Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see May lease deals!
Options
Cadillac STS/STS-V: What's New for 2007?
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
STS guide for 2007 is up now.
- Ray
Reading & digesting . .
I see a few other 2007 changes of potential interest.
The addition of the J56 Brembo brakes (rather than just a pad upgrade for the JE5?) is certainly an upgrade – this carries the same option code as the brakes on the STS-v. And will likely add non-trivial cost to the Performance Handling Package – now called PCZ, and apparently including the QAF tires & Brembos.
And (to my chagrin) the PCZ option is (still) only available on the 1SG.
( sigh. )
I’ll save my full rant about STS pricing & option availability for another time . .
It looks to me like the Sunroof (CF5) is now not included in any PEG. But is available on all. Interesting. For someone who prefers NOT to have a sunroof, but wants a 1SF or 1SG, I suppose this is good news.
The 1SD does not appear anywhere. I have never seen one, and last I checked, there was not one in stock at any dealer within 100 miles of Atlanta.
More important (to me) is that now the FE3 MagRide appears to be available on (and included in) the 1SG only????
This again would force me to order a 1SG. Plus a sunroof. Plus PCZ.
[ I drove a 1SE and a 1SF over exactly the same test drive route and the ride \ handling compromise was distinctly better (for me) in the 1SF – and I attribute most if not all of the difference to MagRide. ]
Or, I could specify the 1SG, and Sunroof only, and have a dealer immediately pull the OEM Michelins off the 18 x 8” wheels and have them replaced with something roughly equivalent to the Pilot Sports . . And do without the Brembos.
The only other difference I see (though I do not see direct reference to this) is that the Blackberry exterior color seems to have disappeared.
Too bad. Last time I ‘walked the line’ of STSs at my local dealer, that struck me as a very attractive color. Oh, well.
I wonder how the PEG Stairstep changes will effect pricing. I suppose that will not be released until a July or August.
- Ray
Watching & waiting . .
Actually, I'm more interested in having a lot more people remind Cad that we're now in the 21st century and that a few "upgrades" to the old stand-by radio, would be welcomed! A six-disc cd-player is about as up to date as an 8-track tape player. A hard-drive would be nice, with the ability of downloading a bunch of tunes. That might be too much to ask; but a "line-in"???? I haven't used my 6-disc in years. My Ipod holds 40 gig of memory, now has about 3000 songs, plus audio-books, and enough variety for a long drive. Anyway, if a lot of people "ask", maybe they'll listen.
Thanks, and remember -- Life is Better at the Beach!
I hear you.
For me, with a 6 CD and XM on my current sedan, and no iPod (or similar player) it is a non-issue for me.
But I do know that many others would appreciate this “listening option” – and other manufacturers are offering it. And in the great scheme of things, it would seem relatively easy for Caddy to offer this added feature.
I am afraid that this is indicative of GM’s larger problem \ issue of being able to bring improved Product to market, in a timely manner.
For example, the Caddy STS for 2007 is offering a new version of the six speed automatic. Only on the V8s. And to replace a pretty darned good 5 speed. ( I have driven a couple & reviews have been almost universally positive. ) Not a 4 speed.
One could certainly argue that the V6 versions of the STS would take better advantage of the additional ratio and the substantially wider spread ( between first and sixth gear ) in ratios, given the lower HP & TQ ratings of the V6 vs the V8. But Caddy (apparently) reasons that the V8 is more premium and deserved the most premium ( ? ) transmission - first. Or something like that. I will be very interested to see what GM \ Caddy says about this in their marketing of the 2007 STSs.
I think it is likely that the issue here is available production capacity for the new six speed. I just don’t believe that GM right now has any more money to spend ( or that they could reasonably borrow more money, at their current debt ratings ) to throw at new product development or at increasing capacity for such component manufacturing enterprises as the transmission plants. They have clearly been badly burned by excess capacity issues. And continue to be burned. And even if they had more money to invest here, ramping up ANY production capacity any more quickly probably looks rather risky & fraught with potential peril.
Even taking GM’s fiscal situation into consideration, I am surprised that it looks like the six speed is essentially the only significant change to the 2007 STS. No other additional features are mentioned in what I have read so far.
After 2 model years, I expected more from the 2007 STS. The six speed ( if it provides enhancements where I expect, in the measure I expect ) is important to me. But I expect that many potential customers will not care. Where they might care about a feature like “line-in” for an iPod. Continuous refinement and advancement is required to compete in this segment, in my humble opinion. And I believe that potential customers expect it.
This time, next year, we’ll see if Caddy has more or less STS inventory. Presuming roughly the same production rate, this will determine if GM is right – or I am right.
We’ll see . . .
- Ray
Thinking a 2007, in 2007, might be available at what I’d consider to be “a good price” . .
I'm going to experiment on my 2001 Seville STS, to see if I can make it work. I'll let you know if I have any success; (that is, if the car doesn't catch on fire with me in it!) My plan is to find the input for the CD player and use that input for the IPod.
