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2008 Cadillac CTS First Impressions |
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2008 Cadillac CTS First Impressions
by Michel Deslauriers / Auto123.com
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The cockpit has improved quite a bit. Fit and finish is very good, and the materials used are high-quality. Whether dressed in black or two-tone black and beige, the working environment is quite attractive. My right knee was constantly rubbing against the center console, however. In back, two adults will be comfortable, but a middle passenger will rub his head against the headliner, because the seat cushion is firm; the competition has the same problem.
Compared to the previous CTS, the new model is longer, higher and especially wider: 2 inches, or 50 mm. That translates into increased hiproom inside the car. The trunk also gained some extra volume, although its opening is still narrow. The 2008 CTS weighs some 350 lbs (160 kg) more.
Wide selection
Two 3.6-liter V6s are on the menu: 258 or 304 horsepower, your choice. However, we could only try out the most-powerful version. Note: both engines require unleaded regular. The two V6 units can be mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic. The CTS4, however, is only available with the slushbox. As for the old 2.8-liter V6, it's been ditched.
Compared to its rivals, the G35 only offers one engine, a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 306 horses. As for BMW, we can choose between a variety of 6-cylinder engines; 200, 230 or 300 horsepower.
Available options include ventilated seats, a 6-CD changer or DVD-Audio player with 5.1 sound and a 40-Gb hard drive, a navigation system, wood trim as well as the aforementioned sport packages.
Pricing
The 2008 Cadillac CTS starts at $38,900, and can easily hit $60,000 if we check all option boxes. The 304-hp CTS4 will be starting from $45,725. In comparison, the G35 starts out at $39,900 and the G35x costs $43,990. As for BMW, the 328i retails for $41,000 while the invoice for the 335xi reaches $52,500 or more.
Of course, this drive was too short to give you more detailed information. We'll wait impatiently for a CTS that we'll be able to keep and savour for a week's time. Stay tuned.
Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux
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