Cadillac CTS/CTS-V

calicadi · September 2002

Necros and mannytranny...good luck on your racing ventures. Please keep us posted with results and driving impressions. Thanks to necros for the tirerack site link, too. That's a great site! Keep those performance parts links comin!

I assume that any mods will void warranty. Does anyone out there who would consider making mods care?

Thanks too, for the gas mileage posts from everyone. I'll try paying more attention to mine but right now, I'm having too much fun to care. I've been using the middle grade Shell gas pump rated at 89 octane.

Regards factory and dealer... I've received a thank you note and package of goodies from Cad, three letters from the dealership (two from sales, one from service) and a phone call from the dealer, all to make sure I was happy and satisfied with my purchase. I'd say that 's pretty good attention to the customer. Are others also receiving this treatment?

cadman88 · September 2002

them they should make it. I've pasted their response to me and my original email to them below. I don't know why the guy said "quality products from Chevrolet Motor Division" in the 5th and 6th lines, he must have gotten mixed up and said Chevrolet instead of Cadillac.

Dear Mr. Herzog,

Thank you for contacting the Cadillac Customer Assistance Center.

We certainly appreciate your enthusiasm for the Cadillac Fleetwood. Your
suggestions will help us
provide the quality products and services you expect from Chevrolet Motor
Division. Comments, from
current and prospective owners, keep us aware of customer expectations. We have
forwarded your
comments to Cadillac Brand Management for their review and possible
implementation. If you have any
further questions, please feel free to contact our Customer Assistance Center at
the toll-free
telephone number listed below.

Again, we thank you for your e-mail and your interest in Cadillac. If you
should need to contact us
in the future, you may e-mail us at assist@cadillac.com or call our Customer
Assistance Center at
1-800-458-8006. Advisors are available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

Sincerely,

James Noble
Customer Relationship Manager
Cadillac Customer Assistance Center

Original message follows:
-------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------

Name : Brian Herzog
Address :

: , -

Daytime Phone Number : () -
ex.
Evening Phone Number : () -
ex.

Comments : I think that Cadillac needs a
really, really big car again. Like
the Fleetwood was, around 20 feet.
I think Cadillac should make a
concept car called the Deville
Fleetwood concept or just the
Fleetwood. It should be style with
the Art and Science theme and
should have all the goodies.
Including an onboard personal
computer, and a flat panal tv and
DVD player fit into the rear center
console. Also all the other
Cadillac inovations. I think this
would be a real hit concept and
Cadillac could base the next
Deville on its styling and
features. Please, please make a
concept like this!!!

Sincerly,
Brian Herzog

sevenfeet0 · September 2002

Long post coming :-)

In regards to cadman88's product matrix, I like it but I'm wondering about one thing. First, let's look at the current product matrix of the major competitors for 2002:

Small Sedans:
BMW: 325i, 325xi, 330i 330xi
Mercedes: C240, C320
Lexus: ES300, IS300
Cadillac: CTS

Small Coupes:
BMW: 325Ci, 330Ci
Mercedes: C230K SC
Lexus: none
Cadillac: none

Small Convertibles:
BMW: 325i, 330i
Mercedes: none
Lexus: none
Cadillac: none

Small Wagon:
BMW: 325i, 325xi
Mercedes: C320
Lexus: IS300 Sportcross
Cadillac: none

Small "super":
BMW: M3 Coupe, M3 Convertible
Mercedes: C32 AMG
Lexus: none
Cadillac: none

Midsize Sedan:
BMW: 525i, 530i, 540i
Mercedes: E320, E500
Lexus: GS300, GS430
Cadillac: SLS, STS

Midsize Coupes:
BMW: none
Mercedes: CLK320, CLK500
Lexus: none
Cadillac: Eldorado*

Midsize Convertible:
BMW: none
Mercedes: CLK320, CLK500
Lexus: none
Cadillac: none

Midsize "super":
BMW: M5
Mercedes: none
Lexus: none
Cadillac: none

Fullsize Sedan:
BMW: 745i, 745Li
Mercedes: S430, S500, S600
Lexus: LS430
Cadillac: Deville, DHS, DTS

