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2001 w Jefferson ST Joliet, IL 60435
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2008 CADILLAC STS V8
| Media Reviews |
The Cadillac STS cabin is warmer in appearance than the exterior, with soft leather surfaces complemented by warm wood accents. Those wood accents cost extra, but we much prefer them over the standard brushed aluminum trim, which looks and feels cold and reflects sunlight to the point of annoyance. Our advice: Get the wood. The seats in all models are refreshingly supportive, for a Cadillac, without being overly firm. Arm rests and head restraints are a degree or two softer than the cushions and side bolsters, boosting the comfort factor a couple notches. All essential controls are within easy reach, although there could be more clearance between the lower door panels and seat bottom to access the front seat adjusters. For this reason, we were especially grateful for the seat memory feature, which often saved us from having to reach down there. The interior is noticeably roomier than that of the marginally smaller CTS. Instruments are easily scanned, white-on-black round analog gauges, with a large nested tachometer and speedometer between the smaller fuel and engine temperature gauges. The speedometer changes between English and metric electronically, so there's only one set of numbers around its circumference. Cruise control and running lights are managed via a stalk on the left side of the steering column, windshield wipers and washers with a stalk on the right. Buttons in the steering wheel spokes provide redundant controls for audio and driver information functions. The steering wheel hub has been re-shaped for 2008; it now looks more substantial, even a bit futuristic, but not all that different from before. The available head-up display projects speed and other key information onto the windshield, so that the driver does not need to look down at the gauges. The available Bose 5.1 stereo incorporates one of the industry's first OEM-installed surround-sound systems. Fifteen Bose speakers do the job, plus an integrated six-disc CD/DVD changer that plays DVD-A, CD, and MP3 formats. The setup also includes an eight-inch VGA-quality touch screen and advanced navigation, Bluetooth phone capability, and OnStar with advanced voice recognition. A word of caution, however: the top-level stereo system, although delivering superb surround-sound, is multi-tasked with a navigation system that, in combination, demands an extensive study of the owner's manual to operate with any degree of alacrity and confidence. The 2008 OnStar system features a fully integrated GPS navigation setup called Turn-by-Turn Navigation. Turn-by-Turn allows drivers to talk to a live advisor, who can download complete step-by-step directions to the vehicle through the OnStar system. These audio directions then automatically play through the vehicle's stereo as needed (after the OnStar operator hangs up), triggered by the system's GPS capabilities. This enables drivers to be led to their destination while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Storage cubbies include map pockets in all four doors. The front center console is deep and wide and pre-wired for cellular and Bluetooth (to wirelessly tie a cell phone into the car's audio system, allowing hand-free operation). The glove box, though, is barely sufficient to hold the navigation DVD case and owner's manual. Two cup holders are provided front and rear. The trunk is fully lined, with articulated, gas-pressurized struts. Fit and finish are top grade, with notably tight trim tolerances. Careful attention was paid to reducing noise, vibration and harshness, with remarkable and commendable success. Specially laminated windshield and front door glass, wind tunnel-tuned outside mirrors and high-density/low-mass sound-deadening padding make this a quiet car even by Cadillac standards. The Platinum Edition features hand-cut and hand-sewn leather on the instrument panel, door trim and center console areas. The steering wheel is heated. The seats are.
New look, new power, new features.
Out on the road, the Cadillac STS delivers everything promised by its slick looks and advanced specifications. New for 2008, the V6 delivers 302 horsepower at 6300 rpm (47 more horsepower than 2007) and 272 pound-feet of torque at 5200 rpm (an upgrade of 20 pound-feet over the 2007 V6). At the same time, GM expects the new V6 to deliver improved fuel efficiency, while its direct injection technology enables a 25 percent reduction in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions. (With direct injection, fuel is sprayed directly into the cylinder, where it mixes with air, rather than in the intake port. As the fuel vaporizes in the cylinder, the air and fuel mixture is cooled. This enables the use of a higher, 11.3:1 compression ratio for better thermodynamic efficiency. The 3.6-liter V6 also features the U.S. industry's first isolated fuel-injector system, which helps reduce engine noise.) The six-speed automatic (Hydra-Matic 6L50) that comes on all models features a generous 13.88:1 maximum overall ratio for rapid launching off the line (13.11 with AWD), while also providing two tall overdrive ratios that decrease engine rpm and reduce noise levels while cruising at highway speeds. The V8 generates 320 horsepower at 6400 rpm, and 315 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. Both the 3.6-liter V6 and 4.6-liter V8 use electronic throttle control, commonly called drive-by-wire, to match the engine's performance to a variety of driver demands, from sedate highway cruising to rambunctious back-road motoring. The STS-V's 4.4-liter supercharged V8 pumps out 469 horsepower, making it the most powerful engine in Cadillac history. It makes 439 pound-feet of torque, with 90 percent of it available in a wide sweep from 2200 to 6000 rpm. This enormous thrust is delivered smoothly through the six-speed