Elite Auto Rental Blog

When the Cadillac CTS debuted in 2002 it made an immediate impression with its edgy design, which began a resurgence of the Cadillac brand. The all-new 2008 Cadillac CTS retains the edgy character, but the body lines have been smoothed and there is an infusion of elegance, particularly in the finely detailed interior.

“The all-new 2008 Cadillac CTS embodies a contemporary revival of two of the brand’s great traditions: innovative technology and precise craftsmanship,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “Whether motoring in the United States, Germany, China or Dubai, today’s luxury consumer wants both the convenience of advanced electronics, with the distinctive quality and elegance of hand-crafted furnishings.”

Stronger Stance

The 2008 Cadillac CTS presents a stronger stance with a two-inch wider track. The overall shape has more of a rake than the original, edgier design, and smoother surfaces replace the sharp lines. The overall presence is more elegant, yet the car retains a sporty, aggressive character. Design cues include vertically shaped headlights, vertical taillights, signature LED exterior lighting, and a lower, more sculpted hoodline that are all highlighted with bright and jeweled accents. Seven-spoke, 17-inch wheels or available 9-spoke, 18-inch wheels surround larger high-performance brake calipers and rotors.

The larger chrome-trimmed grille is inspired by the Cadillac Sixteen concept car and is much more vertical than the previous model. Fog lights flank the lower air intakes on both sides, and brake duct intakes and side air extractors are located in the front fenders. The roofline and rear glass have a more coupe-like profile.

Dual-Duty Interior

The evolution of the CTS design is even more pronounced on the interior that is both luxurious and performance-oriented. The new design theme for Cadillac interiors emphasizes technical precision with elegant, hand-crafted details. Dramatically different from the original, the interior design is decidedly more upscale, with added ornamentation, luxury and attention to detail.  Technological features include a DVD-based navigation with telescoping touch-screen, Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround audio system, Easy Key system with Smart Remote Start, and adaptive forward lighting system.

The upper instrument panel material and door trim are hand-cut and sewn, and the analog instruments are in three chrome-trimmed bezels under a hood. An integrated center stack design, with either a satin metallic finish or genuine Sapele wood, blends into the lower instrument panel that sweeps forward and away of front-seat occupants. The hand-assembled center console leads seamlessly into the center stack, providing a sportier “cockpit” feel for the driver and passenger without compromising space. 

Heated and ventilated seats incorporate new “thin-seat” technology for maximum occupant comfort and enhanced rear-seat leg, knee and foot room. A signature V-shaped medallion appears as a decorative touch on the backs of the front seats. French stitching is used throughout the interior, including the upper instrument panel, door inserts, seats and the shifter boot.
White ambient light is provided by LED with backlighting in the door pulls, footwells and recessed between the upper and lower instrument panels. The leather-wrapped steering wheel includes standard integrated controls for cruise control and the audio system.

Engines and Transmissions

The 2008 Cadillac CTS will be available with GM’s new 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 VVT engine, delivering an estimated 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The base engine for the U.S. will be the current 3.6-liter VVT engine that produces 258 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque, and the 2.8-liter V6 will only be offered for export to other countries.  

For the first time, the 2008 CTS will be available with all-wheel-drive configurations and a new 6-speed automatic transmission joins the 6-speed manual. The current 3.6L VVT engine that produces 258 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque will serve as the base engine in North America and will be available in rear- and all-wheel-drive layouts. 
By Mike Meredith

http://autoshow.autos.msn.com/autoshow/detroit2007/Article.aspx?cp-documentid=1696150