V is for VROOM: Cadillac STS-V has raw power, smooth exterior

[91 s-10baja]

August 10, 2006

BY MARK PHELAN


The Cadillac STS-V is shown in Waterford. The stiff suspension holds the car flat through curves. Below is a sound-quieting cover for the engine.



The Cadillac STS-V's climate controls.

Cadillac's 2006 STS-V felt just a bit too civilized at first. Sure, it was sleek and pretty, with its silver mesh grille and low-profile Pirelli performance tires, but I wasn't sure it could deliver the maximum performance of super sedans like the BMW M5.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...608100314/1015

[boblutzfan]

Nice article. Pretty positive. I agree with the missing equipment. Every Cadillac should come with bluetooth technology. The cooled seats are a must down here in San Antonio TX - especially at this price point.

Overall a positive article for arguably the best sedan that GM makes right now.

[MrMax]

I saw a black one on the road the other day. Black interior with red suede inserts. Absolutely gorgeous. I'd love to own one.

[asakas]

Excellent review. I am in love with this car, but I also love the XLR so much that I would have trouble deciding between the two of them. Assuming I ever have 75k to blow. Hahaha.

Only if I play the damm lottery lol

[Ming]

Good review, but what's with those grainy photos? Looks like they were taken by a "all new color camera!" from a 1970 car magazine.

[boblutzfan]

Originally Posted by Ming

Good review, but what's with those grainy photos? Looks like they were taken by a "all new color camera!" from a 1970 car magazine.

LOL - I was thinking the same thing.

[2007CTS]

Excellent review. Just wish I could get my hands on one of those bad boys.

[asim]

Originally Posted by MrMax

I saw a black one on the road the other day. Black interior with red suede inserts. Absolutely gorgeous. I'd love to own one.

Black and red, they make that?

[boblutzfan]

Originally Posted by asim

Black and red, they make that?

Yeah. It is..... dramatic looking. Not sure if I would want that in a $75K STS-V. I prefer all black. Anybody have pics they could post?

[Dirk Wiggler]

Originally Posted by boblutzfan

Yeah. It is..... dramatic looking. Not sure if I would want that in a $75K STS-V. I prefer all black. Anybody have pics they could post?

[91 s-10baja]

Originally Posted by Ming

Good review, but what's with those grainy photos? Looks like they were taken by a "all new color camera!" from a 1970 car magazine.

EIther that, my cell phone, or very similar to Motor Trends new "format", grainy pics!

[Ultra Magnus]

I have looked at the STS and its just not big enough, so i agree with the cramped rear quarters comment. I wonder if they will ever make a long wheelbase version. Hmmmm I think it is a solid first effort for a midsize performance sedan. I do think that there is room for improvement. While the Northstar is "refined" where is the supercharged small block form the SAE100 STS? Even a limited edition run of cars with a blown 6.2 liter from the Escalade would shut up critics for lack of power and torque when compared to the E63 and M5. That would be a real monster.

[tgagneguam]

Originally Posted by asakas

Excellent review. I am in love with this car, but I also love the XLR so much that I would have trouble deciding between the two of them. Assuming I ever have 75k to blow. Hahaha.

Only if I play the damm lottery lol

Driving a 2005 3.6L CTS as a 22 year-old student isn't a terrible tradeoff, though, asakas.

[Greg Burr]

Originally Posted by Ultra Magnus

I have looked at the STS and its just not big enough, so i agree with the cramped rear quarters comment. I wonder if they will ever make a long wheelbase version. Hmmmm I think it is a solid first effort for a midsize performance sedan. I do think that there is room for improvement. While the Northstar is "refined" where is the supercharged small block form the SAE100 STS? Even a limited edition run of cars with a blown 6.2 liter from the Escalade would shut up critics for lack of power and torque when compared to the E63 and M5. That would be a real monster.

I subscribe to CR online. I read the review and the customer feedback on this car and the common complaint is the cramped back seat, small fuel tank, and lack of the little things (like a telescoping steering wheel -- what's with that. Our family caddys had tilt wheel/telescope in the 60s-90s!). BTW, CR is very positive on the STS and other caddys.

Fix the interior, put new features like pop-up nav, heads up, bluetooth, etc add some back seat room, and you have a winner. Aditionally, the introduction of a new CTS, upgraded interiors and added promotion should bring sales levels to where they should be.

Sometimes its the last 5% that makes all the difference in the world.

[boblutzfan]

Originally Posted by tgagneguam

Driving a 2005 3.6L CTS as a 22 year-old student isn't a terrible tradeoff, though, asakas.

Mom and Dad pay for it - or are you already neck deep in debt?