Fullsize Coupe:
BMW: none
Mercedes: CL500, CL600
Lexus: none
Cadillac: none

Fullsize "super":
BMW: none
Mercedes: S55AMG, CL55AMG
Lexus: none
Cadillac: none

Small Sport Utility:
BMW: none
Mercedes: none
Lexus: RX300
Cadillac: none

Midsize Sport Utility:
BMW: X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, X5 4.6is
Mercedes: ML320, ML500
Lexus: none
Cadillac: none

Fullsize Sport Utility:
BMW: none
Mercedes: G500
Lexus: LX450
Cadillac: Escalade, Escalade EXT

Small Convertible:
BMW: Z3 2.5i*, Z3 3.0i*
Mercedes: SLK230, SLK320
Lexus: none
Cadillac: none

Small Coupe:
BMW: Z3 3.0i* Coupe
Mercedes: none
Lexus: none
Cadillac: none

Small "super":
BMW: M roadster*, M coupe*
Mercedes: SLK32 AMG
Lexus: none
Cadillac: none

Luxury Convertible:
BMW: Z8
Mercedes: SL500
Lexus: SC430
Cadillac: none

Luxury "super":
BMW: none
Mercedes: SL55 AMG
Lexus: none
Cadillac: none

*Discontinued for 2003

Clearly Cadillac trails badly in just providing basic competition. The most obvious problem is engine programs. Mercedes and BMW offer many sized engines across many price points. BMW carries 2 I-6s, 2 V-8s and a V-12. Mercedes carries a I-4, 2 V-6s, 2 V-8s and a V-12. Cadillac carries 1 V6, 2 V-8s (same displacement) and no V-12. Part of this advantage is the basic fact that they compete worldwide and need a lot of different engines for different markets. In other parts of the world, you also add diesel engines to the mix, something else Cadillac will need as they orient themselves to being a world brand.

The second problem is variety of models. Cadillac has some models that don't compete well (front wheel drive models in a rear wheel drive market) or none at all (no mid size sport utes, coupes and convertibles of any size).

Now look to the future. Cadillac has shown the SRX with two engine choices. The CTS will get a new engine but probably won't keep the old, even though it could serve as an entry level engine. The V-series will begin with the CTS, XLR and eventually the STS. The XLR will fill the void of the Luxury convertible segment. A new rear wheel drive STS will bow in 2005. V12 engine choices are rumored for the future too.

There should be a CTS coupe (CTC) but 2007 is a long time to wait. No word if a "STC" coupe is even being considered.

From rumors, Cadillac will show a "FTS" high end luxury sedan concept with a V16 engine. Although I don't think the V16 will see the light of day, the FTS will be more interesting. Does Cadillac really need more than one full size luxury vehicle? Excluding Maybach and Rolls Royce, BMW and Mercedes stretch their full size models over many price ranges with wheel base and engine choice upgrades. A better DTS could do that, unless Cadillac wants to keep an older less expensive car around for certain buyers and rental fleets. If the FTS is a Rolls/Maybach class car, then that's another story.

And I guess the "F" in FTS stands for Fleetwood? ;-)

baron87 · September 2002

F in FTS stands for nothing but F. F-Series Touring Sedan...

And yes, indeed, Cadillac will showcase a V16 limousine at NAIAS 2003. It may or may not be named FTS...some sources indicate it may be "Affinity" or "Affinite" (old french).

sreynolds1 · September 2002

I just picked my new CTS on Friday, so I don't have a lot of distance on it yet, but so far, I am very impressed with the fit and finish - I think the black paint is flawless - the car feels solid, and I think Cadillac has a winner here.
I'm coming from a Grand Cherokee Ltd, so of course the handling is noticeably better - now I can take off-ramps at speed without feeling that I might roll over!
I chose the auto over the stick as I found it to be so smooth, and as I am not a professional driver, I think it can shift faster and better than I can; as well, I drive a lot in heavy traffic where constant shifting becomes more work than fun.
I love the personalization programming you can do - not just seat and mirror settings, but driver's name, radio station pre-sets, tone and equalizer settings for each station and source, and on and on.
I'm having fun with OnStar too - I called yesterday and asked where there was an open gas station - the operator checked the vehicle location, and told me exactly how to find the closet station; he did not say, "you moron, you're three blocks from your own house and there's a gas station within site"!
So far, the reaction of neighbours has been very positive - comments like, that doesn't look like any Caddy I've ever seen - and the best one, from a group of kids cycling past my house when I brought the car home, was "Wow. there's one of those new Cadillacs". I wonder how long it's been since teenagers would be interested in a Cadillac? I think Cadillac will find the younger market they've been trying to win.

