It seems that with the arrival of this car on our market, those who are used to thinking that truly driver-oriented cars are born only in Europe or Japan will have to reconsider their views on "Americans." The reason for this is substantial, and its name is Cadillac CTS.
The appearance of the new CTS leaves no one indifferent — you immediately want to pick words like "energetic," "low-slung," or "muscular." A wide track, huge wheel arches, low ground clearance, a massive radiator grille, gills on the fenders, a sloping rear pillar, and a slightly raised rear end with chiseled shapes — all of this forms an image that makes it clear at first glance: such a car won't give any slack on the road. Cadillac has never looked frail before, but in this model, the designers have clearly outdone themselves. You can feel that the design was worked on not only at computers — it's as if a soul was put into the car. In short, it turned out great.
You respect the CTS even more once you get inside. There's no doubt — this is truly a Cadillac. Hand-finished decorative elements, excellent materials, modern equipment — everything is impeccable. And what's pleasing is that the visual perception fully matches the tactile one: whatever you touch — the steering wheel or the buttons on the center console — everything leaves exclusively positive emotions. The console, by the way, controls the digital entertainment system that engineers equipped the CTS with. Its characteristics are so serious that they can compete with home audio systems. But music is not its only talent. The system can play DVDs and perform navigation functions, and for this, it uses a VGA display. When folded, the screen shows only digital information, but when you press a button, it slides out of the panel, turning into a full-fledged 8-inch touchscreen monitor. Very convenient.
2008 Cadillac CTS
© Photo: Igor Kuznetsov, 5 Koleso
2008 Cadillac CTS
© Photo: Igor Kuznetsov, 5 Koleso
It's also pleasing that almost all mechanisms in the cabin are controlled by servos — from adjusting the steering column to the lumbar support of the seat back. The seats themselves are quite comfortable, and given the presence of not only heating but also ventilation, they can confidently be called comfortable.
And yet, as strange as it may sound, comfort and luxury were not the main things for us in the CTS. We were much more interested in driving qualities. We really wanted to check how close the creators of Cadillac managed to bring the car to European standards of handling. After all, the suspension was tuned not just anywhere, but at the famous Nürburgring. The front suspension, for example, received a new anti-roll bar that increases lateral rigidity and improves on-road behavior.
2008 Cadillac CTS
© Photo: Igor Kuznetsov, 5 Koleso
2008 Cadillac CTS
© Photo: Igor Kuznetsov, 5 Koleso
No, "Americans" don't drive like this! They simply can't! Where did that longitudinal rocking go? Where are the nose dives during braking and squats during acceleration? Why does the car instantly respond even to a slight movement of the steering wheel? Why doesn't the rear end try to overtake the front in corners? Where is everything we've gotten used to over years of interacting with cars from the New World? No, Cadillac is different now. This is a fundamentally different car with habits and settings characteristic exclusively of European models. From the "American" here, only the 3.6-liter engine with 300 hp remains. And even that has already received direct injection, thanks to which fuel consumption at such a volume does not go beyond decency. As a base, a 2.8-liter V6 is offered, producing 210 hp and 262 Nm of torque at 3600 rpm.
Moreover, like many European sedans, the CTS can be not only rear-wheel drive — there is a version with all-wheel drive, which noticeably improves both dynamics and active safety. At the same time, this seriously increases competitiveness. And with that, the Cadillac CTS should no longer have problems.
Audiophile
The new CTS can please any music lover: both iPod owners listening to MP3s, and fans of compact discs, and discerning audiophiles. Music can be stored on a built-in 40-gigabyte hard drive. The drive can also record radio programs and copy files from CDs. The disk has software installed from a recognized leader in entertainment systems — Gracenote — which recognizes track lists, file names, and also reads information about genres and artists from played discs.
Driving
On-road behavior can be called impeccable. The CTS is especially good on the highway. It also performs well in the city. And the dynamics are simply breathtaking. It's also appealing that the suspension, tuned for dynamics, remains quite comfortable for passengers.
Interior
Not as spacious as it could be, but you definitely wouldn't call it cramped.
Comfort
At a very high level. Excellent sound insulation, comfortable seats, impeccable audio system, and an abundance of servos. What more could you want?
Safety
6 airbags, dynamic stability system, traction control, as well as pedestrian protection systems.
Price
Not small, but given the rich base equipment, quite adequate.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Excellent dynamics, exceptional handling, magnificent brakes, high level of equipment, quality sound insulation.
- High price, insignificant ground clearance.
Technical specifications
Make and model — Cadillac CTS4
Dimensions — 4569/1853/1674 mm
Engine — petrol, 3564 cm³, 307 hp/6400 rpm
Transmission — automatic, 6-speed
Dynamics — max 225 km/h; 6.7 s to 100 km/h
Competitors — BMW 535, Audi A6 3.2
Our opinion
For a long time, large American cars were associated with us exclusively with luxury: cup holders, coffee makers, leather sofas, and the like. Handling, stability, and drive were not their forte. But it seems that with the arrival of the Cadillac CTS, many will have to significantly reconsider their attitude towards cars from across the ocean. There is now indeed a reason for this.