Anyway, no guts -- no glory!
Thanx, and remember -- Life is Better at the Beach!
This wording (nearly synchronous engine speed matching) sounds to me like it ** MIGHT ** mean that my (?) “rev match on downshift” will be a feature for 2007.
http://www.media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target=http://image.emerald.gm.co- - m/gmnews/viewmonthlyreleasedetail.do?domain=3&docid=26191
- Ray
Waiting . .
Thanks for your consideration,
Jeannine Fallon
Corporate Communications
Edmunds.com
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Need help navigating? kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
Share your vehicle reviews
http://www.media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target=http://image.emerald.gm.co- - m/gmnews/viewmonthlyreleasedetail.do?domain=3&docid=26343
Again, I am not picking on Caddy here - I wonder if 2007 STS's changes will be enough to increase sales significantly.
And if the MSRPs, when announced, will be reduced - as several Ford 2007 products recently were.
- Ray
Wondering also if the current Dealer Marketing $$s will help move inventory this time . .
The only problem is, almost no one makes a car with a tape deck anymore, so the obviouse sollution would be to include a Line in for your MP3 player. GM has this feature on its Impala. WHY NOT ON YOUR FLAGSHIP SEDAN?
This needs to be addressed seriously, b/c the STS does have one of the largest nav screens in its class, one of the best AWD systems on the market, amazing Magneride shocks, 15 speaker bose audio and plenty of advanced features, all of which cost more money than this simple feature. It would really suck if this car, about to revieve one of the most advanced transmissions in the world, is considerred infferrior due to a lack of simple technology.
meybe the problem is GM is offering to many different options with this car, too many ratios too many transmissions too manyoption pakcages, and NOT ENOUGH OPTIONS! Oh, well, hopefully this will change soon, the difference here is that GM has an excellent product, they just need to keep it fresh.
I'm about to get a base car($41,700)for $34,000(plus some other discounts).
I just had a few questions before I went out price shopping:
1. Does anyone have any gripes at all about the car?
2. Does anyone out there think the AWD is worth it?
3. I think I read that the '07 would be coming with a 6-speed... Should I wait?
4. Does anyone know of any other major changes in the near future? I was thinking about a CTS, but not with a redesign planned for the '08...
5. Any other tips/comments
Thanks
6 speed automatic only on the V8 versions for 2007, as far as what I have seen plublished.
- Ray
V8 Torque Addict . .
I can't address the AWD as I do not have it.
The 08 STS will see minor cosmetic changes on the front and
have clear rear tail-lights according to the car mags.
6 speed is V8 only at this time. The 5 speed is excellent. I hope the 6 speed will be as good a performer.
Enjoy !
2006 STS 0.00% APR For 60 months for Qualified GMAC buyers. Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1000 you finance. Example down payment is: 30.4%. Some customers will not qualify. Take delivery by 7/5/06. See dealer for details.
i am totally pleased with the car...i cannot recall driving an automatic that has such an intuitive shift pattern. very much like a manual...it doesn't have the coasting of a long-legged final drive drivetrain..very sweet.
the car is a tank as far as solidity is concerned...i just can't say enough good things about the car.
as far as the performance of the v6 is concerned i am totally pleased with it, the real secret there is the 3.42 gears. it's refreshing to see "performance" (a relative term for sure) gearing. interesting side note; the mileage numbers were increased significantly with no apparent change to the drivetrain...18/27 city and hiway...it sounds like smoke and mirrors to me...but time will tell for real world numbers.
jackg
And – nothing.
I did not in my post suggest that it would or would not work any better or worse than any other GM promotion.
I was just posting the information here, as soon as I saw it, due to the relatively short duration of this particular promotion.
In case anyone might be interested.
I have no idea why this would work – but apparently some GM Marketing Geniuses think it will help.
This particular offer does not sway me, but I happen to be waiting to drive a 2007 V8 with the new six speed manumatic. But I thought it might be of interest to others.
I could be wrong.
- Ray
NOT a Marketing Genius . .
jackg
jackg
Rims belong on some cars, like Escallade that made a name for itself with the rap and celebrity scene. Good, also many of the GM trucks of even a few years ago had wheels way too small and rims fixed that. This car is one of those that facotry wheels seem to fit it perfectly (I mean the 18's) and the 19's on the V are good b/c the rest of the car was modified to taste. I love chrome, but if they want the STS to be escalladish they will need to give a redesign.
While the car in its present form may lack some 'exicment' I don't think its that bad in its higher trim levels, especially the V.
I thought D3 was some engine tuner or something, taking a car, adding a lip and putting 22's on it does not qualify as world standard parts. If people buy it great, then more sales for Cadillac but so far what I see is unimpressive.
The good news is, that more companies and people seem to be taking notice of Cadillac.
