My CTS was delivered on 7/10 and i love it. There are some improvements that need to made though and they are relatively minor. I'm 6'1" and in my ideal seat configuration my hair touches the head liner. The fuel cap area needs a drain hole. The hood release lever is to close to the parking brake lever. You can idaverdently pull the wrong one. The body metal seems a bit flimsy (thin), I'm afraid I'll dent it if I lean on it. Other than that i am quite pleased!
For me, the temperature gauge is most useful in letting my know when the car is warmed up and ready for me to stomp on the gas. Everyone knows it's bad to rev the car too high when the engine is still cold.
Congrats on the CTS!!! I also have a black CTS. The hood release location was a minor inconvience because several times I pulled it and had to close the hood that I opened. Temporarily I taped a small strip of cardboard to the hood release so that it would feel different. I have not pulled the wrong one since. Must ask....auto or manual?
beach15: I hope to write my 'review' soon. I might have a possible issue with the steering to get fixed first and want to get the 'bugs' worked out before giving my overall impressions...plus I only have 250 miles on the car so far. As for being rid of the 300M...the joy! It wasn't like it was such a BAD car, it just was that it wasn't a really good car. I thought I was buying Chrysler's top of the line car but in reality I got a fancy Neon (in my opinion of course). The CTS is MUCH more quiet and the transmission is not even comparable to the 300M's. It's weird being able to lightly press down on the accelerator and take off slow from a dead stop without a jerky start...or start out quick and not have wheel hop or torque steer.
dashiell88: I'm also 6'1" and don't have trouble with my hair touching the headliner. Either you must have really big hair or you haven't adjusted the seat or tilt-steering as low as it can go...?? -Congrats on the black CTS!
CTS owners: Does anyone experience a vibration in the steering when turning sharp after the car has been parked for some time? I've noticed that when I get in my car and back out from a parking spot I can sometimes feel vibration coming from the steering wheel / power steering. I thought at first that it might just be the tires on the pavement but it's happened more than once and I'm starting to think it might be a more serious problem. -Just wondered if anyone else has noticed this and if it was 'normal' or if I should take it in to the dealer soon. -Thanks!
Yes, it was on my list, but a few things worked against it.
1) not enough power with V6, no manual with V8 2) price a little too high, especially since I have GMO/GMS status 3) handling not as good as CTS 4) a bit of a dated design right now, and tried to copy BMW front a little too much
A did like the Lincoln LS at first and considered it early in my search.
Thanks! Just trying to determine if the LS is being ignored for lack of publicity or if it's just falling short and where. More power is on tap in November for both the V6 and V8 although we're not sure whether the manual will be offered at all due to extremely slow sales. Early manual LS sales were around 3% (out of almost 60K total sales or about 1800 units). This year they're barely selling 0.5% out of 40K projected sales or about 200 units. It will be interesting to see how the CTS manual sells (or not). Anyone have figures on manual sales so far?
I like the CTS taillights- at first I thought that they should have had LED lights, too. That is until I followed one down Beverly and realised that the single high-mounted "bullet" in the rear lamp made it look somewhat like the a nod to the twin lamps on the '59. I can't think that wasn't what they were trying to evoke (er... evoq?).
...I've seen 3 or 4 base model (no options) CTS's with manual transmissions in my area. When I bought my auto the dealer said they couldn't sell the manuals and would be willing to 'deal' on them. I think if someone was looking for a bargain on the CTS the manual transmission would be the way to go.
Last night I thumbed back through the latest issue of Motor Trend (the one with the 3 Series/CTS/G35 comparison). I couldn't help but think how MT magazine (and all others for that matter) has traditionally picked on Cadillac as well as any other manufacturer in a "vs. BMW" comparo for not having a stick option like the Bimmer.
Now, here we have the BMW and the CTS, both with a stick "option" (standard fare on the CTS), and then we have the G35 with only an automatic transmission. It stands to reason, with MT's love affair with manual transmissions, that the G35 wouldn't have even qualified for the comparision given the fact the a stick is available in the other 2/3 of the lineup.
So, what does MT do? They default to all automatic models just so the G35 would "qualify", and then have the nerve to chastise the Cadillac for not having a "manumatic" transmission option.
