2008 Cadillac CTS

rockylee

plekto,

just pony up and get ya a new one on a order.

Rocky

plekto

My ethics won't allow me to buy new and eat the first two years worth of depreciation. Well, that and my finances as well...

1487

The press releases are out on media.gm.com. I think all the concerns have been addressed in terms of features. YES it does have power tilt steering wheel. It also has standard Bose, optional 300W Bose 5.1, ventilated seats, Parking assist, remote start, keyless go, adpative HIDs and an 8" nav screen which is bigger than everyone except Acura I believe. I do not see any faults and I doubt a test drive by C&D is going to change my opinion.

rockylee

1487,

The article I read said it had a Bang & Olfsen stereo system :confuse:

Rocky

rockylee

Do you have a link to the details ?

Rocky

P.S.

the new cockpit has the warm and welcoming refinement of a Bang & Olufson sound system. As with the exterior, gaps have been significantly tightened and the new material choices are elegant and expensive-looking. The center stack flows at a graceful cant, something made possible by tucking the actual electronics - including radio and navigation systems - elsewhere in the car.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/Vehicle_Reviews/Luxury_Cars/2008_Cadillac_CTS_Pr- - eview.S183.A11488.html?pg=2

1487

go to media.gm.com and click on Detroit auto show at right. Then click on Cadillac for full details. The sound system in BOSE, TCC was just saying the interior reminded them of a B&O sound system in terms of quality and design.

rockylee

Okay, I'll have to check that out....I couldn't find it the first time but now you gave me a lil' better instructions I should find it.

Rocky

rockylee

Thank-you......I posted the GM media link in the "standard of the world" forum so everyone else could enjoy.

Rocky

readerreader

pearl

Pletko, I agree completely - and this has been my point all along too. Caddy just needs to ensure that the new CTS meaures up to its rivals in all possible ways, and between now and when actual models go on sale, do nothing to cheapen it in any way. Also agree on its place vs. STS. The latter has not sold anywhere near as well as hoped for. Rather than do anything to the CTS, Caddy ought to place its worry on the STS and improve that model to sell better. In any event, I am very much encouraged by what I've seen so far on the CTS, and hope that it does very well.

rockylee

readerreader,

Are you a god ????

How did you get such wonderful pics of this car so soon ???? OMG, they are awesome :shades:

Rocky

readerreader

dhamilton

Caddy, The interior looks nice.

Not a fan of the exterior though.

Congrats Rocklee.

jkr2106

I really like this car...there's something about it. My only problem is the rear wheel flares. They look a bit funny to me. I never wanted a 3-series but I have been thinking about a g35 coupe when the next-gen comes out. If Cadillac really does a coupe, I will be in car shopping heaven

texases

Well, now you've done it - I hadn't noticed the odd flares, rear especially. Yep, the rear one is kind of low, drooping, something...

1487

I think the exterior styling is on the money. I dont see how anyone couldn't be impressed even if you consider it an update of the current model. It's unique and aggressive without being over the top. The front end is perfect.

jkr2106

well im definately impressed, it's just that single detail that bothers me...hopefully its the angle...this car will definately be on my short list in 15 mos or so when i'm in the market

ggesq

I was never a real big fan of the current CTS. That said, after seeing the pics of the new CTS I am very impressed with the interior and exterior styling approach that Cadillac took w/ the CTS. The interior IMHO takes styling cues from the Acura TL and Lexus ES while the exterior has bold front fascia styling and those fins on the side of it remind me of the Escalade.
I'm going to put this one on my list of cars to test drive.

I too will congratulate Rocky

piason

Say goodbye to my import!

