Hot like a Cadillac?
For a while there, I was disappointed because I thought Cadillac had pulled one of my favourite TV spots from the rotation. Some commercials are so good I don’t mind watching them again – and again.
So I was delighted to be wrong about this particular Caddy advertisement having run its course. It still pops up on the tube every now and then.
I must confess that what I really like about this commercial is the girl who’s pitching the car. If you’re a red-blooded male you know the one I’m talking about. Filmed behind the wheel of a Cadillac CTS, the good looking actress says, “The question is, when you turn on your car, does it return the favour?”
It’s not only clever, but the woman – especially her super-sultry voice – makes you want to run right over to the nearest Cadillac dealership.
And you know something? When you get there and take a CTS out for a spin, you won’t be disappointed.
The 2008 CTS really is a turn-on.
And a head-turner, too, thanks to a softer approach to Cadillac’s sharp-edged styling, which, once controversial, now seems as much a part of the marque’s identity as tail fins were in the 1950s.
Cadillac’s turnaround from a company building stodgy sedans for well- heeled old farts to a maker of performance-oriented vehicles for younger, but equally well-heeled buyers is almost complete. You know that to be a fact when Cadillac is now seen as competition for the best German and Japanese brands by potential buyers like a real estate salesman of my acquaintance, who thinks a CTS could be just the right vehicle in which to ferry his upscale clients around from property to property.
It’s been a long time since driving a Cadillac said, “I’ve made it.”
Or since any customer under the age of 60 said, “I want it.”
A base CTS lists at $41,400, but our test car was loaded with $16,280 in optional equipment – about the price of a small economy car. However, a lot of the extras really enhanced the driving experience.
While I could live without the $3,900 navigation system, it was coupled to Bose 10-speaker surround sound, which, in the quiet of the CTS cabin, makes your favourite tunes sound terrific.
Hmmm. That makes the buying decision tougher.
I could also do without the $2,735 convenience package, but then I’d miss out on ventilated front seats for summer (to augment the standard heated seats for winter). But one option box that should be ticked on every CTS built is the $2,610 sport package that really will turn you on.
In addition to 18-inch wheels and Y-rated performance tires, you get performance suspension, cooling and braking systems, a limited-slip differential and speed sensitive variable assist steering – in other words, everything you need to turn your CTS into a car that will handle with the best of them from Europe.
However, with those Y-rated summer-only tires you’ll also need winter rubber because, with the CTS’ standard rear-wheel drive, they’re useless on ice.
In fact, in our climate zones, buyers would be better to opt for the all-wheel drive CTS that starts at $43,225.
Buyers also get their choice of two engines: the base powerplant is a 3.6-litre V6 with VVT (variable valve timing) that produces 263 hp; the upgrade is a 3.6-litre V6 with VVT and DI (direct injection) that harnesses 304 hp. Base transmission for either engine is a sporty six-speed stick, but our test car was equipped with GM’s newish six-speed automatic ($1,700) to go with the more potent V6.
The CTS, even with the 304-hp V6, isn’t screaming fast. There’s nothing wrong with times of 7.2 seconds from 0-100 km/h or 6.6 seconds from 80-120, it’s just that a lot of the competition in the luxury sport field is quicker.
But pure, flat-out acceleration is only part of the package. This is a car that makes you feel good whether you’re sitting still in its well-crafted and luxuriously appointed cabin or hammering along your favourite stretch of twisty tarmac.
While we’re on the topic of luxury, why do carmakers seem to think a centrally-mounted analog clock has to be part of any upscale car’s interior package? CTS has also fallen into this trap, when a digital clock is a lot easier to read at a glance – important when you’re driving.
And while we’re on the topic of instrumentation, why is the CTS speedometer marked at 30, 60, 90 and 100 km/h when 30, 50, 80 and 100 would be more useful for Canadian speed limits?
But none of this takes away from the pleasure of being behind the wheel of this car, which is loaded with standard goodies such as six airbags, StabiliTrak, full range traction control, remote keyless entry, dual zone climate control, leather and 10-way power front seats.
An especially nice touch is the standard heated windshield wash system. Press a button and the info centre shows the message: “Heating washer fluid – wash wipe pending.” Wait a few seconds and, when it reaches the right temperature, frost-busting heated fluid is sprayed on the glass, saving the driver a lot of time scraping.
CTS has been named Motor Trend magazine’s 2008 Car of the Year and was narrowly beaten by the Mercedes-Benz C-Class for best new luxury vehicle in testing by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada in its annual Canadian Car of the Year competition.
A few years ago, it would have been laughable for Cadillac to even compete in such contests. Now it can go up against the best with a realistic chance of winning.
Cadillac may not have returned to being “The Standard of the World,” but the moves it is making are the right ones. CTS is a shining example of that.
The brand is hot. Just like that girl in the commercial.
Fact file
2008 CADILLAC CTS
Price as tested (before taxes): $57,680
Options: DVD-based navigation system ($3,900) includes 10-speaker Bose 5.1 cabin surround sound; comfort and convenience package ($2,735) includes ventilated front seats, power tilt/telescopic steering, EZ Key passive entry with remote vehicle start, universal home remote, split folding rear seat and rear parking assist; sport package ($2,610) includes 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, performance tires, performance handling suspension with automatic rear load levelling, speed sensitive variable assist steering, performance braking system, limited slip differential, performance cooling system, Xenon high-density discharge headlamps with adaptive forward lighting system and headlamp washers, front fog lamps; sight and sound package ($1,735) includes 6-disc CD changer, interior accent lighting, theft deterrent system, rain-sensing wipers; 6-speed automatic transmission with driver shift control ($1,700); power sliding ultraview sunroof with power sunshade ($1,660); premium paint ($1,295); deluxe wood trim package, ($645).
Freight: $1,420
Configuration: Front engine, rear wheel drive sedan
Engine/transmission: 3.6L V6/6-speed automatic
Horsepower: 304 @ 6,400 rpm
Torque: 273 lb.-ft. @ 5,200 rpm
Fuel required: 68 litres, premium
EnerGuide fuel ratings (L/100 km): 12.2 city, 7.5 highway
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 11.8 combined
Warranty: 4 years/80,000 km comprehensive, with no-charge scheduled maintenance; 5 years/160,000 km powertrain
MSRP range: $38,900-$41,400
Engines available: 3.6L V6 (263 hp/253 lb.ft.); 3.6L V6 (304/273)
Transmissions available: 6 speed manual; 6-speed automatic
Competition: Mercedes-Benz C Class; Volvo S80; BMW 3-Series
Strengths: great drivability; distinctive styling; strong powertrain
Weaknesses: oddly calibrated speedometer (see text); rear-wheel drive in winter
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