Guess MT was feeling the pressure to not let the old-style/technology BMW win yet another comparo. So, which car do the pick as the "winner"? The one with no manual transmission option (a necessity for any true sports sedan in their view), the one with the cheap-parts interior that they don't trust to withstand the test of time, and the one with the rear end that they really did not like the looks/style of. Go figure!
I think Cadillac is pretty much committed to the manual transmission idea, especially since they are going to put one in their V8 CTS's, and a six speed no less!
Seems Lincoln just half-hearteldy entered the stick option arena. Cadillac is going at it full boar!
Manuals will be standard across the board, and "fake-manuals" not even considered. Furthermore, the "i" cars will only have manual transmissions, forever, as I hear it.
I don't understand what you mean by Lincoln half-heartedly entering the stick arena. Lincoln had a manual V6 (same Getrag unit as the 3 series) available in June 99. That's at least 2.5 years ahead of the CTS model. Lincoln was totally behind the manual, but with a sales rate of only 200 units a year they can't afford to produce them. Caddy may run into the same problem with decent sales initially which taper off. Even BMW doesn't sell that many manual 530s (although it's more than 5% or 10%). And they don't even offer a manual on the 7 series which the LS is closer to in size.
The CTSi is at least a year away and Lincoln has already announced a 400 hp LS. Since it will use a 5.0L version of the 4.6L modular motor that's used in the new Cobra (390++ HP) then they could easily use the Tremec 6 speed from the Cobra in the LS. And given the way Colletti competes with Moss it wouldn't surprise me a bit.
If Lincoln drops the manual for 2003 then it will be a shame and Caddy will have won - for now. We'll have to see how manual CTS' are selling 2-3 years from now.
For now let's just be thankful that we have two great handling American sedans with manuals available. Just over 3 years ago there were none. If Chrysler wakes up we may have 3 but I'm not holding my breath.
The CTS's center brake light is neon and it's side taillights are just incandescent bulbs with reflectors. The set up looks okay, but an all LED setup like the Deville would have looked even better. I love how those Deville taillights look at night.
Motor Trend also used a CTS that wasn't configured with the luxury sports package. And it wasn't a question of price - a fully loaded $40K CTS would still have been cheaper than the BMW 330 they tested.
I bring this up because they bitched about the suspension in the article, as well the "small 16 inch wheels".
I read the MT article and it seemed pretty off to me. I thought the G35 was only picked because of the bigger engine. In almost everything they said about the G35 had something to do with the engine. Granted its a good engine but the styling is just yuck.
Yes they tested almost a fully loaded G35 but only a partially loaded CTS and 330i....hmmm could they want the G35 to win?
I don't know why Cadillac seems to be shying away from the now. Could it be cost?
The LEDs are just unbeatable...and they look so cool! It's really unfortunate CTS doesn't have them...but strangely XLR does.
As for the MT comparo, it was a wash-out. What took the cake is when they said, "if the G35 had had the manual transmission we know it would have done better"...therefore they let it win. That was ridiculous.
Black with dark pewter interior lux sport pkg 6 cd bose, no nav system. i know where i'm going sunroof fold down rear seat auto, to old for another manual 17" tires and polished whhels I do have the seat down and back all the way. although i'm not into reclining my seat too much.
I know EXACTLY what you mean! I would have expected it to be "Top of the Line" too, but when talking about Chrysler, top of the line doesn't mean a whole heck of a lot. Our biggest issue what the absolutely excessive noise, rattles, and the somewhat weak acceleration. Ah, but the 300M guys just can't see what anyone's talking about when you say something bad about a 300M--oh the shame!
You know, if I could afford it, a new CTS would probably be on the top of my list. I just love cars that are different than anything else (like our Avalanche), and to top it all off, the CTS just drives so well. Now, I just need a very lucrative summer job and I can get a new black or copper CTS--yeah right!
When I said Lincoln only went with the manual transmission "half-heartedly", I really was referring to the fact that they didn't put one in the V8. Moreover, all of the criticism from many owners and Magazines was that the 6cyl. just did not have enough power. Therefore, why bother with a Lincoln LS with the underpowered V6 just to get the manual. I think most sport enthusiasts who bought an LS decided on the more powerful V8. That's my train of though with saying it was "half-hearted".
Now, one could argue that the current CTS is "half-hearted" with only a 220hp engine (regardless of stick), but we already know that a V8 is coming (with a stick) as well as a more powerful V6 with yet a 6 speed stick.
