Second generation CTS isn’t just good - - It’s world class

As a brand, Cadillac has been around since 1902 and its long heritage is filled with dramatic design and technical innovation. 

Of course dramatic and pleasing do not always go hand-in-hand, as evidenced by botched vehicles like the ill-fated Cimarron and the bustle-backed Seville from the ‘80s and the Catera nee European Opel Omega in the ‘90s.

By 2000, Cadillac had begun shifting from luxury sedans to luxury trucks and SUVs, experiencing huge success with its Escalade. Attempting to regain a foothold in the luxury sedan segment in 2002, Cadillac introduced the CTS, which featured a daring, edgy and highly chiseled styling that caught the imagination of consumers. 

Despite selling more than 40,000 that first year, Cadillac was still outmatched by other brands in the compact-luxury car segment like BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti.

While the first generation CTS had a generally pleasing design, the interior and exterior didn’t seem to be part of the same car. Most of the criticism was directed at the plasticky interior components and sloppy fit and finish.

Now for 2008, Cadillac has done a complete and remarkable remake of the CTS that fixes every shortcoming of the Generation I edition, while setting a new standard for affordable luxury in the entry-level luxury sedan segment.  With the price starting at just $32,990, it’s a flat-out steal.

The new CTS has removed much of the overly chiseled edginess from the car’s exterior, yet doesn’t attempt to duplicate the roundness of Audi. Up front, Cadillac replaces the “Venetian blind” grille with a traditional chrome bar grille that is shared throughout the Cadillac lineup.  Like Audi, the CTS grille is noticeably huge, but I like the look.

Newly shaped front fenders feature functional chrome air vents that draw hot air from the engine compartment. These are a departure from the faux stick-on vents popular on everything from the Ford Focus to the Land Rover Range Rover.

I especially liked what Cadillac is calling “light pipes.”  These are very thin and bright vertical lights situated inside the multi-element head and taillight housings, which provide a decorative yet functional border.  They add a touch of elegant sophistication and detailed refinement to the new styling.

Inside, I was almost overcome with the intoxicating aroma of my test car’s luxurious ebony-colored leather seating and trim. Leatherette seating material is standard, real leather optional.  The strikingly gorgeous interior boasts premium materials and superb fit and finish; the interior coverings were hand sewn and trimmed with French stitching.  “V” medallions decorate the front seat backs, which are offered with optional heating and ventilation.

French stitching means that rather than mold-formed plastic or leather, the materials on the dashboard, door panels and center console have been cut and sewn by hand, and individually fitted over the panels.

Real Sapele Pommele wood trim, lightly polished, adorns the center console, instrument panel and door trim. My tester also featured optional accent lighting, part of the $850 Luxury Level One Package.  A soft glowing line of light pipes along the dash, providing indirect ambience.  It softly lights the interior door handles for easy detection at night.  All very cool.

On top center dash is the optional eight-inch, pop-up navigation/information touch screen.  I first saw this on the all-new 2008 C-Class Mercedes-Benz.  I really liked the navigation system, which is easily the simplest and most intuitive I have experienced in any vehicle.

I dialed up XM traffic for a list of real-time traffic info during my Phoenix rush hour commute.  The screen indicates green lines where traffic is flowing, yellow if it is slowing and red when it is stopped.  It even audibly announces traffic congestion warnings, allowing drivers time to exit the interstate and avoid the jam. When it is not in use, a touch of a button lowers the screen out of sight.  

With or without the navigation system, an optional hard drive is available that will record the radio “TiVo”- style, allowing you to pause it for up to an hour and resume a program where you left off.

There’s a power plug in the center console and one behind it.  Lift the center console armrest and you’ll also find a USB port to accommodate an MP3 player. 

There’s plenty of room both up front and in the back seat.  Trunk space is ample and the rear seat backs fold to open the cabin for longer cargo.

The CTS comes standard with a 258-horsepower 3.6 liter V6 engine.  A 304-horsepower V6 ($1000) is optional.  Either engine can be coupled to a six-speed manual or a new six-speed automatic transmission that features a manual sport mode that allows you to pick your own gears.  Look for the high-performance “V” model in the spring.

The CTS is rear-wheel drive with all-wheel drive ($1900) optional. However all-wheel drive is only available with the six-speed automatic transmission.

Handling and ride is exceptional.  Buyers get a choice of three suspension configurations: base FE1, stiffer FE2 (requires larger 18” wheels and limited-slip) and stiffest FE3 (rear drive only).

The following is a list of things I didn’t like about the CTS:  Backup camera is neither standard nor available as an option; no rear DVD entertainment system is available; there is no head restraint for the middle rear-seat passenger; mesh-perforated sunroof shade allows too much heat and sun through for comfort; there’s no rear-door pockets; and options can quickly add up, taking the list price to $50,000.

CTS comes loaded with standard luxury equipment, including all the normal and expected power equipment, XM Satellite radio, dual-zone automatic climate control, tilt-adjustable and telescoping steering column, and aluminum wheels.

Standard safety features include four-wheel disc and antilock brake system; stability control; all speed traction control; front and side impact airbags for both driver and front passenger; and front and rear seat head curtain side airbags. There are no crash test results as of this writing.

The new 2008 CTS is one of the most thrilling and pleasing vehicles I’ve driven and tested this year.  For the first time, we have an American luxury-sports sedan that rivals the best Germany or Japan has to offer and at a bargain price.  I hated giving this one back to GM after my weeklong test.