Cadillac CTS: They got this one right

Posted Thursday, January 17, 2008

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Start with a 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year honor and it goes up from there.

The 2008 Cadillac CTS offers plenty of luxury, the latest in high-tech creature and safety amenities all wrapped up a powerful package. While decidedly at the “entry level” of the Cadillac fleet, this decidedly “smaller” Cadillac doesn’t sacrifice the luxury and performance that the true Cadillac tradition demands.

Handling is superb. And the 305 hp from the 3.6L V-6 more than makes up for the ever-so-slight power loss that the all-wheel-drive option might occasionally demand.

Cadillac body engineers grabbed the finer structural points of the larger STS and grafted it to the previous generation CTS wheelbase to come up with a wider stance and a much stiffer — but not harsher — ride. The result is a crafty and precise package that can compete worldwide with other performance sedans.

New design cues give the new CTS an edgier, more distinctive look — decidedly what a well-proportioned midsized American luxury car is supposed to look like.

I grabbed a friend for a road test, courtesy of Merollis Cadillac GMC Truck, and headed for the open highway. The lure of the direct-injection 3.6L’s 305 horsepower was strong. I pushed my right foot down and was carried onto the freeway in the hopes that for a mile or so, at least, there would be no heavy traffic or one of Lapeer County’s finest to share the road with.

I let the six-speed automatic do its work as the tachometer climbed, trying to match the driving experience that most CTS buyers will prefer. Acceleration was smooth and handling was precise as the intelligent power steering gradually stiffened as the needle on the speedometer climbed. The “manual” option on the six speed actually switches the ride into a more performance-skewed mode, but that will have to be left to the experts who get to drive on a closed track with no speed limits.

Fit and finish is precise, with seams no more than 3 mm, for cleaner lines, and also a quieter ride that comes from a triple seal around all four doors.

Heated windshield washers, rainsense wipers and high-intensity discharge headlamps offer a clearer, safer view of the road.

Safety continues with a 5-star crash rating at both front and side, the electronic Stabilitrak active handling, four-channel antilock brakes, larger vented disc brakes, traction control and hydraulic brake assist.

An interior that combines functionality with tasteful design feels just right as you plunk down in the ergonomically friendly seats.

And CTS offers all of the bells and whistles that you expect from a luxury car, including XM satellite radio, two fine Bose surround sound systems — with eight speakers or ten — iPod capability, a 40-gig hard drive to store your tunes or to record radio for later listening and an advanced navigation system with real-time traffic update.

On the down side, the head room is a little cramped, especially in the back seat, for anyone who stands taller than about 6’1”.

But the plusses are abundant: power, a great ride, a wealth of creature comforts and an elegant package. Cadillac definitely got this one right. — Mike Arnholt