Hi folks, I just got back from a 7,000 mile tour around the midwest in my new, fully loaded Sport-Luxury CTS. It has every option on the list except the engine heater (that would really be weird in So. California). It's White Diamond and the dealer also painted the grill to match. I've added a clear plastic mask and a complete tire pressure monitoring system (displays tire pressure and temperature for each wheel).
The car handled beautifully on all kinds of roads, Interstates and back roads. Passing on a two lane highway was great. Passing trucks was a breeze. Come up on the truck doing 70, step on the gas, downshift and I was doing over 90 by the time I passed. When you step on it at those speeds it growls like it wants to take a bite out of the truck/car that you are passing.
Seven thousand miles and not a rattle or squeak. The air conditioning is great. One hundred and ten degrees in Phoenix, the car parked in the sun, within 5 minutes the car was comfortable.
The only thing my Catera had on the CTS was a bigger trunk.
Does the new V6 that is supposedly going to go into the CTS in 2004 have some new technology. I ask, because for the amount of time GM is spending to develop it, my expectations are very high. If all we get is a 250hp v6 with vvti, Im going to be very dissapointed. BMW usually takes a long time to release a new engine, but when they do, they are usually the best. I hope the same will be true for Cadillac.
"we already know that a V8 is coming (with a stick) as well as a more powerful V6 with yet a 6 speed stick"
DO we already know this? I've heard no confirmation from GM about ANY of these rumours.
I would find it easy to believe that a more powerful V6 is in the works and would guess we'll see it in the near future.
As for the V8, I think it's mostly wishful thinking on the part of CTS fans. They already had to massage the existing V6 in order to get it to fit in the engine compartment. After popping the hood and looking at the current real-estate in the engine compartment I'd think they'd be doing good to fit a bigger V6...and the current one's only a 3.2L!
I would LOVE to see a V8 in the CTS but in my opinion it's purely a fantasy.
Unfortunately, one thing I think we can be assured of (according to rumours at my dealership and July pricing at GM's website) is the MSRP of the CTS increasing next year.
It has already been confirmed about a V8 in the CTS. The only think not sure of is whether it is a 350hp LS1 or a 405hp LS6. Check out the future vehicles section here on Edmunds or at media.gm.com.
Snate is correct - it was reported in Autoweek that the upcoming 2004 CTSi would have basically the GTO powertrain - 350Hp V8 and 6 speed manual, and the 2004 CTS will have the new 3.6L V6 and an upgraded interior.
It is confirmed to arrive in spirng/summer 2003, along with interior updates.
In the bsae form, it is a 251 bhp V6 with VVT. There may be the possibility that a mid-range CTS model receives a supercharged version of the aforementioned engine at around 300 bhp.
CTSi is due to arrive in fall 2003, with either the LS1 or LS6. It really has not been firmed up either way yet...some report one, others the other. I would suspect the LS1, but it would be my bet that it would have more bhp than the GTO...
baron - what have you heard about the new 4.3L "global V8"? I've read it will first be used in the SRX. It seems like that would also be a good "mid range" engine for the CTS.
i believe the 4.3 v8 is the replacement for the 4.6 northstar...the significant thing about the v6 going into the cts next year is the fact that it's not based on the v8 such as the shortstar that is used in the olds intrigue...the caddy v6 will be 60 degrees, considered to be the optimum v angle for a v6...jack g
the "global V8" also has some interesting features - it's 75 degrees, not 90 like most V8s and it does not have overhead cams, instead it has 2 camshafts set high in the block and uses pushrods. It has VVT and 3 vales per cylinder, makes around 300hp from 4.3L. It combines the packaging and friction advantages of a pushrod engine with the VVT advantages of a DOHC engine.
Note: media.gm.com ALSO reported " The 2003 CTS also offers XM Satellite Radio as an option on all models with the Bose premium audio system with navigation. XM radio features 100 coast-to-coast digital channels, close to compact disc " which we know is not true.
I do believe there will be a better V6, possibly a supercharged V6, and a redesign of the interior. I just hope that Cadillac doesn't 'dumb down' the interior too much and make it like the XLR as pictured in this months MotorTrend...IMO the current CTS interior is much nicer.
Hey, for what it's worth I hope I'm dead wrong so I can trade my current CTS in for a V8! I also hope the V8 comes with an optional auto for those of us that are sick of shifting manuals.