1487

The best thing about the current CTS (and the new one) is that it costs the same as a 3 series or A4 but has the room of the 5 series/A6. It's more like the TL/G35 in size and pricing than the German cars but unlike the TL it offers a RWD layout which the auto writers demand of a sports sedan. That pretty much leaves the G35 as its closest competitor.

ggesq

I can appreciate the CTS's attributes. I am still waiting on the TL's redesign w/ SH- AWD

jkr2106

I totally agree. I was dead set on a 200? Infiniti G35 coupe, but the CTS coupe is going to give it a run for its money. The g35 has always been a bit more spacious than its competition, which i like. Also, 300 horses on regular! The G35 doesn't do that.

chavis10

I am very impressed with the fact that the interior is unique to the class. The 3 series has a plain jane interior without i-Drive/Nav. Audi A4 is as basic as a "near luxury" car can be on the inside. The new G35, TL and IS350 have nice looking designs as far as styling goes and I think the CTS is right up there with those three. It seems Cadillac chose to think outside the box and has incorporate some interesting ideas. Example, the temperature controls for the climate system are not placed with the other controls. It seems as if you can have complete control of all the functions without having to utilize the nav screen which is a departure from just about every other car besides Acuras. Also kudos to the iPod integration and standard Bose sound. No mention if is has DVD-A/DTS 5.1 (96/24) media capability like the STS. If not, this most be a CenterPoint system which like Logic7 "simulates" surround sound from stereo sources.

I'm wondering why the wheel and tire package is modest- 235/50 for the sport package? I was hoping for at least 245/45 sized rubber but at least the wheel well to tire relationship is almost perfect. Otherwise, the exterior is just what I was hoping for. Tasteful use of chrome and the tight panel gaps are apparent even from the photographs. It also avoids that high beltline bath tub look of a lot of modern cars (think Lexus IS). The front fascia is as good as it gets without looking cartoonish a la Lexus IS & Audi A4. Notice how they did not try to force anything in the rear- just a nice clean look and those fenders flares are righteous.

tlong

mediapusher,

WOW, I'm in shock. mediapusher, didn't rip this car a new butt. Glad you respect it.

Rocky, I've also been one to criticze GM but I have to say that the new CTS looks really hopeful. Pretty nice looking outside, interior appears to be very good. I assume it will drive well.

Let's see how the driving reviews go and the reliability. This is very hopeful, what I've been wanting to see from GM for a long time. Give them credit and I hope they extend this approach to many lesser cars in their lines.

readerreader

jkr2106

I just realized I've been thinking about this car all day; no other caddy's ever done that to me :confuse:

Anyone know when it will be in dealers? I think I read this fall, but cannot find it anymore. Also, is anything known about the other body styles datewise?

merc1

Man you really need to give it a rest. Put down the GM flag and cape long enough to give people a chance to look at the car before you start with the GM rhetoric. We all know that you and others here will pretend that new CTS is the second coming of the automobile. Just because everyone else isn't as high on GM, to praise any and everything they come out with doesn't mean the CTS will automatically be deemed unimpressive. If you bothered to read other threads you'd know my response to the first pics released this morning. How tired.

M

dhamilton

looks like one of those thingy's you put on the front of your truck to protect it in case you hit a water buffalo, or deer or something.

thebug

jkr2106: This is on the mark. A dealer told me that they will start taking orders Jun 07. This will look nice in black with ebony. I must have one.

rockylee: It was definitely worth the wait. I plan to be driving one in Nov 08.

thebug...

allargon

That car looks great in the photos. However, I actually have to sit in one and drive one late summer/early fall. The lack of Bluetooth annoys me, but I won't miss the paddle shifters. I got all excited about the new G35 and got disappointed when I actually sat in it. I'm hoping the CTS won't disappoint. I may even take the hit on my current '07 import and trade it in for a new CTS. :surprise:

chavis10

So, what is your reaction? On paper, this is the best car America has EVER produced. The 300 was plagued with a lackluster interior along with a last generation chassis when it was released yet it enjoyed universal praise.

readerreader

Man you really need to give it a rest. Put down the GM flag and cape long enough to give people a chance to look at the car before you start with the GM rhetoric. We all know that you and others here will pretend that new CTS is the second coming of the automobile. Just because everyone else isn't as high on GM, to praise any and everything they come out with doesn't mean the CTS will automatically be deemed unimpressive. If you bothered to read other threads you'd know my response to the first pics released this morning. How tired.