5-speed shiftable automatic transmission rear wheel drive
The RWD V8 STS has a 2.73:1 base axle ratio, which is rated 26 MPG highway with the 5 speed automatic. The 0.75 overdrive ratio on the 5 speed give an overall final drive ratio of 2.05:1. The new six speed automatic has an overdrive ratio of 0.67:1. With the 3.23:1 axle ratio, the 6 speed has a final overall ratio of 2.16:1, very nearly the same as the 5 speed with the base gearing. Thus, one might expect the highway fuel economy with the 3.23:1 axle ratio to be about 26 MPG. The AWD should improve to, perhaps to 25 MPG highway. The 3.23:1 axle ratio runs the engine about 20% faster than the 2.73:1 axle ratio.
With the 3.23:1 axle ratio and the six speed automatic, the overall low gear ratio is about 13:1, while the 5 speed low gear, with the 3.42:1 axle ratio was 11.7:1. So, with the new transmission, the 3.23:1 axle should produce about the same performance as the 5 speed automatic with the 3.42:1 axle ratio, but still provide better highway fuel economy. Performance with the 1SG package was not much better than the base gears in Car & Driver's testing. I have not seen a magazine test of the 1SF package. It seems to me that the new transmission should come with a new set of axle ratios. The 3.42:1 axle seemed to have way too much power in low gear as it was, however, my guess is that the 3.42:1 gearing was better for the European autobahn where speeds well over 100 MPG are legal.
This is a huge bugaboo for me as well - it's been what, 4 freakin' years since the iPod got popular? And as an electrical engineer, believe me, this is the *easiest* possible modification they could make to the car. A cigarette lighter is more complicated. Very disappointing, but maybe they'll have it on the '07.
BTW, why is there no "Prices Paid and Buying Experience" forum for this model?
If I need to buy a 1SG in order to have the final drive ratio I want ( whatever that turns out to be ) and several other items that I consider necessary to make the STS a very sporting Sedan, then I will not be happy. The 3.42 was previously only available with 1SG RWD.
The ( apparent ) primary assumption behind the Preferred Option Group and availability of stand alone options ( of interest to me ) set-up and pricing for the 2005 & 2006 V8 STS is that if a customer would like the sportiest version of a RWD Sport Sedan, that customer would also want most every available luxury & convenience option as well. ( For 2007, the PCZ follow-on to the QAF Performance Handling Package is only available as an option on the 1SG. That the FE3 Magnetic Ride Control and the Limited Slip Differential and the Premium Steering Gear are included only with & only available now with 1SG, for 3 particularly annoying examples. )
The 2007 Order Guide appears to confirm that the 2007 version will be similar. Or even worse.
I happen to think that BMW’s strategy is more reasonable: You can choose the Sport Package, including similar equipment changes to the STS’s PCZ plus Sport Seats, with or without the Premium Package on the 5 & 3 Series Sport Sedans. There are also some individual options ( Uplevel Sound System, Navigation System & Satellite Radio, for 3 examples ) that one can order or not, as one desires, regardless of Package(s) ordered. Thus, one can configure a very sporting BMW, with or without adding a lot of high priced luxury \ convenience options, if you so desire.
Since I enjoy listening to a good sound system, but do not require Audiophile Quality while driving, the standard system in such cars as these is typically fine with me.
Since I would likely only find real use in a Navigation System once or twice a year, in my driving, I happen to see no need to spend $1,500+ for that feature.
I had hoped that 2007 might mark a change in marketing strategy regarding this sort of option bundling & availability – particularly since 1. ) there appears to be nothing else beyond the new six speed trans. that has been changed \ improved for MY 2007 and 2. ) my sense is that MY 2006 sales have not been outstanding.
I am most emphatically ** NOT ** suggesting that Cadillac somehow degrade or dilute the Brand by offering any sort of cut-rate product.
I am suggesting that I ( for one ) would strongly prefer to be able to configure and buy a Cadillac Sport Sedan the size of an STS, with a Northstar V8 and a six speed manumatic and LSD and Magnetic Ride Control and a Performance Handling Package, a Limited Slip Differential, Premium Steering – and a stereo system that is good enough for a 1SE, no Navigation System, no heat for the rear seats and etc.
I was actually quite encouraged when I read the fact that the Sunroof is no longer included in any package, and is a separate option – available but not required at any trim \ PEG level. Then I read the rest of the Order Guide. . .
And I am still absolutely amazed that for an STS to be equipped with a HUD, in any form, first requires stepping up to the 1SG – when a very functional HUD was standard on my 2005 GM Sedan, purchased new for well under $30K.
Good as I expect the dynamics of a 2007 V8 six speed 1SG ( with a final drive ratio that will result in both improved acceleration and ‘real world’ MPG, and with PCZ ) to be, I also expect that this very interesting & capable Sport Sedan will be priced beyond what I’ll want to pay. Well North of $60K. ( Since a 2006 1SG starts at over $61K. )
If only Caddy would allow me to ‘have it my way’.
We shall see . . .
- Ray
Still waiting for additional 2007 information to be officially released . . .
Cadillac STS/STS-V: Prices Paid & Buying Experience