Cadillac CTS 2005 $12,995

Vehicle Overview For the 2005 model year, a 210-horsepower, 2.8-liter V-6 replaces the 220-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 in the entry-luxury CTS (Cadillac Touring Sedan). A new six-speed manual is the standard transmission, but a five-speed automatic is available. The instrument cluster is also new, and the 16-inch wheels are restyled. Launched as an early 2003 model, the CTS was built on a new rear-wheel-drive platform and featured square-edge styling. Suspension revisions and interior changes for 2004 were intended to soften the ride and reduce noise. A high-performance CTS-V sedan debuted during the 2004 season. Exterior Styling themes for the CTS are rooted in Cadillac's Evoq concept car. Cadillac touted the CTS as the first 100 percent application of Cadillac's art and science approach to passenger-car design. Cadillac described the CTS body as bold and chiseled, incorporating sharp edges and crisp intersecting lines and a short front overhang. Measuring 190.1 inches long overall, the CTS rides a 113.4-inch wheelbase. Integrated, traditionally styled vertical headlights and taillights are installed. The large, shield-shaped, louvered eggcrate grille is reminiscent of Cadillacs dating back to the 1930s. Cadillac's wreath-and-crest symbol is incorporated into the grille. Cast-aluminum wheels hold 16-inch tires. An optional Sport Package includes Cadillac's StabiliTrak electronic stability system, a sport-tuned suspension, a load-leveling rear suspension and 17-inch wheels. Interior Five people fit inside the CTS sedan. Wood is used only in areas where it will come in contact with occupants: on the three-spoke steering wheel, gearshift knob and door pulls. The seats have leather seating surfaces, and heated front seats are optional. General Motors' OnStar communication system is standard, and XM Satellite Radio is available. Trunk capacity measures 12.8 cubic feet. Under the Hood Cadillac's 3.6-liter V-6 produces 255 hp, and the new 2.8-liter V-6 generates 210 hp. Both engines work with a new Aisin six-speed-manual transmission, and a five-speed automatic is optional. A button for the automatic selects Sport, Winter and Economy modes. Safety Six airbags are installed: dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted side-thorax airbags and roof-mounted side curtain-type airbags. Antilock brakes and all-speed traction control are standard. Driving Impressions Controversial CTS styling might be considered either alluring or alarming, but there's less to argue about when it comes to this Cadillac's excellent driving characteristics. Subtle but bountiful performance is helped by an excellent, quick-shifting automatic transmission. For the most part, drivers can expect the feel of a European sport sedan, but the CTS isn't quite as refined as an Audi or BMW. The CTS is exceptionally stable on the road and easy to drive around town. Steering response is on the sporty side. The performance-packed CTS-V behaves as promised, accelerating with energetic haste. The controls are somewhat unorthodox. The driver's seat is especially comfortable and adequately supportive. Headroom, elbowroom and legroom are abundant up front. CTS-V Cadillac launched a performance offshoot of the CTS during the 2004 model year. Called the CTS-V, it ranks as the most powerful automobile in the company's history. Rather than the relatively mild-mannered V-6 engines that go into regular CTS sedans, the CTS-V gets a 5.7-liter V-8 which was borrowed from the 2004 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and whips up 400 hp and 395 pounds-feet of torque. The CTS-V accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Only a Tremec six-speed-manual gearbox is offered. Competitors include the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG. The CTS-V is the first of several planned V-series models, which are developed by GM's new Performance Division. Differences between the CTS-V and the regular CTS include a unique front fascia and a tightened suspension. Performance-tuned shocks, springs and stabilizer bars are installe

• City 17/hwy 27 (2.8L engine/6-speed manual trans)
• City 18/hwy 27 (2.8L engine/5-speed auto trans)
• Headlamps halogen Tungsten windshield wiper activated includes Twilight Sentinel and flash-to-pass
• Fog lamps front integral in front fascia
• Daytime running lamps
• Mirrors outside rearview power heated body-color folding
• Glass Solar-Ray light tinted
• Wipers intermittent front
• Seats front bucket includes driver 8-position power adjuster and articulating head restraints
• Armrest center front
• Armrest center rear includes dual cupholders
• Console floor includes floor shifter integral armrest storage compartment and cupholders
• Floormats carpeted front and rear
• Steering column Tilt-Wheel adjustable
• Steering wheel mounted controls includes controls for sound system HVAC system and programmable functions for fan traction control phone end and available navigation repeat
• Instrumentation analog includes speedometer tachometer fuel gauge and engine water temperature gauge
• Fuel gauge analog
• Door locks power programmable
• Windows power includes express-down all and express-up front and rear passenger lockout
• Cruise control electronic with set and resume speed includes telltale in instrument panel cluster
• OnStar 1-year Safe and Sound Service includes Automatic Notification of Air Bag Deployment Stolen Vehicle Tracking Emergency Services Roadside Assistance Remote Door Unlock Remote Horn and Lights GM Goodwrench Remote Diagnostics AccidentAssist and Online Concierge . Drivers can also obtain the available voice-activated hands-free Personal Calling service and Virtual Advisor that provides location-based traffic and weather reports and other personalized information. (Visit www.onstar.com for system information and details.)
• Trunk release power
• Keyless entry remote
• Theft-deterrent system PASS-Key III
• Climate control dual-zone includes individual climate settings for driver and right front passenger automatic
• Defogger rear-window electric includes front and side window outlets driver and front passenger
• Sound system ETR AM/FM stereo with CD player includes Radio Data System and 7-speakers
• Antenna integral front and rear
• Mirror inside rearview electrochromic (light-sensitive auto dimming) includes OnStar controls
• Visors illuminated vanity mirrors driver and front passenger
• Engine 2.8L DOHC V6 (210 HP [156.6 kW] @ 6500 rpm 194 lb.-ft. [261.9 N-m] @ 3300 rpm)
• Transmission 6-speed manual Aisin
• Traction control all-speed brake and engine controlled
• Drivetrain rear-wheel drive
• Battery maintenance-free includes rundown protection
• Suspension 4-wheel independent
• Tires P225/55R16 H-rated all-season blackwall
• Wheels 16 (40.6 cm) aluminum painted
• Steering power rack-and-pinion
• Brakes 4-wheel antilock 4-wheel disc
• Fuel capacity approximate 17 gallon (64 liters)
• Exhaust stainless-steel
• Air bags frontal and side-impact with head curtain driver and right front passenger (Head-curtain side air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of head and neck injuries to front and outboard rear seat occupants on the near-side of certain side-impact collisions. Always use safety belts and proper child restraints even in vehicles equipped with air bags. Children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat. See the Owners Manual for more safety information.)
• Safety belts 3-point driver and front passenger belt-to-seat mounting
• Door locks child security rear