Cadillac Remains King
Teresa's View
Teresa McCallion
Marketing Department Columnist
The current ad campaign for the all-new 2008 Cadillac CTS features actress Kate Walsh. A fact I find it particularly interesting since both the car and the star display similar angular good looks, albeit, the new, slightly more curvaceous CTS more closely resembles a better-fed Kate Walsh than the one we regularly see on TV.
The CTS was introduced in 2002 as a replacement for the Catera. Since then, it's become the manufacturer's most successful attempt at luring a younger demographic into its sedans. Designed as an entry-level Cadillac, the CTS offers affordable access to a rarified world where luxury meets technological sophistication.
In a break with other high-tech rides, those wacky Caddy engineers made the technology easy-to-use. I know. What a concept. An 8-inch touch screen discretely emerges from the top of the dash with the push of a button. Most of the controls are available via the touch screen, eliminating the need for one of those awkward controller knobs.
Like most redesigns, the 2008 CTS is bigger - growing by 1.5 inches in overall length and nearly two inches in width - and power. An optional direct injection V-6 joins the non-direct injection V-6 version found in the previous generation CTS.
To get the whole thing just right, Cadillac engineers accumulated a good deal of seat time at the famous Nurburgring test track in Germany - and it shows. The CTS is solid, well balanced and supremely road-trip worthy.
What Is It?:
The 2008 Cadillac CTS is a premium, mid-size, performance sedan that seats five in the lap of luxury. Prices start at $33K including destination charges. A coup and a wagon version are said to be coming in 2009, but those who have a need for speed are waiting for the 500-horsepower CTS-V; a high-performance, V-8 barn burner.
Gadget Rating: 8.5 of 10.
Standard features include dual zone climate controls, cruise control, keyless entry, MP3 player, XM satellite radio, On Star and power windows, mirrors, driver's seat and door locks. An optional 40-gig hard drive media system allows you to store all your favorite songs. You can record directly from a CD or download music from a flash drive using the USB port in the center console storage bin. Luxury, performance and premium packages add special features including a Bose 5.1 surround sound stereo upgrade, adaptive swivel-style head lamps (with blue "eyes'') and an UltraView double sunroof. The 3-D navigation system is particularly sweet. Real time traffic reports are available by touching the info button on the screen - a real boon when driving on the chronically clogged west side of the state.
Favorite Feature:
The radio has been TiVo'ed! Sort of. No longer will you have to take another spin around the block so you can finish listening to that great song, hilarious comedian or insightful talk show host. Just push "pause'' and when you come back the radio will start up right where you left off. Brilliant.
Safety:
Each CTS is equipped with front and side air bags for front seat occupants and side curtain-style air bags that protect all outboard passengers. ABS is also standard, as is traction control.
Pluses and Minuses:
All-wheel drive is an available option for the first time on a CTS, although only with the automatic transmission version. On the downside, the sedan comes with only a tire inflator kit. A spare tire is offered as an option.
Fill 'er Up:
Using the new EPA ratings, the CTS gets 17 mpg city and 26 highway regardless of the transmission or drive system. Best of all, it takes regular gasoline.
Cheat Sheet:
Cadillac is a long-time member of the GM family.
So, Where Are Ya From?:
The CTS is assembled in Lansing, Mich.
