2008 Cadillac CTS Ultimate Test

DESIGN
For over a century, Cadillac has symbolized the American luxury car. And in 1908, the Royal Automobile Club of England - the automotive authority of its day - awarded Cadillac the Dewar Trophy for distinguished automotive achievement. It was this award that became the basis for Cadillac's slogan, "Standard of the World."

To be honest, that slogan hasn't been spoken in the same sentence as Cadillac for a very long time - we're talking decades. Yes, the first generation CTS was a good car, but it wasn't a great car. The XLR? One look at sales numbers will answer that one: good effort… but not great. And let's not even get started on the front-wheel-drive Cadillacs.

Now with its second generation CTS, Cadillac is showing some of its old form once again. The performance of the newest Cadillac is competitive with the imports in its segment, and the design of the car is distinctly American with tons of Cadillac DNA.

The faceted, sharply-angled surfaces of the Art & Science design language that we first saw in production on the original CTS has been further refined in this latest evolution. Cadillac has gone away from the strict origami look and introduced more soft surfaces to the crisp lines for a more balanced look.

The CTS also ushers in the new corporate grille first seen on the stunning Cadillac Sixteen concept car that stole the show at the North American International Auto Show at Detroit in 2003. That showcar's influence on the production CTS can be seen elsewhere as well. From the front view, there are vertical headlights inspired by the concept car's. In side view, the influence on the C-Pillar is evident - and very nicely done. And lastly, from the rear view we find proper Cadillac-style vertical taillights that are more pronounced and confident than what we got on the first generation CTS. These signature Cadillac design cues play well together, making the design of this new CTS the best Cadillac effort since… well, since before I was born!

Now, there are a couple of elements that in my opinion don't work that well. For starters, there is the seemingly obligatory front fender vent. Can someone please tell me why this has become the new design must-have? We're seeing these on everything from economy cars to SUVs. The fact is, they're unnecessary in nearly every case, and on the Cadillac CTS, they just seem forced. But as these vents have become synonymous with "sportiness" don't expect them to go away anytime soon.

The other design element that seems like an afterthought is the sculpted-in highlight at the bottom of the body's side. It's just not very well done. The same element on the Sixteen concept car and even on the first generation CTS was better executed.

These small, subjective elements aside, the new CTS is a styling homerun, giving Cadillac a strong entry into a very competitive segment that includes some great cars. That may not merit a reissue of the "Standard of the World" slogan, but it's a great start.

INTERIOR & USER EXPERIENCE
With the newest Cadillac CTS, General Motors proves once again that it is making great strides toward producing truly desirable and affordable automobiles.

The first generation CTS was a good car - dynamically competent and distinctively styled. But as soon as you opened the door and climbed in, you were instantly aware of its major shortcoming: the interior. When viewed alongside its imported competition, the interior of the old CTS just didn't compare, with material quality and design both below par.

The new, second generation CTS changes all of that with an interior that can not only stand comparison with any other in its class, but is also quite possibly the best interior by an American car company at any price. Cadillac has clearly listened to the criticisms that have come from both the media and owners, and this car is all the better for it.

One of the first things you'll notice in the cabin of the CTS is the two-tone theme. It works well aesthetically and is also functional, with the darker top of the dash cutting down on reflections in the windshield. The upper and lower dash are split by real wood accents that are tastefully integrated, and thankfully, used sparingly. The whole thing is finished off with a bit of brushed metal-look trim that again is used in the right proportion. It's fresh, it's modern, and at the same time, very restrained and quite elegant. Of equal importance, the build quality also seems to be more than a few steps up on prior efforts.

On the comfort side of the equation, the Cadillac CTS scores again. Strategically sized between the BMW 3-series and 5-series, but a natural competitor to the smaller of those two, there is plenty of room inside the CTS, even for rear-seat passengers. The seats are not only comfortable but handsome as well, with great stitched detailing.

The Bose surround sound system features ten speakers, a 40GB hard drive and a navigation system - with real-time traffic, which helps tremendously in avoiding congestion. It also has a great touch-screen interface and some of the best graphics on the market.