automole · September 2002

First off, congratulations on the new CTS sreynolds1 ! I think you'll be surprised at ALL the positive comments you'll get whether it's from kids or older folks. I got a 'thumbs up' from some teenager the other day!

Anyway, I just thought I'd bring up an 'interesting' ad in my local newspapers classified section. I saw there was a 2003 CTS for sale with automatic transmission and 5k miles for $29,950. The only other feature it mentioned was a 'carriage top'. I thought about it for quite some time and for the life of me I couldn't figure out what in earth a 'carriage top' was. First I thought it was another name for a sunroof...then I thought it might be like a luggage rack...then the horror set in when I finally figured it out...............

-Great way to ruin a new CTS with only 5k miles, eh?

sreynolds1 · September 2002

I wonder how and why he found someone to install a carriage top? Do you think he has to try and sell it now because it looks so bad?
I think the CTS looks great without any changes - the view from behind, with those tall tail lights and the deep bumper make it look very distinctive. I look for other CTS's on the road, and there aren't too many, but when you see one there is no mistaking it for any other car.

mannytranny · September 2002

Congrats on your new CTS.

Hope that you enjoy the ride! Black is just really sharp.

Keep checking back and let us know what you think as you get more mileage on it.

You"ll be more and more surprised at the different ages that "oogle" your car. Happens all the time. Whenever I go out driving I count the "oogles" and report the results at home.Just great!

cadman88 · September 2002

http://autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=carnews&loc_code=&content_code=06210908

XLR to make 375 hp!!

P.S congrats on the CTS sreynolds1

richw5 · September 2002

Congrats - sreynolds1!!

I know you'll be really happy with your CTS. It's a drivers car, and needs to be on the road, where it can be seen and admired. It's also a fun car, nimble and a blast to drive.

Have fun and let us know about your experiences on a regular basis.

Rich W

sweetjeldorado · September 2002

I got them from:

http://www.autosite.com

J "CaddyLac"

wwhite2 · September 2002

Does the center of the grill emblem of the CTS-V spy photo many posts ago look like it was sporting night vision in the center or was it my wishful thinking?

fav002 · September 2002

How many of you have experienced the reaction of drivers ahead of you when you roll up on them in the fast lane of the highway? Whether during day or night, I'm finding that people get out of the way in a hurry when they see the front end of the CTS a-comin'. During the day, drivers are intimidated by the sinister front end, especially with the windows all blacked out. At night, the xenon beams with the small triangular "diamond" lights and the fog lights on display a light pattern in other driver's rear view mirror that is unlike any other vehicle on the road.

On another note (although this is probably not a politically correct question) what is the fastest sustained speed you've had your CTS up to? I commute about 60 miles to work, on a desolate three-lane divided highway very early in the morning...my fastest was averaging 95 MPH with sustained speeds around 110. I know it's not the safest way to drive and there are serious risks associated with high speed driving, but the car is rock solid at that speed and could easily be pushed higher in a safer environment. What are your CTS "performance" stories?

-FAV002

My CTS Pictures

baron87 · September 2002

I have a 17 mile commute from the southwest suburbs of Chicago to the near west-side of the city for school everyday and I thought that was far!! Of course, I am taking metropolitan commuter rail (Metra) and then walking to school from Union Station everyday, but still that must be a major pain. My commute is a pain IMO...I hate leaving my house at 6:30 AM (and I also hate having 4 hours of work a night)!! At least I commute to school with about 15 of my friends, though...

Haha, anyway, I am glad you are enjoying the CTS so much. I am looking to hopefully get a certified pre-owned CTS at some point in about 16-24 months for driving to school...

