2008 CTS: First Drive and Impressions

[carscomblogger]

finally drove one yesterday on the street and track. Wow.
WE'll be running a lot on it next week with a full review, video, and a bunch of writers' weighing in. But right now I'll say, wow.

[ral1960]

It actually has more rear head room than the current model (w/o sunroofs). Still not enough for me, but I'll never ride in the back if I buy one.

[uujjj]

i think you want to compare to the lexus IS350 rather than the camry based ES350.

[Pucks]

Originally Posted by Greg Burr

I test drove a fully loaded CTS. Love the car, but access to the power windows is awkward because of the door handle. I also don't understand the gaps between the dash and the door -- is this because of the stitched dash?

The car in mant ways exceeded my expectations, and it would make a breat car for business. For personal use, I would like it smaller. This is coming as a coupe, right?

Coupe is coming but not for another 2 years I think.

[Pucks]

Originally Posted by ral1960

It actually has more rear head room than the current model (w/o sunroofs). Still not enough for me, but I'll never ride in the back if I buy one.

The size measurements are quirky I think. According to specs my 1998 Intrigue has 42.4 inches of front leg room and so does the 2008 CTS. I just sat in an 08 CTS and there is ton's more front legroom. In fact, it's the first car where I didn't have to have the front seat all the way back.

Front headroom is awesome as well, even with the sunroof. I sat in the back and did not notice my head hitting the roof. I'm 6 foot 2.

[ChevroletRevived]

It'll be very interesting to see what cars GM puts against the CTS in the Ride and Drive. I look forward to seeing..

[Hurricane]

I am really digging the new CTS - great job, GM!

[CmicasatheGreat]

How many of U expect this to be a GLOWING review simply because U kno I LOOOOVE Caddy??? Who gives a *** I am gonna tell it like it is.

The cars are effin awesome. I arrived at the dealership in my '05 STS, and the first thing my sales guy does is ask… “So U ready to trade??? I gotta a new 2008 STS and the new CTS if U are looking to downgrade…”

CTS

Ok let me tell U I am finding hard to say that the CTS is a Downgrade more so than a competitor. Only by sitting the two cars next to each other U can seriously see the differences. The CTS is SEXY and Sport, the STS is Sexy and Elegant. The new trims are magnificent and I will ultimately CRY to Cadillac to please replace the STS with the XLS soon… simply because I can’t justify buying a new car so close to my own considering I only have 15K on the odo… the XLS would push me over the edge. Or seriously even if the STS v8 simply had a different engine than what I already have I would have wrote a check 2day for about $120K… a 2008 STS 4 me… and a CTS 3.6Ldi 4 the little lady.

First up was the CTS… I was excited to say the least. And after reading so many glowing reviews... the car was suddenly more aspirational. The model I jumped in 2 was LOADED with everything but NAV. POINT BLANK… my next Caddy will be Pearl White I think.

EXTERIOR

U’ve seen it in pictures… U kno what it looks like. But in person… ORGASMIC. Let me put it 2 U like this; had the place been dark… and nobody was around… Me and CTS would have been making a Porno.

INTERIOR

OK… The first thing I noticed besides an interior that would make AaromM blush due 2 so many “soft touch” materials, was the new ignition until system the CTS employs over my STS’s Push Button start. The car was cooled already as the Remote starter had been engaged as I got in the car not realizing that it was even on. WTF??? I seriously had an issue with the fact that it was so quiet that the only way of knowing the car was running was that the air condition was blowing across my brow. Anyway… back 2 the ignition. The Ignition has a “Turn Type” starter which resembles a thick sturdy key draped in a chrome finish… the KEY Fob, like in my STS, and new Corvettes… simply has to be present within car. Look around the car and U will notice a beautiful cabin, adorned with a HUGE SRX-Type Dual Sunroof that opens in humongous fashion. A power sliding fabric sunshield is a part of the package as well. Look towards the console and U will notice a new sensation in Climate Control and Dash control amenities. Man… Audi and Lexus are seriously pretenders at this point. When the bottom of the line North American Cadillac is dressed like this… Anything from here on out has to be even more stellar… if U get my drift.

PULLING OFF THE LOT

Once again… I LOVE the NORTHSTAR… but man... the Direct Injected 3.6L is STRONG... I mean getting to 100mph is nothing , and U realistically won’t kno U are going that fast until U notice the other cars are far far far behind like blurs and stuff. And I am not trying to belittle the NS, but one has to give this V6 props. I seriously imagine that Infiniti has the same problem with the G35 and the M45; particularly because of the engines… the 3.5L Infiniti and the 4.5L Infiniti are not so different in this respect. Both companies best get replacements out REEEEAL soon.

Oh… and Jimesg/Gamper… the stories about the loudness at higher rev… are true and not true. The thing sounds magnificent when it’s opened up... MY GOD it sounds good. I see nothing negative about this, and despite the European tuning on the Ring, the engine is a wonderful mix of European Smooth and American BRAWN… a much needed mix in this segment.

Handling is amazing… I mean… just go effin drive one… U’ll say the same. The car despite it’s 5series size (it is 191.1 vs 191.6 (CTS), it handles like a car much smaller. This is a perfect set-up for the moving up of the car in 2010 as the 5series competitor. The car I drove was $47, 850… AWD included.

The STS

Not really much to say in terms of driving other than the addition of the 6speed. Mine has the 5speed which is as smooth as butter. The 6speed triumphs mine and makes another valid case along with the new Stately Styling. The additions to the rear… new rear bottom spoiler, new exhaust tips, and chrome strip at bottom edge of the trunk is very nice, yet subtle. The chrome strip on the bottom side and the chrome handles are awesome accentuations. I particularly love the side vents. They are not identical to the CTS’s but similar nonetheless. The Front… AWESOME. The car looks like a true Big Brother to the CTS… wider and more classical, but still extremely sleek and sexy. I like it more than my own. And like I said if the V8 was more powerful it would be a shoe in for mine’s space in the garage.

INTERIOR

Nicely done Caddy… and although I certainly do like the CTS’s interior more… the STS is better overall for what was done in accentuating the already sweet interior in my car. This car had a beige interior like the CTS and still managed to pull it off. Exterior was Dark Blue. I’ll still take mine in BLACK on BLACK or WHITE on Cashmere…. OH and I love the lane Departure warning and Heads Up display. The new Steering wheel and changes in wood splashes are wonderful.

Overall

The combination of both the new Exterior and Interior changes for the STS is magnificent changes that are possibly going to garner better sales for an already exemplary car. The only thing that bothers me is the fact that I wish that the V8 was not so close in power to the V6. Cadillac should have offered a detuned version of the 6.2L LS3 putting out at least 400HP… or Direct Injected the NorthStar which would have pushe the HP up 15% to about 370HP… altho I would have been just as happy with the OHV 6.2L under the hood. In fact… they would have had my money tonight.

Future Plans as per my Dealer

I was once again given the excuse of why the CTS is so close to the size of the 5series … the BLS will be here in Model Year 2010 on a RWD body instead of the Saab variation. It WILL be a true competitor to the 3series.

CTS will actually move up in price, starting in at about $42K (2010 money), with the BLS coming in at about $32K… the STS will be done, and a new car which they haven’t heard a name yet (XLS) will replace it coming in about $62K. The DTS’s will supposedly DIE, with livery service falling on stretched out versions of the new larger models. The SRX is DEAD, but will be essentially replaced with a less WAGONY looking cuv and the CTS Sport Wagon (similar to the Sport Combi in fact). Look for the CTS-V and Coupe to debut in Detroit in 2008. XLR will get a refresh in 2010 along with the Vette, but not a complete redo until 2013. The car will still be so changed on the inside and outside that it will not look the same as the current model. (Think the current DTS makeover which is essentially the same car that was introduced in 2000) Ultra V8s will debut in 2009 models, and hybrids are a go. The Escalade will get a more “refined” interior in 2009.

[Ghrankenstein]

U’ve seen it in pictures… U kno what it looks like. But in person… ORGASMIC.

Thank you for the excellent, and even-handed review. I'll tell you right now that if anyone ever accuses you of being a "fanboy," you have my permission to correct their spelling.

Try to show a little more enthusiasm next time.

And in all seriousness, I can't help but love the fact that you and so many others are so head-over-heals in love with a Cadillac machine that I'm going out of my way to be "serious" and "objective" about.

The very best cars are the ones that turn ortherwise rational and intelligent people into gubbering dolts, and we aspiring "critics" can't often just succumb to that.

This is the kind of opinion that truly makes a vehicle aspirational.

Ghrankenstein

[CmicasatheGreat]

Originally Posted by Ghrankenstein

Thank you for the excellent, and even-handed review. I'll tell you right now that if anyone ever accuses you of being a "fanboy," you have my permission to correct their spelling.

Try to show a little more enthusiasm next time.

And in all seriousness, I can't help but love the fact that you and so many others are so head-over-heals in love with a Cadillac machine that I'm going out of my way to be "serious" and "objective" about.

The very best cars are the ones that turn ortherwise rational and intelligent people into gubbering dolts, and we aspiring "critics" can't often just succumb to that.

This is the kind of opinion that truly makes a vehicle aspirational.

Ghrankenstein

Thanks Ghran... I am sure one of your fellow Staff Members (Msgero) will have problems with these positive reviews of Caddy tho.. 2 daggone bad... the Company is coming BACK up, and the Germans have some serious competition from the Americans again.

What blows my mind is the possibilities of a "non-UAW" influenced GM, with just say... 30% less overhead and that additional $10Billion a year being used to bolster their line-ups... UNSTOPPABLE.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by CmicasatheGreat

Thanks Ghran... I am sure one of your fellow Staff Members (Msgero) will have problems with these positive reviews of Caddy tho.. 2 daggone bad... the Company is coming BACK up, and the Germans have some serious competition from the Americans again.

If you have a problem with my posts... come right out and say it.
I haven't seen the CTS, so I haven't said anything. And I have nothing to contribute at this time.
I'm not a lemming and will post exactly what I experience.

Just note that I will evaluate the CTS from the perspective of it competing with E350 and 530 -- not the 3 and C class.

If the CTS is good. Then I'll post a solid review. If there are problems, expect me to not hold back. if you don't like it, deal with it, and argue back.

[asim]

Wow, thanks for giving us a quick glimpse on your thoughts of the CTS Ghrank! I can't wait for the full review, in a few weeks, huh? You get to go to a driving seminar with the CTS and you work at a dealer? Cool!

[BigAls87Z28]

I look foward to your review big guy.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by BigAls87Z28

I look foward to your review big guy.

lol... suuuuure you do....

[jlmartin99]

Thanks for the initial review. I have yet to review the new CTS in person and I am looking forward to mgescruro's observations. I am absolutely fine with different observations. I may not agree with the opinions or conclusions, but that is what being an individual is all about.

JLM