It’s been a while since I’ve gotten behind the wheel of a car and felt positively bowled over. But the new CTS did it, and all I have to say is: Wow.
I had about 10 minutes of seat time when General Motors did their 2008 preview at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet a couple weeks ago. Just sinking into the seat brought a smile to my face. Then, when I turned the ignition switch, I was greeted by a pop-up navigation screen containing a shimmering, swiveling Cadillac logo. Then I took it out on the track, and I was officially bowled.
2008 Cadillac CTS
Cadillac crossover
Favorite features:
- Optional navigation system
- Elegant, attractive interior
- Bold exterior design
Needs improvement:
- A groove or hole that will allow an MP3 player to emerge from the center console for easy adjustment
I got a full week behind the wheel a week later, and it only got better.
I haven’t always been Cadillac’s biggest fan. I liked the edgy design, but that was about it. In fact, the last Cadillac that I drove got a less than stellar review (June 6, Cadillac SRX). With the new CTS, however, I’m wracking my brain for anything bad to say. I don’t know that there is. From the smooth ride to aggressive exterior styling to the primo interior, I’m going to start gushing.
Launched at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the 2008 CTS is completely new. A hint of the old model is still there, but for the second-generation, everything about the CTS got bigger, better and bolder.
It all starts with the grille. The Cadillac emblem got snazzier and virtually pops off the grille to create a natural focal point. The grille itself takes over the front end of the CTS, and directs the lines for the rest of the vehicle. The headlights and taillights get slimmer and sleeker, and the brake light doubles as an attractive rear spoiler. The lines have a little more edge, and the side vents add sporty appeal.
The interior is so improved that I don’t even know where to begin. Gone is the generic GM interface, and every single detail goes upscale. The controls are simple yet attractive. The center stack is classy and elegant with chromelike accents and an analog clock. The seats are comfortable and conform to the shape of their passengers. I previously thought the seats were too big in the CTS, but for 2008 they’ve reached the just-right point that suit a wider range of drivers.
The test vehicle had the optional 3.6-liter V-6 Direct Injection that delivers 304 horsepower. Plus it was stacked with $11K in options. Thus, though the new CTS bases at $32,990, the as-tested price was $46,290.
While I think the base CTS is phenomenal, the options on the test car made it sparkle. My new favorite feature on any car is the XM traffic, which is subscription based and is only available if you get the optional navigation system. As I was getting ready to get on the Dan Ryan, Kennedy or Lake Shore Drive during the test week, there were little red, green or yellow dots that appeared on the highway to let me know how much traffic I was going to encounter, and if there were construction or accident alerts, I’d know to schedule a new route altogether. The one thing I couldn’t figure out was out to re-route my navigation if said alerts were in place.
The optional navigation is also responsible for the pop up window with the rotating Cadillac logo that entranced me during the GM Preview. I was still entranced during the test week every time I turned on the car.
In addition to a standard MP3 auxiliary jack, the CTS now has an optional USB port and 40-gig hard drive, both of which reside in the center console. Using a special cable that Cadillac provides, you can hook your iPod up and then work it through the audio controls of the car. Unfortunately, the test car wasn’t equipped with the cord, and a regular iPod USB connector doesn’t work. So, I couldn’t test this feature. I did connect my iPod through the auxiliary jack, and it worked fine.
Something Cadillac should consider, however, is that if someone is using an MP3 player that doesn’t feed into the audio controls, and they’ve got it plugged into the jack in the console, they’re probably going to want to mess with the MP3 player to set songs or move from album to album. And every time they do it, they’ll have to open up the top of the console (aka the armrest) to get to it. One of my passengers pointed out that it would be a whole lot easier if there were a hole or groove carved out for the cord to fit through. That way, the MP3 player could live outside of the center console and be more easily adjusted.
Another option I liked on the CTS is the keyless entry and start. As I walked up to the car, there was no button to push to disengage the lock. I simply put my hand on the door handle, and it unlocked. When I left the car, I walked away and the car would lock. Rather than employing a push-button start, Cadillac is using a keyless ignition knob that turns similar to an actual key in the ignition. All of this is achieved without even taking the key fob out of your pocket or purse. While the whole system worked beautifully, I think it should be standard on a car of this caliber.
The up-level direct injection engine in the test vehicle was awesome. There was plenty of power for pretty much anything I wanted to do. From quick maneuvers on a racetrack to everyday acceleration to pass on the highway, I have no complaints about the engine. The optional Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission complemented the engine beautifully, and the accelerations were virtually effortless. The base engine in the new CTS is a 3.6-liter, 263 horsepower V-6, and the base transmission is an Aisin six-speed manual transmission.
The overall ride in the CTS was pure luxury, but there was just enough sport to bring a smile to my face. For quiet time, I kept the windows up, and the sound of 304 horses were put on mute. When I wanted to feel and hear the power, I opened up the windows, and the engine rumble turned into well-tuned music.
When the CTS launched in 2003, it was cutting edge and, quite possibly, Cadillac’s savior. It was a hip new car that brought younger buyers back to the brand. It was recognizable and different from everything else out on the road. For 2008, it’s all those things and more. If you wouldn’t normally consider checking out a Cadillac, I think this new CTS might just change your mind.
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