Our local dealer has been twisitng my dad's arm since January to buy me a CTS with 5 speed for school next year. It's all fun and games, and would never happen (at least that's what I gather) though...

[Although I must say that last January, I (and the dealer) seriously thought my dad was going to get a CTS lux./sport as an "extra" car, which fell through the roof some time in February]

...and I might say that I would feel a little odd driving a new Cadillac to school at age 16. Can anyone say decadent (sp)??

richw5 · September 2002

Friends,

Here's a few items to digest.

First - TheCarConnection has a new spy photo of the CTSV. ..... Get me a car loan!

http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=5241

Second - I've seen two reports of cracked heads and coolant leaks on CTS's. Has anyone else had a problem?

http://caddymb.netgetgoing.com/messageDetail.asp?MessageId=1421

Current Cadillac production

http://caddymb.netgetgoing.com/messageDetail.asp?MessageId=1417

My wife has had the CTS up to 95 MPH so far. Just rides great at that speed.

Rich

necros · September 2002

Performance mods will not necessarily void your warranty. Federal law is pretty clear about disallowing warranty claims based on modifications.

Basically, the gist of it is (and remember, IANAL) that if a mod is the specific cause of a failure, then the manufacturer can disallow a warranty claim. However, they cannot disallow a claim simply because of the presence of a mod. I think the main test case (you can Google Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act) involved a manufacturer voiding a warranty because a non-dealer air filter was installed.

So, basically, if your engine fails because of that new supercharger you threw on, they may disallow engine warranty work. Disallowing engine work because of your aftermarket steering wheel you put on would be illegal, though.

jgranata · September 2002

from the school of been there, done that, a good rule to follow with a new car is to note the level
of the coolant in the reservoir bottle. if it's not at the max line when the engine is cold, take a magic marker and mark the level on the bottle.
then...wait and see what happens..can be very illuminating as to the condition of the motor. it's not always a significant loss of coolant that
develops, sometimes it's just a slow loss over time and the problem there is you don't even notice it until sometimes, it's too late. jackg

bingoman · September 2002

The CTS has a low coolant message which should be displayed before the coolant tank is completely emptied. Although a visual check as a backup is still a good idea.

akirby · September 2002

The LS V8 tops out at about 142 (tested both legally and illegally, but not by me). If you get close let us know. :-)

oldsman01 · September 2002

That is one very sharp looking CTS.

baron87, if you get a CTS to drive to school you are one lucky dog!! I wish Cadillac had a cr like that when I was in high school(and I had the means to buy one), but even though it was Sedan DeVilles, Eldorados, and Sevilles back then, I still would have loved to drive one. I always liked the Eldorado Touring Coupe of the very early 90s. They were very rare as most were just Eldos or Biarritz coupes and the early TCs were very unique. As was the Oldsmobile Trofeo. Low production cars, just like I like them.

vuefor2 · September 2002

What an eye catching car it is, absolutely beautiful! We live in a smaller community so we often don't see new models for a while after they come out. Just thought I would post that as it's the first really nice looking Cadillac I have seen in recent memory.

richw5 · September 2002

Akirby - Driving at 142 MPH would be against the law. I wouldn't do that, would I?

The CTS has a speed limiter chip ("V" rated tires)and will only do about 127 MPH, I think. My wife has the car with the instruction manual so I don't know the exact limit.

My STS has the same speed limiter chip due to the "H" rated tires. It's limited at about the same 125 -130 MPH. I did get my '94 STS up to 130 MPH and could have gone to 150 MPH. Fun!!!!

The Lincoln LS is somewhat in between the CTS and STS. I drove them in the Motor Trend/Cadillac World Challange last year and the LS V8 was fun to drive. I understand Ford has really improved the LS for 2003. Some of that is due to the CTS challange.

Since Ford created some of the cars I love the most (Thunderbird, Mustang, Lincoln Continental, etc.) I won't get into a Ford vs GM argument. I did drive a Shelby Cobra at 155 MPH outside Barstow California in 1967. It was the most awesome car I have ever driven. If the Ford '49 was in production, I would sell the STS to have one along with our CTS.

Rich W

fjk57702 · September 2002

I think that the CTS's top speed is over 140, and the sport pkg tires are V rated for 149.

