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| 2008 Cadillac CTS First Impressions |
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Reaching for the sky
Blainville, Quebec -- I always liked the look of the first CTS, because it stood out in the crowd of luxury sport sedans. Redesigned, the new generation of Cadillac's smallest offering is giving us an eyeful, once again.
We were invited to try out the new 2008 CTS, although it was a very brief drive; too short even to get a good impression of the vehicle. However, we did note some nice things about the car.
Sporty character: on the heels of Infiniti and BMW
GM clearly stated that the CTS has what it takes to battle the best of its segment: Infiniti's G35, BMW's 3-Series. And since both those models are available with all-wheel drive, Cadillac decided to also offer it in the CTS.
With a few laps around a closed circuit aboard three different versions of the CTS, we notice that it's got pleasing driving dynamics baked in, while offering a comfortable ride. Obviously, the CTS4 benefits from better traction on wet surfaces, but I can attest that the StabiliTrak system works very well in this car; as such, all-wheel drive becomes a non-essential option, in my opinion.
Certain CTS models were equipped with a sport package that includes the FE2 suspension setup. We felt a difference on the slalom portion of the course compared to the base FE1 suspension; however, I think the standard-issue setup works just fine. One can even order a sport package with an FE3 performance suspension and summer tires, but only with the rear-wheel drive model.
A true beauty
Gorgeous in pictures, it's even better-looking in the flesh. The sheetmetal keeps the sharp creases of the previous generation, but they're softened here and there. The grille is larger and small air intakes have been added to the front fenders. From the rear, the CTS reminds me of the now-defunct Eldorado, and the high-mounted stoplight doubles as a spoiler.
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