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Comments
Accord 189.5
CTS 190.1
E-class 190.3
3.2TL 192.9
Lincoln LS 193.9
Bigger than a 5 series, about the same size as the Accord and E-class but not quite as big as a 3.2TL or Lincoln LS.
In addition, 18 inch wheels will be offered at Buick and on some unnamed mid-sized SUVs.
What color?
thebug...
Rich
And the poor tire manufacturers get beaten into building soft-ride long-life low-profile tires, which those of us (who actually care about grip, not just looks) then have to be careful to avoid when tire-shopping.
A car like the CTS has a suspension layout capable of keeping the tire perpendicular to the ground. This is not easy in most Macstrut layouts, and it's nearly impossible in things like the Escalade. That isn't to say that going larger in wheel diameter, even in a CTS, really buys you much - apples-to-apples (that is, comparable quality tires) you lose more in ride quality than you gain in grip.
From a technical perspective there's seldom much reason for going to a low-profile tire, unless you need a large-diameter wheel to fit over a big brake rotor.
As you all may well know the best source of advertisment is word of mouth, (what the consumer thinks and says about a product or service). During my research, I did suspect some bias from the reviewers as they frequently criticized minor flaws (problems that could be found on any car given the right circumstances) of some fairly decent automotive products, but seldom would they knock the quaity of BMW.
These very reviews inspired me to look over the reviews of those who have purchased BMW's 3 and 5 series to get the real scoop. If you have the time, take a look at what people are saying in the suggested improvements segment of their reviews. Although many (some not) are rating at high 8 to 9+, the improvement segment tells another story
Compare their comments to those offered CTS owners (those who own a CTS already know) and you'll sense a more realistic degree of owner satisfaction. The cost of the admission ticket into the good old U.S. of A. can sometimes be brutal.
thebug...
thebug...
Too bad the price for supposed cleaner air is poisened water, as is the case with MTBE. Funny how the oil companies can make a very clean, non-additive fuel, but the gummont mandates additives like ethanol. FWIW, here in The Peoples Republic of California, MTBE is being phased out as it is contaminating wells and reservoirs all over the state!
The only performance criticism, coming from very few, is about total horsepower. You'll see some recent posts from those longing for the proposed CTSv that will have about 30 more horses. Look for posts from necros and mannytranny. They are actually taking their CTS's to competitions. I plan to do the same after I complete a driving course at Bondurant. BTW, Bondurant has switched from teaching in Mustangs to the CTS. That right there should be endorsement enough.
The only major interior criticism seems to be the lack of an analog temperature gauge and the accuracy of the analog clock. In practice, notification of an over-temp condition would appear in the console display and the on-board computer would attempt steps to mitigate. Future instrumentation will likely include the temp gauge and replace the analog clock with a digital display in the console. Some feel there should be more interior "luxury" touches for this price-point.
I think the over-all concensus is the car is just incredibly fun to drive, with plenty of power, precise handling, and a solid build. I'll leave you to decide on the exterior styling. People seem to love it or hate it. Personally speaking, it's the most exciting design to come out of Detroit since the first T-bird.
Pretty impressive.
Loads of back seat legroom.
I'm debating whether to buy or lease. I've yet to lease a car and I don't fit the typical lease profile of wanting to be able to turn my car over every couple of years. But I'm concerned about the resale value of '03 CTS which I think is going to take a beating when the '04s come out with the bigger engine and some of the small complaints fixed. Right now the residual value being offered on a 36 month lease is 57% and on a 48 month lease is 48%. How do those sound to people? They strike me as pretty good/optimistic which makes the lease option more attractive.
But that's just me.
Bingo
thebug...
thebug...
area have been priced right up there with the new
ones. Whatever vehicle you trade in your gonna get hosed any way !
BTW: Auto show is this weekend and they are gonna
have the Ciena and XLR on display. Hope they are
NOT roped off so I can hands on check em' out..geo
Here is how it works, you decide to buy a car based on a certain need of service. this need dictates the kind of car you need (luxry, sport, suv, bid, small etc.). once this is decided you see how much money can you spare and set your budget. you then go get the best money can by of the type of car you wanted.
The CTS and the BMW 330i are not in the same category, those wanting a medium size car will never consider the 3 series BMW, they would consider the 5 series and if they can't afford it they will seek a cheaper yet midsize car, an A6 for example. When i went shopping the 330i was not an option, neither the Mercedes C class, nor the A4. I did look at the E class and A6 and Lexus G300. I also consider the Infinity G3 is a competitor to the CTS.
And as per the first CTS review by Motor Trend back in January 2002 issue, they stated that Cadillac was setting the BMW 5 as the bench mark for the CTS. Cadillac wanted to offer a BMW 5 for the price of a BMW 3, and that is the way it is.
What do you think, will it be fair to compare the CTSv to the M3 or the M5?
Regards to all
The BMW 3-series gets such good press that I did look at one of those,too.
I am only 6',but I like a very upright driving position,and the little Bimmer just felt a little too cramped. I felt the windshield header was right above my eyebrows.
So I don't think there is much denying that after a few decades of focusing on driving charestics,the BMW is truly outstanding.
And I loved the 525i. But the price of both the Catera and the CTS are very persuaive.
And even if the back seat isn't used much,a long wheelbase can add very pleasant charectics to the driving experience.
Anyone know about this and whether it will be available on the CTS?
If it turns you that you're not satisfied with the OEM tires, you might try a set of stock-size Bridgestone S-03s rather than changing wheels.
"Cruise control with vision. A radar sensor detects the presence and speed of the car in front of you and will assist you in maintaining desired headway. Headway is maintained using the throttle; if more deceleration is required, brakes are applied. If driver action is required, the system will sound an alarm. When traffic clears the cruise control gradually increases vehicle speed to the set speed."
It would be nice if they offered it on all Cadillac models, but my best guess is that it'll be offered on the top models and work it's way down.
I don't use Cruise Control a lot, especially on the CTS.
Rich
http://www.cheersandgears.com/boards/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3843
Rich
The Right hand white car is a CTS sedan. (i.e. the current CTS.)
The Left hand white car is a CTS coupe. (future car.)
The Black car is a CTSv sedan.
Bingo
Later yesterday I pit the CTS against my brothers 2001 BMW 528i. The CTS won hands down. We tested a side by side take off up till about 85 mph, and we tested a side by side take off from around 20 mph. The BMW 5 with 190 hp was no match for the CTS 220 hp. To day morning my brother came with a friend, they were is a Mercedes 500 cope. We all new the CTS stood no prayer, but we tested nonetheless. Well, believe it or not, from a stand still launch the CTS consistently blew the doors off the Mercedes. The CTS was ahead all through 1st gear, but that is about it, the Mercedes flew by from then on.
The CTS is really a fun car.
The picture I posted earlier was part of an Autoweek Design Presentation. The woman speaking was Anne Asensio, Executive Director of Interior Design, Quality & Brand Character. Here's what she had to say about Cadillac:
•The concept of Art & Science helped define Cadillac’s brand character as the twenty-first century began.
•Brand identity played a huge role in establishing this concept.
•Here are some examples
•All Cadillac will have bold, sheer, surfaces.
•Body sides have a strong, full length spline with emphasis on vertical ends and a fast, formal sail panel.
•Front elements include precise vertical headlamps and a shield-shaped grille with egg-crate texture.
•The rear features vertical tail lamps and a V-shaped CHMSL. (Whats a CHMSL?)
•The interior features American technology influence; vertical elements to reinforce exterior themes; watch influence on gauges and instrumentation; and warm, inviting materials to contrast the technical appearance.
•The Art & Science brand style for Cadillac is transforming the Cadillac brand.
•Here’s a snapshot of how that consistency has been manifested across the entire Cadillac line . . . when all the elements of a brand strategy are successfully implemented.
As for the picture, note that cars currently in production are black. Cars about to be produced are in silver (white). The white car to the right is probably a prototype of the next STS. Note the roof line and door handles in relation to the rear door window divider. The silver car in the foreground is the XLR and the black CTS could be a CTSV.
Rich