The standard tires are H rated (130 MPH). So without the sport pkg the top speed would be limited to 130 (or so).

akirby · September 2002

Standard equipment tires are H - 130 mph. Sport tires are V - good up to 149 mph.

So - who'll be the first to test out the limiter on the Sport pkg? Tested safely on a track, of course, and not on the freeway.

akirby · September 2002

No fair - you edited your post!

fjk57702 · September 2002

Well, I wasn't sure about the standard (16 inch) tires, so I checked Cadillac's web page and then went to Goodyear to check on the speed ratings for sure. I think one of the magzine comparison tests have already taken the CTS to over 140 - but they may just be publishing manufacturers data too.

richw5 · September 2002

You all are probably right. I checked the Caddy web page too. Now the question is.... Do I want to accept the mission (140 MPH) or do I just let this message self destruct. (Better the message than me). Then again, I might try 130.

Rich

jjgittes · September 2002

I saw a local dealer here in So Cal advertising a CTS for sale for $27,900. Anyone actually bought one for this? What will it have/not have? Is an automatic standard, or is the manual tranny to be expected at this price? Thanks

bingoman · September 2002

I got mine in the San Fernando valley at a $2,000 discount. Applying that to the car you saw advertised would mean that it is a no option, basic CTS with manual transmission. Any options would increase the discount value.

Where in Southern Cal is this dealer?

skubik · September 2002

It looks like GM has reworked its incentive programs; starting today they're offering 0.0%/2.9%/3.9% financing for 36/48/60 months, respectively on all 2003 Cadillac models, including the CTS.

http://media.gm.com/news/releases/020904_incentives.html

dindak · September 2002

Are you sure CTS is included? I would be surprised if it was. I know Corvette is always excluded from these offers.

logic1 · September 2002

I was real surprised to see it too, but autonews.com has a Reuters article saying GM will offer 0% for 36 months on the CTS.

If people interested in buying with a 3 year loan were holding back for any reason, they better reconsider.

To bad the new Saab 9-3 is not included.

skubik · September 2002

Yep, the CTS is definitely included... it's listed in the press release I linked to. And since you brought it up, the '03 Corvette has the exact same incentives on it.

tgp1810 · September 2002

Im sure that you have all seen the Caddy Imaj. I wonder if they will put it into producation and how much it will cost. That car is purely beautiflu.

Anyway, back on topic, ordering my CTS in about a week and was wondering if there was a car to compare the suspension in the Lux/Stp package...the LS, M5? I've read mixed feelings about it and was just wondering what other car it could be compared to. Thanks.

b4z · September 2002

You guys beat me to it. Just saw it in USA TODAY.
Every 2003 GM car and truck.

dindak · September 2002

I'm surprised that CTS and Corvette are included as they are both strong sellers.

GM is very aggressive these days. Of course this is not nearly as aggressive as the 0% for 60 months we had recently on 2002s.

akirby · September 2002

From what I've heard it's very close to the BMW sport package 3/5 series (not a M5 though). The LS sport package will also be close but it's a bigger car and not quite as 'tossable'. Should give you a good idea, though. Expect a firm ride with flat cornering but not harsh. You will feel more road imperfections but it's not like those slammed hondas where the driver looks like a bobble-head doll with no suspension travel.

sweetjeldorado · September 2002

http://media.gm.com/news/releases/020904_august_sales_pr.html

J "CaddyLac"

sevenfeet0 · September 2002

The good news for Cadillac is that August sales compared to last year are up 53.6%! That leads every other GM division by a wide margin. Year-to-date sales are up for Cadillac 19.1%, again leading all over GM brands in North America. The press release singled out the CTS and for good reason. Sales are beginning to surge for this car, and it's being reflected in the numbers.

baron87 · September 2002

...And Cadillac SUV sales were up 110% for August!! Absolutely incredbile...

akirby · September 2002

And Lincoln LS sales are up 43% for August! It outsold the CTS by 700+ units. With very little advertising.