The thing I enjoyed most about the MotorTrend comparison is when they said the CTS braking was 'near' the BMW's performance (then when you read the specs at the end of the article you see the CTS...without luxury performance package and 17" wheels...stopped a foot shorter than the BMW!)
mole - from what I've read in industry mags like Ward's Auto World and Automotive Industries, the 4.3L "global V8" is a definite for production, as is the "CTSi" 5.7L V8 - you'll see it this time next year as a 2004 model.
The next generation NorthStar is a 4.2L Cadillac-only unit. I have not heard of the 4.3L global V8 you are talking about.
The 4.2L NorthStar will debut in the 2005 STS. It should be good for about 350 bhp/350 lb.-ft of torque in the base form. I believe it will feature both VVT and displacement on demand cylinder shut-off. The STS will also have a supercharged and intercooled version pumping out numbers somewhere in the 415-450 bhp range. And that may not even be for STSi...that may just be an intermediate model. It is unclear at this time whether the 2005 STS will be able to support the 7.5l NorthStar XV-12.
The 2004 SRX will base with the 3.6L V6, when it arrives early next-year. A high-output 4.6L NorthStar V8 will be available in higher trim levels, with output around 315 bhp or so. The 4.6L has been modified to have VVT in this application.
The 2004 XLR will debut also with a modified 4.6L NorthStar (also with VVT), and will have an output higher than that of the SRX. MT repored 315 bhp...but that seems unlikely, as the NorthStar in the STSi LeMans pace car had an output of 350 bhp just with a larger intake-manifold and high-perf. cams.
LE MANS, France - With barely five months of sales behind the CTS, Cadillac already plans to freshen the car's interior for the 2004 model year and add a V-8-powered model.
Also, a more powerful six-cylinder engine will be standard in the base model, said Jim Taylor, vehicle line executive for General Motors' luxury cars.
The CTS went on sale in January, the first of several rear-drive cars that Cadillac will introduce in the next several years as it aims to revive its image and sales.
Some auto journalists and others said after the introduction that the CTS needs more power and a more refined interior, and GM is responding.
"Each year the bar goes up and the luxury market gets more competitive," said Taylor, who spoke at a press event here. "Gone are the days when you introduced a new car and forgot about it for five years."
The high-performance sedan, called the CTSi, will be powered by a 5.7-liter V-8 producing about 350 hp. Sales begin in fall 2003.
Taylor said the CTSi will be aimed at high-performance enthusiasts and the first models will be offered only with a manual transmission. Cadillac expects to boost manual transmission sales in the CTS to 10 percent, up from 8 percent. An automatic will be available later for the CTSi.
The CTS' 220-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 will be replaced for the 2004 model year with a larger V-6. The V-6 bows in summer 2003. No horsepower figure was available.
Taylor said the car's interior will be freshened to give it more warmth, which will be achieved with special lighting, more chrome, more jewelry and luxurious grains. The interior changes evolved from clinics held in California.
In other Cadillac news, Taylor said no decision has been made on when or if Cadillac's top seller, the DeVille, will be replaced with a rear-drive sedan.
The front-drive DeVille will remain in the portfolio though the 2008 model year. The car will get new sheet metal for the 2006 model year.
The 4.3 liter 75 degree V8 was a showcar engine in an Opel. I have not heard that it will go into production. It is not a northstar replacement.
Supposedly a new northstar is in developement with VVT that will be a 4.2 liter engine producing about 300 horsepower. The engine in the XLR is supposed to have 330 hp according to Motor Trend, but as to VVT, nothing was said (as I recall). The SRX is said to get a 315 hp 4.6 too, and it likly is the old northstar. Simply mounting the engine in a RWD vehicle and straightening out the exhaust system could increase horsepower by 5% (15 horsepower).
The new northstar (4.2 liter engine) might fit into the CTS. But, the V8 that the performance CTS is to get, is the Corvette V8.
"Tweaks for the XLR include a forged crank, direct-mount accessories,a drive-by-wire throttle, and the additional breathing capability afforded by variable valve timing."
I have GMO pricing with a sales order already drawn up and signed - can they still hit me with the increase?
I think they can - the fine print on the back says they can, but that I can back out if unhappy with it. Hmmmm. Should I then wait for the larger engine...???