M
---

To be fair, 1487 is one of the more level-headed and objective posters I have seen so far on this site in my time here.
He is very lucid and always has facts to back up what he says.
I would not call him a cheerleader at all.
But, as I said, I've not been here very long.

readerreader

This is what Edmunds' Editor Karl Brauer had to say about it. He agrees with you:
http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/2126

"First, if you think this car looks good in photos you still haven't really seen it. And if you think it looks bad (for some reason I can't understand), you really better reserve judgement until you see it up close and personal. Taken as a whole the car looks great, but you have to view it from multiple angles (and take some time) to fully appreciate the design and attention to detail. This is one of those cars you'll want to walk around and simply "absorb" when you're at the auto show."

He says more, but I am not sure if we are allowed to post everything here.

zorro16

does this car have a push button start or not.the pictures doesnt seem to have one

jkr2106

Yea I noticed the same thing, according to the press release posted earlier:

Easy Key™ system with Smart Remote Start

The optional Easy Key™ system enables passive vehicle and trunk entry and keyless ignition via a personalized keyless fob. With the fob in a pocket or purse, a person can approach a locked vehicle, pull the door handle and open the door or trunk.

To start the vehicle, the fob must be inside the vehicle, and the brake pedal depressed – a process that combines engine immobilization and anti-theft protection. The system works via five ferrite stick antennas located in the front door handles, headliner, center console and in the rear of the car. Upon pulling either exterior front door handle, the door handle antennae communicate with the key fob, and within 240 milliseconds, authorize the identity of the driver and unlock the door or trunk.

The optional Smart Remote Start system – which operates from as far as 200 feet – not only starts the vehicle via fob activation, but also activates the climate control and the optional heated and cooled seats, depending on temperatures outside and inside the car.

But it doesnt say there is actually a 'button'. So I dont know. :confuse: Also, it does say optional, but i cannot imagine not showing the top-of-the-line CTS with all the 'gadgetology'.

jkr2106

This will look nice in black with ebony

I've always gotten dark interiors on all my cars. You didn't happen to see any pictures in black, did you?

dhamilton

"To be fair, 1487 is one of the more level-headed and objective posters I have seen so far on this site in my time here.
He is very lucid and always has facts to back up what he says.
I would not call him a cheerleader at all.
But, as I said, I've not been here very long".

I'm liking where this is heading

readerreader

If you figure it out let me know. I was also stumped.

thebug

There's still ten months before I purchase, and if the improvements are paced like the one's on the 03-04 over a one year period, then by the time I get one bluetooth may be available.

Nonetheless, I will get one this year, and my only concern is the flood of 03's and 04's which will soon hit the market. I think I better trade early to beat the (value) rush.

thebug...

thebug

I read his review, and it is dead on. I think the first drive review will be as impressive.

thebug...

thebug

I know this car will look good in triple black (inside, outside, with black tint). It will be the bomb. Has anyone seen anything on pricing yet? They seem to increase about 2.5% (base) each year.

thebug...

thebug...

jnt

GM should hurry up and put this thing in production. Otherwise, Ford will copy it again and call it newly designed Ford Fusion.

jt

merc1

So, what is your reaction? On paper, this is the best car America has EVER produced.

I don't know about the best car America has every produced, but honestly I like it. I like the look, interior and the engine choices. What is it like 258hp base and 300hp top level? That right there GM is trying, at least on paper outpowering the lower-level Euros and Japanese sedans an matching them on hp at the top end. The interior is clearly miles ahead of the old car, a sigh of relief there. Cadillac like BMW debuted a controversial styling direction a few years ago, and like BMW they're starting to really refine it. Gotta see if GM got the drive right.

M

merc1

Oh my gawd, I'd nearly fallen out of my chair on that one, can't say much other than that isn't true in the least. There is very lucid leadership in the GM excuse making brigade.

M

chavis10

It may not have "push button" start however, there might be a permanent key attached to the ignition switch that you simply twist and let go with a separate fob carried by the driver. I'm pretty sure I've seen that sort of feature in another car. Also, we haven't seen the navigation system so perhaps the show car is not fully loaded.

chavis10

The CTS has been fully competitive with the competition in terms of HP until the last year or so. While the 3.6 was underrated at 255 hp (actually producing 258) the competition was overly inflating HP numbers and caught very little flak. The TL advertised 270 & only made 258. G35 claimed 260-280 (298 six speed), actually producing 245-265. BMW's 225-255 was probably accurate while the A4 nor C-Class sixes have never been SAE certified. The C-Class as a whole was not even competitive so no need to mention.

If this car does not represent America's best effort, what does? The Corvette would have to be the next choice and people can't seem to get over the interior so....

I am very pleased with this effort and it's clear the Lutz and Welbourne are making a positive difference. I've been really studying the photos and I've yet to find fault in the exterior design. Also, props to GM for putting some real meaty brakes on this bad boy... try 13.6" on the front and 12.2" at the back. I am most impressed with the D.I. engine producing 300+ hp on 87 octane. I believe this is the first Directly Injected engine designed to run on regular gas. In contrast, the Lexus 3.5L needs a tandem of direct/port injection to produce 306hp and 277 lbs-ft while burning premium octane rated petrol. Hats off to GM Powertrain.

plekto

I was at last year's L.A. auto show and looked at the pre-production FJ Cruiser and the prototype.

They were all of 20 feet apart and the prototype was roped off(as if that was stopping anyone)

One was gorgeous. Aluminum bumpers, Hella sealed-beams, reinforcement everywhere, glass, nice interior...

And the one we were getting was plastic headlights, plastic bumpers, plastic interior, and even plastic windows(rear - though they fixed that for 2007). It was a total embarrasment.

Why is this important?

CADILLAC NEEDS TO MAKE A CAR EXACTLY LIKE THE ONE SHOWN AND NOT COMPROMISE ON ANYTHING.

Sorry to shout, but this is critical. They can't let it get cheapened to save money or use parts from other interiors. People will go from falling in love with it to literally hating it if the interior only *looks* like the one in the auto shows.

BMW didn't compromise one iota with the Mini. And the interior was a major selling point. Enough so tha t99% of people didn't care at all if it was priced a bit higher than the competition. It offered a unique experience.

GM's advantage versus the imports is reliability. BMW is a joke, Mercedes is making poor quality as well, and while the Japanese makers try, they all make soulless jellybeans. Well, except for a few specific Hondas and Mazdas. But Honda isn't competing in this segment - not really, and Mazda isn't either.

And take a look at the video of it driving in Germany. You'd think that "The Stig" from top Gear was driving it. It howls and whines. Like some soulless demon was flogging it.

And it *flies*. That's way WAY faster than 98% of Americans EVER will need to drive.

merc1

The CTS has been fully competitive with the competition in terms of HP until the last year or so. While the 3.6 was underrated at 255 hp (actually producing 258) the competition was overly inflating HP numbers and caught very little flak. The TL advertised 270 & only made 258. G35 claimed 260-280 (298 six speed), actually producing 245-265. BMW's 225-255 was probably accurate while the A4 nor C-Class sixes have never been SAE certified. The C-Class as a whole was not even competitive so no need to mention.

Chavis none of the outgoing car's problems were with its hp, I just noted that the new car is more competitive in that area. None of the above really matters here Chavis and the later C350 most certainly was/is competitive. I guess we can't compliment the Cadillac without the usual knocks on the competition.

If this car does not represent America's best effort, what does? The Corvette would have to be the next choice and people can't seem to get over the interior so....

I don't know and just by looking at this car on paper and in pics there is no way for you to know that either. You gotta get out of this looking and numbers and stats and claiming that something is the best this and best that. No one has seen, driven, or been in the interior to know anything yet. You proclaim "best" because of a impressive press release.

Yes running on regular grade fuel is impressive, now lets see what the refinement is like. Way too early for all this cheerleading. Honestly all this boasting so early is what keeps a lot of folks here from liking anything GM. Let the car do the talking in the press and market a little.

M

jkr2106

merc,

you're totally right about waiting to actually SEE the car before boasting about it, but you gotta give us a few days to let the show-shock wear off. We (my family) have two nissans because they were what was best for us at the time--we would have liked to buy American but the '06 Malibu hardly compared to the '06 Altima. This unvailing is exciting because it potentially signals a rebirth at Cadillac and *hopefully* GM on the whole. As far as how it looks on paper, well...no other gm has looked this good for a while.

dhamilton

Have you got back up in your chair yet?

This is going to be a great year.

Looking forward to many posts being removed.

Let's wait to drive the car, before we start shopping for curtains with it.