Not trying to start an argument - just reporting the facts.

oldsman01 · September 2002

Lincoln has been running some killer lease deals on LS V8s. I actually said "hmmm" after I saw one as it was $399 a month or so. Can't beat that for a V8 powered luxury sedan.

richw5, just be careful if you do try. I'd be curious to know what big brother GM has limited the CTS's top speed to. My Intrigue(with H-rated tires) is governed at 131 MPH and I've had her up to 120. Smooth, solid, and steady best describes the car at that speed. I can only imagine how the CTS feels at that speed.

akirby · September 2002

That $399 deal required some up front cash but the deals are great right now since the 2003 comes out in a couple of months.

I can't wait to see the 2003 LS and the CTS go head to head for COTY and 10 best lists.

dindak · September 2002

akirby : The LS is a nice car, probably the best one Ford makes. It would be the only one I would consider.

sevenfeet0 : Impressive number for Cadillac. Hopefully it's the begining of good things for the name plate as it's in decline far too long!

omarlorenzo · September 2002

I offered my dealer 3.5% over invoice for a CTS Sports Model fully loaded except for the engine heater and I paid $37K. With tax, tittle and other expenses, I ended up paying $39K. I love my CTS and I like the fact that there are not that many in my part of the world. I've seen only a white and black model while mine is the metalic silver with the peuter interior.

fjk57702 · September 2002

The manual CTS is geared so that in top gear the engine will have to run a bit over 6000 RPM's to hit ~150 MPH. Note that the engine produces peak horsepower @6000 RPM's. Thus the top speed will be limited to the power requirements at that speed. With the automatic, the gearing is different so top speed is probably slower and may be in 4th gear - but this would be in the range of ~135 MPH.

b4z · September 2002

Doubtful that a CTS will go to 150 mph. Only 220 hp. in a 3600 lb car. Top speed may very well occur in 4th gear instead of 5th.

My Camaro weighs 3400 lbs and has 215 hp.
Peak hp occurs at 4400 rpms and peak torque at 2800 rpms.
In 5th it does 33mph for every thousand rpms.
3000rpms at 99 mph. 132mph at 4000rpms.
Tops out at around 135mph. Just not enough horses to get the job done.
275-335 hp Camaros will get over 150 mph.
Can't see a CTS getting up there.

necros · September 2002

There is a site out there that will allow you to figure out speeds based on RPMs and gear ratios. I have run the manual CTS through their program and it indicates that at redline, the CTS would be going just over 160 mph (163, I think). Granted, with the current engine, it wouldn't do that going uphill, but the old "downhill with a tail wind" maxim would probably apply.

sevenfeet0 · September 2002

Lincoln LS sales are doing well, which is a bright spot now at Ford which isn't doing well in general these days. There is some Lincoln LS advertising in the current "jazz trio" campaign that Lincoln is doing (the speedboat ad comes to mind). But it's not "saturation bombing" advertising. I see the Lincoln Navigator ad much more often than the LS ad. There is a Lincoln Town Car ad featuring actor Michael Clarke Duncan that plays even less.

Cadillac isn't doing much TV advertising of the CTS at all these days. I see "brand" ads for the entire Cadillac line, and I see Escalade and EXT ads.

This may be just me talking, but I'm starting to get a little sick of the Led Zepplin "Rock and Roll" ad campaign. Maybe I'm just as much of a fan as some people. I thought the best Cadillac ad in years was the "Moments" ad that introduced the Art & Science theme (though "The Power of &" was a lame tag line). I also miss the short-lived Escalade tag line "It's good to be the Cadillac". That was cheeky but it got the message across.

Of course, Cadillac sales are up, so I doubt we'll see a change in ad campaigns anytime soon. Why break success?

fjk57702 · September 2002

the overall gearing is important to getting to the top speed. With 220 hp, the CTS's top end is near 140. The manual is geared to run about 24-25 MPH per 1000 rpm's in overdrive (5th gear). In 4th gear the top end is probably limited by redline as the speed per 1000 rpm's is about 20 MPH (or 120 MPH @6000 RPMs). So @125 MPH in 4th - shifting to 5th reduces engine speed to ~5200 RPMs. So if there is enough torque/horsepower to allow the car to accelerate in 5th, then 140 is possible (at least on a cool day at sealevel).

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles