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The following review of the 2008 Cadillac CTS sedan appeared elsewhere in early 2008. Since then, prices and some package offerings have changed in addition to the introduction of a wagon model.

American luxury cars have long been defined as having ultra long wheelbases, plenty of chrome, and a capacious V8 engine producing huge quantities of horsepower. The Cadillac Sedan DeVille, Lincoln Continental and the Chrysler Imperial were among the models of that bygone era, automobiles built for the American highway and for the days when gasoline prices were affordable.

Since this review first appeared, the CTS-V has returned and a new wagon model has made its debut for 2010. Up next: the CTS coupe!

Nowadays, Cadillac has lost its standard of the world moniker as choice European and Japanese makes are the bench mark by which luxury cars are measured. BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes dominate the top end of the automotive market as driver’s preferences have shifted to align with the best of what Japan and Germany are now bringing forth.

General Motors, reacting to the new market realisms, has unleashed its Cadillac division to develop all-new models that can once again contend with the best cars out there. The CTS is one such car, an entry-level luxury saloon exemplifying Cadillac’s new attitude. Five years after its debut, the second generation CTS has been unleashed and has proven to be a car built like no previous American luxury sedan.

From Evoq to CTS

In 1999, General Motors took the wraps off of its concept Evoq car, a model featuring angular styling, a taut suspension system, strong engine, and all of the usual luxury accouterments. The fresh style first came out when the 2002 Cadillac Escalade SUV was brought out, but it was the 2003 Cadillac CTS that made Evoq a reality from the wheels up.

Taking It To Nurburgring

Leading attributes of the CTS are its taut suspension, responsive steering, and stiff platform. Powered by a standard 263 horsepower VVT (variable valve timing) 3.6L V6 engine or a 304 horsepower direct injection engine of the same size, buyers can mate their engine choice with either a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission.

As earlier Cadillac models were developed for the American highway, the CTS was designed in Detroit but fine tuned at Nurburgring, the famed German racecourse frequented by Mercedes, BMW, Audi and other top manufacturers. The Nurburgring Nordschleife, the circuitous 13-mile rendering of this well-known track is the proving ground where the CTS and competing models are put through the paces. Navigating sharp turns, barreling through challenging dips, and handling speeds approaching 155 mph have signified that the CTS is able to face off against its chief competition a technology feat touted by General Motors merchandising team.

Plenty Of Room For Taller Passengers

The second generation CTS is a beefy car, weighing in at just under two tons. While keeping the wheelbase the same, GM made the second generation CTS wider and more angular thanks in part to component parts imported from the somewhat larger Cadillac STS.

Although originally marketed to compete against the entry level BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C Class, the CTS is much closer in size to the midsized 5 Series and E Class models. The final result is a car sufficient for taller rear seat passengers as both legroom and headroom space is superior to what its smaller competitors provide. Indeed, I placed my 6 foot form in the backseat and found the environs to be quite comfortable with ample space to move around.

Lavishness Like You Want It

One feature that Cadillac hasn’t changed is to offer a wide choice of luxury options. Thankfully, GM’s habit of using plastic everywhere has at long last been broken. Yes, you’ll find strong plastics used here and there, but the fit is tight and the overall look of the interior is refined. What’s more, the instrument panel, center console, and door trims are each cut, sewn, and wrapped by hand, a level of craftsmanship new to the brand. Wood trim is available for the dash, doors, and center console while heated leather seating can be selected for customers who want to upgrade from the standard leatherette seating.

The CTS offers an 8-way power seat for the driver, sport steering, dual zone air-conditioning, and a Bose 8-speaker sound system. A pop up nav/radio display is an industry first, something that most buyers will probably choose when equipping their Cadillac. Buyers can select other favorite options including an ambient interior lighting package, double sunroof, and adaptive headlamps.

GMs famed Stabilitrak electronic control stability system and a 4-wheel independent suspension system is standard and, beginning with this model year, an all-wheel drive CTS is available. All-wheel drive puts the extended CTS line in step with what its rivals have long offered.

The CTS V-Series Ups The Ante

Although the standard CTS can move occupants from zero to sixty in just under six seconds, some drivers prefer the limited production V-Series version of the sedan for maximum performance. The General Motors Performance Division developed the performance tuned V-Series to provide drivers with cars outfitted with performance brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, special body panels, and sport interior appointments. The 2009 CTS-V reportedly will be powered by a slightly detuned version of the top Corvette engine, putting the CTS in a league controlled by the sport tuned divisions of Mercedes and BMW.

Prices for the 2008 Cadillac CTS start at ,990 with fully loaded models topping out just above ,000. Prices for the CTS-V have not been set, but a number in the ,000 range is likely.

2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year

If you haven’t considered Cadillac lately, GM has given prospective buyers ample reason to take a fresh look at the brand. The second generation CTS is solid evidence that Cadillac is back, once again bringing forth world class automobiles befitting to its heritage.