I looked at the price increase on buypower and found the base price unchanged. A fully equiped cts is now $41,300 where is was $40,400. A $900 increase. The sport pkg is up $500.
fjk - it was reported in either the August '01 or Sept '01 Automotive Industries that the "global V8" was approved for production and would probably first appear in the Cadillac SRX. Their online archives don't go back that far, but I have the actual magazine at home.
...But one last comment, if I may. Yes, now that I hear it as the XV8 I know what you're talking about. A lot of the technology from the XV8 will be in the 4.2L NorthStar next-gen., however, not that specific engine. Again the 4.2L won't appear until January 2004, or thereabouts.
"The 4.2L NorthStar will debut in the 2005 STS. It should be good for about 350 bhp/350 lb.-ft of torque in the base form"
350hp? Maybe, but 350 lb-ft? You are dreaming! A 4.2L cannot produce more than 320 lb-ft in a normally-aspirated form,not with today's technology. No matter how many horses the engine produces, torque will always be dependant on engine size.
Check These numbers! You will see: 1) The bigger the engine, the more torque. 2)You will also see significant changes in horse ratings for one engine depending on application, yet the change in torque remains limited.
(I wille exclude the 4.6 northstar because it is a rather old design compared to these modern engines)
Comments
dave
Must ask....auto or manual?
dashiell88: I'm also 6'1" and don't have trouble with my hair touching the headliner. Either you must have really big hair or you haven't adjusted the seat or tilt-steering as low as it can go...?? -Congrats on the black CTS!
CTS owners: Does anyone experience a vibration in the steering when turning sharp after the car has been parked for some time? I've noticed that when I get in my car and back out from a parking spot I can sometimes feel vibration coming from the steering wheel / power steering. I thought at first that it might just be the tires on the pavement but it's happened more than once and I'm starting to think it might be a more serious problem. -Just wondered if anyone else has noticed this and if it was 'normal' or if I should take it in to the dealer soon. -Thanks!
1) not enough power with V6, no manual with V8
2) price a little too high, especially since I have GMO/GMS status
3) handling not as good as CTS
4) a bit of a dated design right now, and tried to copy BMW front a little too much
A did like the Lincoln LS at first and considered it early in my search.
Now, here we have the BMW and the CTS, both with a stick "option" (standard fare on the CTS), and then we have the G35 with only an automatic transmission. It stands to reason, with MT's love affair with manual transmissions, that the G35 wouldn't have even qualified for the comparision given the fact the a stick is available in the other 2/3 of the lineup.
So, what does MT do? They default to all automatic models just so the G35 would "qualify", and then have the nerve to chastise the Cadillac for not having a "manumatic" transmission option.
Guess MT was feeling the pressure to not let the old-style/technology BMW win yet another comparo. So, which car do the pick as the "winner"? The one with no manual transmission option (a necessity for any true sports sedan in their view), the one with the cheap-parts interior that they don't trust to withstand the test of time, and the one with the rear end that they really did not like the looks/style of. Go figure!
Seems Lincoln just half-hearteldy entered the stick option arena. Cadillac is going at it full boar!
The CTSi is at least a year away and Lincoln has already announced a 400 hp LS. Since it will use a 5.0L version of the 4.6L modular motor that's used in the new Cobra (390++ HP) then they could easily use the Tremec 6 speed from the Cobra in the LS. And given the way Colletti competes with Moss it wouldn't surprise me a bit.
If Lincoln drops the manual for 2003 then it will be a shame and Caddy will have won - for now. We'll have to see how manual CTS' are selling 2-3 years from now.
For now let's just be thankful that we have two great handling American sedans with manuals available. Just over 3 years ago there were none. If Chrysler wakes up we may have 3 but I'm not holding my breath.
I bring this up because they bitched about the suspension in the article, as well the "small 16 inch wheels".
Idiots.
Yes they tested almost a fully loaded G35 but only a partially loaded CTS and 330i....hmmm could they want the G35 to win?
The LEDs are just unbeatable...and they look so cool! It's really unfortunate CTS doesn't have them...but strangely XLR does.
As for the MT comparo, it was a wash-out. What took the cake is when they said, "if the G35 had had the manual transmission we know it would have done better"...therefore they let it win. That was ridiculous.
lux sport pkg
6 cd bose, no nav system. i know where i'm going
sunroof
fold down rear seat
auto, to old for another manual
17" tires and polished whhels
I do have the seat down and back all the way. although i'm not into reclining my seat too much.
