2004 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sdn GS Plus

Vehicle Overview Cadillac has high hopes for its new rear-wheel-drive CTS sport sedan that replaced the midsize Catera, which was dropped from the luxury automakers lineup after the 2001 model year. Given a three-letter designation rather than a full name, the CTS (or Cadillac Touring Sedan) is considered the first Cadillac to reflect the companys global presence. For a benchmark in CTS development, engineers used the BMW 528i sedan. Testing took place at the Nrburgring racecourse in Germany. Launched on Aug. 17, 2001, at the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance in Monterey, Calif., the CTS is touted by Cadillac as the first 100 percent application of Cadillacs art and science approach to passenger car design. Styling themes first came to light on the Evoq concept car. When we began work on the CTS, we wanted to create a car that could only be from Cadillac, said Thomas Kearns, lead exterior designer. Among other features, the CTS is the first Cadillac in 20 years to be available with a manual transmission. Produced at a new facility in Lansing, Mich., the CTS went on sale in early 2002 with a starting price of $29,350 (excluding the $640 destination charge). Exterior Cadillac describes the CTSs body as bold and chiseled, incorporating sharp edges and crisp intersecting lines and a short front overhang. Styling is supposed to hark back to Cadillacs glory days, beginning with the arrival of legendary designer Harley Earl in 1927 a time when the company says it routinely made bold design statements. The CTS is a modern interpretation of the strikingly beautiful cars for which Cadillac became famous, said Cadillacs General Manager Mark R. LaNeve. Measuring 190.1 inches long overall, the CTS rides a 113.4-inch wheelbase and stands 56.7 inches tall. Integrated, traditionally styled vertical headlights and taillights are installed, which were first used on Cadillacs back in 1965. The appearance of the large, shield-shaped, louvered eggcrate grille is reminiscent of Cadillacs as far back as the 1930s. Cadillacs new wreath-and-crest symbol is incorporated into the grille, which has a V-shaped bottom. Cast-aluminum wheels hold 16-inch tires, and an optional Luxury Sport Package includes Cadillacs StabiliTrak electronic stability system, a sport-tuned suspension, a load-leveling rear suspension and 17-inch polished wheels. Xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights are optional. Interior Five occupants fit inside the CTS sedan. Stylists cite the computer as an influence in the CTSs interior design, especially in connection with the center stack. Wood is used only in areas where it will come in contact with the occupants, which include the three-spoke steering wheel, gearshift knob and door pulls. A distinctive mouse button on the steering wheel controls the cars infotainment system. Seats are upholstered in Nuance leather, and the standard cassette/CD stereo includes Radio Data System (RDS) technology. Standard equipment includes GMs OnStar communication system, dual-zone climate control, an eight-way power drivers seat and a theft-deterrent system. Options include heated front seats; a split, folding rear seat; a sunroof; and a Bose premium sound system with a cassette player, CD changer and CD-ROM navigation. An XM Satellite Radio is available in models equipped with the Bose stereo and navigation system. Trunk capacity measures 12.8 cubic feet. Under the Hood A 220-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6 engine develops 220 pounds-feet of torque and teams with either a five-speed-automatic transmission or a Getrag five-speed-manual gearbox the same transmissions used in the BMW 5 Series and X5. A selector button for the automatic permits the selection of Sport, Winter and Economy modes, but no shift gate is included. Shifting patterns adapt to driving conditions and the drivers style. Engine braking in all five gears is supposed to give the automatic the same sporty feel as a manual transmission thats downshifting. Cadillac claims that the stick-shift r