxury sedan, including automatic climate control, a premium Bose sound system, ultrasonic parking assist, power adjustable pedals, and heated leather seats. Navigation and DVD entertainment are available, as are a rearview camera and retractable running boards.

The Escalade is offered in three body styles: The standard Escalade is a full-size sport utility sharing the same architecture and roughly the same dimensions as the Chevy Tahoe. The Escalade ESV is a long-wheelbase version, roughly the same dimensions as the Chevy Suburban. The Escalade EXT is a sport utility/pickup combination that quickly converts from a pickup with an enclosable eight-foot bed to a five-passenger luxury SUV with a short bed; it is Cadillac's version of the Chevy Avalanche.

All three pack a high-performance, 403-hp 6.2-liter V8 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that offers manual shift control.

Built on GM's robust full-size truck platform, the Escalade, ESV, and EXT make excellent tow vehicles. They share their platforms with the Chevy Tahoe, Suburban, and Silverado, as well as the GMC versions.

At the same time, they're roomy and luxuriously appointed, letting them haul family or friends or business associates in real comfort. The 6.2-liter V8 supplies serious power for surprisingly quick acceleration. On the road, all three Escalade versions are smooth and stable. They ride smoother than the Tahoe or Suburban; but are at the same time taut and well-controlled for surprisingly good handling by full-size SUV standards.

For 2008, both the standard Escalade and ESV come with rear-wheel drive (2WD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD), while the EXT pickup comes with all-wheel drive as standard equipment. Late in the 2008 model year, a gas-electric hybrid version and an ultra-luxury Platinum Edition will be available. Otherwise, the 2008 Escalade is not significantly changed from last year.

Model Lineup

The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size sport utility vehicle. All models are powered by a high-output 6.2-liter V8 engine. Also standard are a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control, 18-inch alloy wheels, and Autoride suspension.

The Escalade is available with rear-wheel drive ($54,740) or all-wheel drive ($57,295). Standard features include leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel with genuine wood highlights, aluminum and faux wood interior trim, Bose 5.1 Digital Surround Sound audio with AM/FM/XM/6CD, power adjustable pedals, power windows, power locks, fog lamps, remote vehicle starting, rear climate control, six-passenger seating configuration, third-row bench seat, heated first and second row seats, Ultrasonic rear park assist and heated windshield washer fluid.

The Escalade ESV is available in 2WD and AWD ($59,710). The ESV features an additional 14 inches of wheelbase and 20 more inches of overall length, greatly enhancing third-row seat legroom and cargo space. It comes with all the same standard luxuries as the shorter Escalade.

The Escalade EXT ($54,215) deletes the third-row seat in favor of a lined, lockable and enclosable pickup bed with manually folding Midgate and removable rear window. Otherwise, the EXT is equipped the same as the standard-length Escalade.

Options on all Escalade models include retractable assist steps ($1,095); a power tilt-and-slide sunroof ($995); rear-seat DVD entertainment ($1,295); engine block heater ($75); chromed 18-inch wheels ($795); and an Ultra Luxury Collection ($7,735) that combines navigation, a rearview camera, IntelliBeam headlamps, heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel, and 22-inch wheels. On the ESV, the DVD entertainment system ($1,895) includes an additional flip-down screen for third-row passengers, plus an additional set of headphones. On the EXT, the Ultra Luxury Collection costs a little less ($7,310).

Safety features on all Escalade models include anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes with EBD and Brake Assist; and an electronic stability control system called StabiliTrak with rollover sensing. Passive safety features include front seat belts with pretensioners and load-limiters, dual front air bags and side curtain air bags that span all three rows of seats. Tire pressure monitors are also standard.

2007 Cadillac SRX

Editor: New Car Test Drive
Crossover SUV offers sporty driving experience.

Introduction

Cadillac may not have created the recipe that makes the SRX, but it has come close to perfecting it. This is one utility vehicle that does it all. It has the driving dynamics of a good luxury sedan, the all-weather capability of some truck-based SUVs and the space and functionality of a minivan.