You know, if I could afford it, a new CTS would probably be on the top of my list. I just love cars that are different than anything else (like our Avalanche), and to top it all off, the CTS just drives so well. Now, I just need a very lucrative summer job and I can get a new black or copper CTS--yeah right!
Now, one could argue that the current CTS is "half-hearted" with only a 220hp engine (regardless of stick), but we already know that a V8 is coming (with a stick) as well as a more powerful V6 with yet a 6 speed stick.
Your points about the LS are very good and true.
ROB
The car handled beautifully on all kinds of roads, Interstates and back roads. Passing on a two lane highway was great. Passing trucks was a breeze. Come up on the truck doing 70, step on the gas, downshift and I was doing over 90 by the time I passed. When you step on it at those speeds it growls like it wants to take a bite out of the truck/car that you are passing.
Seven thousand miles and not a rattle or squeak. The air conditioning is great. One hundred and ten degrees in Phoenix, the car parked in the sun, within 5 minutes the car was comfortable.
The only thing my Catera had on the CTS was a bigger trunk.
2003 Cadillac CTS (Effective Date: July 1, 2002)
1SB Luxury Package increased by $250
1SC Luxury Sport Package increased by $500
TT6 High-Intensity Discharge Headlights increased by $50
AM9 Split Folding Rear Seat increased by $150
CF5 Sunroof increased by $100
84U Garnet Red Premium Paint increased by $100
98U White Diamond Premium Paint increased by $100
The Edmunds price list for the CTS has not changed, but the new prices are on the GM Buypower website in the "build your own" section.
M
DO we already know this? I've heard no confirmation from GM about ANY of these rumours.
I would find it easy to believe that a more powerful V6 is in the works and would guess we'll see it in the near future.
As for the V8, I think it's mostly wishful thinking on the part of CTS fans. They already had to massage the existing V6 in order to get it to fit in the engine compartment. After popping the hood and looking at the current real-estate in the engine compartment I'd think they'd be doing good to fit a bigger V6...and the current one's only a 3.2L!
I would LOVE to see a V8 in the CTS but in my opinion it's purely a fantasy.
Unfortunately, one thing I think we can be assured of (according to rumours at my dealership and July pricing at GM's website) is the MSRP of the CTS increasing next year.
In the bsae form, it is a 251 bhp V6 with VVT. There may be the possibility that a mid-range CTS model receives a supercharged version of the aforementioned engine at around 300 bhp.
CTSi is due to arrive in fall 2003, with either the LS1 or LS6. It really has not been firmed up either way yet...some report one, others the other. I would suspect the LS1, but it would be my bet that it would have more bhp than the GTO...
Note: media.gm.com ALSO reported " The 2003 CTS also offers XM Satellite Radio as an option on all models with the Bose premium audio system with navigation. XM radio features 100 coast-to-coast digital channels, close to compact disc " which we know is not true.
I do believe there will be a better V6, possibly a supercharged V6, and a redesign of the interior. I just hope that Cadillac doesn't 'dumb down' the interior too much and make it like the XLR as pictured in this months MotorTrend...IMO the current CTS interior is much nicer.
Hey, for what it's worth I hope I'm dead wrong so I can trade my current CTS in for a V8! I also hope the V8 comes with an optional auto for those of us that are sick of shifting manuals.
The thing I enjoyed most about the MotorTrend comparison is when they said the CTS braking was 'near' the BMW's performance (then when you read the specs at the end of the article you see the CTS...without luxury performance package and 17" wheels...stopped a foot shorter than the BMW!)
The 4.2L NorthStar will debut in the 2005 STS. It should be good for about 350 bhp/350 lb.-ft of torque in the base form. I believe it will feature both VVT and displacement on demand cylinder shut-off. The STS will also have a supercharged and intercooled version pumping out numbers somewhere in the 415-450 bhp range. And that may not even be for STSi...that may just be an intermediate model. It is unclear at this time whether the 2005 STS will be able to support the 7.5l NorthStar XV-12.
The 2004 SRX will base with the 3.6L V6, when it arrives early next-year. A high-output 4.6L NorthStar V8 will be available in higher trim levels, with output around 315 bhp or so. The 4.6L has been modified to have VVT in this application.