The only negative about the interior of the CTS is that it's a bit difficult to see out of that thick body. But I like the way it looks, so I'd put up with a some limited visibility to retain that wedge-like Cadillac styling.

The interior of the CTS is a great place to be. Offering a generous amount of space with rich materials throughout. In fact, it's the biggest area of improvement over the last CTS, and the biggest step toward challenging those well-established European competitors.

PERFORMANCE
The new Cadillac CTS has a tough assignment. It must compete in arguably the most competitive arena in the luxury car marketplace: the entry-level performance sedan segment.

This is a niche filled with strong German and Japanese opposition, but short on worthy American contenders. In fact, the second generation CTS brings the total to one.

The first generation CTS was a replacement for the Cadillac Catera - remember that one? It was the Cadillac that zigged - yeah, not so much. But the first CTS did in fact zig pretty well. And this new second-generation effort raises the bar even further. Our test car came equipped with two optional performance packages, which include among other things, a firmer sport suspension, summer performance tires, and a limited slip differential. Those elements help the CTS handle like a true performance sedan and allow it to hold its own against its European competitors.

Though a bit softly sprung for my personal taste, the Cadillac CTS strikes what will be a good balance between sporty handling and comfortable ride quality for most buyers in this segment. While the luxurious ride would have you think the bias is toward luxury, the limited slip differential sways the scales back toward sporty handling. Either way, the car has excellent traction - especially with the optional summer tire package - as well as one of the best stability control systems on the market.

The CTS is based on the GM's Sigma chassis, and when coupled with the FE3 suspension package, the Michelin Pilot Sport tires, and GM's StabiliTrack yaw control system, this thing can really carve up a twisty road.

And while the steering is not as communicative as you might want, it does have a pretty quick rack for a car in this class.

The CTS is available with two V6 engines. Both have 3.6 liters of displacement, but one - the one in our test car - has direct injection. It makes 304 hp and is mated to a six-speed automatic. Consistent with its performance-luxury mission, the transmission works well in both aggressive driving and in relaxed cruising - the manual mode allowing you to select gears for yourself. Although the push-to-upshift, pull-to-downshift orientation is incorrect in my opinion. Can't we just standardize this already?

So it not only has the looks to compete with the European and Japanese entries in this highly contested category, the Cadillac CTS also has the moves. It delivers luxury and performance in equal measure, and in a uniquely American way.

Watch the video

Cadillac CTS

Performance
- Acceleration: Direct injected V6 pulls adequately (at best) - if you want planet-destroying power, wait for the upcoming 550 hp CTS-V
- Handling: Good compromise between sport and luxury - leaning toward the luxury side of the equation
- Braking: A bit more dive than expected, but effective nonetheless

Design
- Exterior: The best execution of Cadillac's Art & Science design language so far
- Interior: Nothing short of the best American car interior

Utility
- Comfort: Larger cabin than its obvious competitors with every convenience option imaginable
- Space: Bigger than a 3-series BMW, smaller than a 5-series makes for a good amount of space inside

Safety
- Dynamics: Good, stiff chassis has the moves to get you out of trouble
- Technology: Airbags in all the right places, plus one of the best stability control systems out there

Value
- Price: Well positioned given its size and content
- Mileage: Direct injection helps the engine deliver decent mileage - that you can use regular unleaded also helps

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: While a great looking American sedan, there's not much in it emotionally - if you need an adrenaline shot, wait for the "V"
- Fun to spank: A bit underpowered to be really naughty behavior, but the limited-slip differential helps a ton

SPECIFIACTIONS

Layout: Front engine / Rear wheel drive
Engine: 3.6 liter, direct-injected, DOHC V6
Power (SAE): 304 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque: 273 lbs-ft @ 5200 rpm
Redline: 6500 rpm
Gearbox: 6 speed automatic
Curb Weight: 3980 lbs.
0-60 mph: 6.0 sec.
1/4 mile: 14.5 sec.
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 17 city / 26 highway
Base Price: $34,545
Competitors: BMW 335i, Mercedes-Benz C350, Infiniti G35