The Cadillac SRX is a good choice among luxury SUVs, if you can call it an SUV. It drives like a European sedan and its edgy styling stands out in a sea of boxy sport-utilities and minivans. Yet the SRX is quite practical. It can carry up to seven passengers, and its flat, carpeted cargo area works great for hauling cargo.

Its sharp handling, quick acceleration and high-performance braking make for a sporty, enjoyable experience with a smooth, extremely quiet ride.

The SRX comes trimmed with leather upholstery and is loaded with luxury features. The interior is stylish and comfortable. Its flat cargo floor makes the SRX a good dog car.

SRX is available with a V6 or V8 engine. Both engines feature the latest technology, including electronic throttle control and four overhead cams with fully variable valve timing. The V8s are smooth and confident and deliver brilliant acceleration for a vehicle of this size. All-wheel drive is available and we've found that the SRX performs superbly in the snow.

Overall improvements to the SRX for 2007 include an all-new cockpit with new design, materials and hand-crafted assembly process. Cadillac also has mated the Northstar V8-equipped models to a new fully electronic six-speed automatic transmission for 2007. The base audio system for the SRX has now been upgraded to Bose for 2007.

New options for 2007 include a Sport package with 20-inch wheels, all-wheel drive and limited slip differential; a Bose 5.1 digital surround sound option; a Theater option package with Bose 5.1 digital surround sound, navigation and rear-seat entertainment; an automatic odor filtration option; and Passenger Side Inflatable Restraint (PSIR) Suppression, which detects the occupant's size and, in turn, enables or disables the air bag automatically.

Model Lineup

The Cadillac SRX comes in two models differentiated by their engines, a 255-hp V6 or a 320-hp V8. The V6 is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, and the V8 is paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission. The standard interior has two rows of seats for five. An optional two-place power folding rear seat can increase seating capacity to seven.

The SRX V6 ($37,855) comes with leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and a long list of luxury features, including an eight-way power driver's seat, a power-adjustable second-row seat, one-touch power windows, heated mirrors, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, a premium Bose audio system and the popular OnStar tele-aid system with a basic subscription for one year. This SRX comes standard with 17-inch aluminum wheels.

The SRX V8 ($44,060) adds more than a bigger engine. Its standard feature list includes heated front seats with memory for the driver's seat and power adjustments for the front passenger's seat, wood interior trim and a premium Bose audio system. The V8 also adds 18-inch wheels and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The SRX comes standard with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive (AWD) ($1,900) is optional on both models.

Options include the expansive UltraView Plus Power Glass Sunroof ($2,250); Cadillac's Magnetic Ride Control ($1,650) variable-dampening suspension; and power-adjustable pedals ($150).

Option groups allow the SRX V6 to be equipped like the V8 without the bigger engine. For example, the Luxury Package ($4,100) adds Ultra View sunroof, rear air conditioning, premium seating package and power adjustable pedals. The Theater Package ($3,745) includes Bose 5.1 Digital Surround, DVD navigation and rear seat DVD entertainment.

New for 2007 is the SRX Sport Package ($1,695) featuring front and rear sport fascias, new body-colored grille with mesh backing, four-inch dual polished exhaust tips, six-sped automatic with Driver Shift control, and optional 20-inch Sport wheels with performance tires (AWD only).

Safety features include most of the active and passive safety features available today. The SRX comes standard with dual-stage front airbags, front side-impact airbags and curtain-style head protection airbags for the first two rows of seats. To help avoid collisions before they occur, the SRX has anti-lock brakes with the latest electronic brake-force distribution and panic Brake Assist technology, traction control and electronic stability control. Rear park assist is optional. New safety equipment for 2007 is the optional PSIR Suppression, which detects the passenger occupant's size and automatically enables or disables the air bag accordingly.