The 2004 XLR will debut also with a modified 4.6L NorthStar (also with VVT), and will have an output higher than that of the SRX. MT repored 315 bhp...but that seems unlikely, as the NorthStar in the STSi LeMans pace car had an output of 350 bhp just with a larger intake-manifold and high-perf. cams.
By RICK KRANZ
Automotive News
LE MANS, France - With barely five months of sales behind the CTS, Cadillac already plans to freshen the car's interior for the 2004 model year and add a V-8-powered model.
Also, a more powerful six-cylinder engine will be standard in the base model, said Jim Taylor, vehicle line executive for General Motors' luxury cars.
The CTS went on sale in January, the first of several rear-drive cars that Cadillac will introduce in the next several years as it aims to revive its image and sales.
Some auto journalists and others said after the introduction that the CTS needs more power and a more refined interior, and GM is responding.
"Each year the bar goes up and the luxury market gets more competitive," said Taylor, who spoke at a press event here. "Gone are the days when you introduced a new car and forgot about it for five years."
The high-performance sedan, called the CTSi, will be powered by a 5.7-liter V-8 producing about 350 hp. Sales begin in fall 2003.
Taylor said the CTSi will be aimed at high-performance enthusiasts and the first models will be offered only with a manual transmission. Cadillac expects to boost manual transmission sales in the CTS to 10 percent, up from 8 percent. An automatic will be available later for the CTSi.
The CTS' 220-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 will be replaced for the 2004 model year with a larger V-6. The V-6 bows in summer 2003. No horsepower figure was available.
Taylor said the car's interior will be freshened to give it more warmth, which will be achieved with special lighting, more chrome, more jewelry and luxurious grains. The interior changes evolved from clinics held in California.
In other Cadillac news, Taylor said no decision has been made on when or if Cadillac's top seller, the DeVille, will be replaced with a rear-drive sedan.
The front-drive DeVille will remain in the portfolio though the 2008 model year. The car will get new sheet metal for the 2006 model year.
Supposedly a new northstar is in developement with VVT that will be a 4.2 liter engine producing about 300 horsepower. The engine in the XLR is supposed to have 330 hp according to Motor Trend, but as to VVT, nothing was said (as I recall). The SRX is said to get a 315 hp 4.6 too, and it likly is the old northstar. Simply mounting the engine in a RWD vehicle and straightening out the exhaust system could increase horsepower by 5% (15 horsepower).
The new northstar (4.2 liter engine) might fit into the CTS. But, the V8 that the performance CTS is to get, is the Corvette V8.
"Tweaks for the XLR include a forged crank, direct-mount accessories,a drive-by-wire throttle, and the additional breathing capability afforded by variable valve timing."
But hey, let's get back to the CTS.
I think they can - the fine print on the back says they can, but that I can back out if unhappy with it. Hmmmm. Should I then wait for the larger engine...???
http://ca.autos.yahoo.com/010914/11/kesk.html
fjk - it was reported in either the August '01 or Sept '01 Automotive Industries that the "global V8" was approved for production and would probably first appear in the Cadillac SRX. Their online archives don't go back that far, but I have the actual magazine at home.
350hp? Maybe, but 350 lb-ft? You are dreaming! A 4.2L cannot produce more than 320 lb-ft in a normally-aspirated form,not with today's technology. No matter how many horses the engine produces, torque will always be dependant on engine size.
Check These numbers! You will see:
1) The bigger the engine, the more torque.
2)You will also see significant changes in horse ratings for one engine depending on application, yet the change in torque remains limited.
(I wille exclude the 4.6 northstar because it is a rather old design compared to these modern engines)
GM's 4.2L Inline-6:
270hp, 275 lb-ft
Audi's 4.2L V8:
300hp, 295 lb-ft (A6 4.2)
310hp, 302 lb-ft (A8 4.2)
340hp, 310 lb-ft (S6)
360hp, 317 lb-ft (S8)
Lexus' 4.3L V8:
290hp, 320 lb-ft (LS430)
300hp, 325 lb-ft (GS430/SC430)
BMW's 4.4L V8:
290hp, 324 lb-ft (540i)
325hp, 330 lb-ft (745i)
Infiniti's 4.5L V8:
340hp, 333 lb-ft (Q45)
BMW's 4.6L V8:
340hp, 350 lb-ft)
So how can a 4.2L produce 350 lb-ft?