automatic transmission. However, the heavy-duty upgrades found in virtually every dynamic element of V-model car, including harder-riding lower-profile tires, make the STS-V only suitable for those willing to sacrifice some comfort in return for jetting from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. There's also the STS-V's $1700 gas guzzler tax to consider. For most people, then, the sporty setup will be the STS V8 with the optional performance handling package. Nudge the shift lever over to the right, into the manu-matic gate, and the selected gear will hold all the way up to redline. Alternating between the accelerator and brake pedal allows frolicking at extremes heretofore beyond the reach of sedans wearing the wreath and crest. Cadillac's suspension engineers have demonstrated they understand the difference between stiff and firm. Thankfully, all the sound filtering and deadening doesn't keep the V8's throaty exhaust note out of the cabin. The all-wheel-drive system is a hard package to top, however, complemented by Magnetic Ride Control and the latest generation StabiliTrak, though this adds some weight. Still, body lean in even the tightest switchbacks is almost non-existent, and mild whoop-de-doos barely give occupants' stomach a flip. Biasing 60 percent of the power to the rear wheels gives the all-wheel-drive STS the sporty dynamics of rear-wheel drive while sending enough power to the front wheels to pull the car through and out of corners with sureness and confidence. Either way, the electronic steering is a delight, its only shortcoming a slight softness on center. The STS tracks well through corners; and turn-in is crisp, especially with the 18-inch, low-profile tires. Active steering, available exclusively on V8 models with AWD, is integrated into the StabiliTrak stability control electronics. In addition to controlling brakes and reducing engine power, StabiliTrak with active steering can turn the front wheels to reduce skidding when rear wheels lose traction. The system includes a new steering motor assembly combined with computer-driven electronic controls that measure wheel slippage at all.
The Cadillac STS has been given a substantial facelift for 2008. It's the most significant change in appearance since the STS was introduced as an all-new model for 2005. Its distinctive profile hasn't changed; in fact, most of the outer skin of the STS is carried over. Its crisp lines draw an almost box-like silhouette that somehow still looks aerodynamic. Perhaps it's the gently curved A-pillar and C-pillar that tend a bit more toward art than science. Sharply contoured lower rocker panels tracking rearward from the front fascia's bottom edge pull the body down, adding a stylistic ground-effects look. It's all very consistent with Cadillac's Art and Science design motif. Up front, however, the 2008 STS has abandoned any semblance of modern, European-style subtlety in favor of a boldly traditional eggcrate grin. Cadillac says the new dual-textured, multi-faceted grille was inspired by the Sixteen concept car, but to us it looks like a re-run from 1969, an impression compounded by Cadillac's now-trademark vertically stacked headlamps. You can like it or leave it, but Cadillac is clearly embracing it, because you'll find it on the 2008 Escalade and CTS, too. In a similar vein, chromed air extractor vents now mark the previously clean flanks. More subtle chrome accents have been added to the door handles and rocker flares. New 18x8-inch, 14-spoke polished aluminum wheels are available. The backside is vaguely reminiscent of the old Eldorado coupe, with vertical taillights bracketing a tall, squared-off boot. Recessed in the boot's rear vertical is a trapezoidal inset, long enough for European-spec license plates, housing large backup lights at the left and right extremes. The last things you see as an STS flashes by are new three-inch polished aluminum exhaust tips, exiting below and at each end of the rear bumper. You can be forgiven for mistaking the STS for the smaller, and similarly redesigned CTS. The two 2008 models are almost indistinguishable to the casual observer, even when parked side by side. Both cars present only minimally different iterations of the same sharp angles and flat planes. Both now wear the same vintage dollar grin grille. The STS and CTS share platforms, but the wheelbase of the STS is three and a half inches longer than that of the CTS, and its body is nearly five inches longer overall. The Platinum Edition features 18-inch chrome-finish wheels, an even brighter chrome-finish grille; bright chrome inserts on the exterior door handles, and special Glacier Gold paint. The super-performance STS-V avoids the retro look up front with polished stainless wire-mesh grilles above and below the front bumper, and a not particularly subtle power bulge in its engine hood. Its deeper front air dam incorporates brake scoops below the fog lights. STS-V gets the new fender vents, but they seem more in line with the performance model's extroverted character. Its 10-spoke wheels are unique; its rear spoiler more obvious. And in case you miss all that, it's distinguished by V-Series badging and Supercharged lettering on the front doors.
The Cadillac STS offers a smooth and powerful driving experience with warm and luxurious accommodations. The supercharged STS-V delivers serious performance but sacrifices some comfort and drivability. People who enjoy getting where they're going as much if not more than being there, but who pine for luxury touches and good old American V8 power, need no longer compromise. Come on home. NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Tom Lankard reported on the STS, with Greg Brown reporting on the STS-V, and John F. Katz reporting on the styling revisions.
(Show more reviews)
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| Options and Accessories |
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 3 Point Rear Seatbelts
AM/FM Stereo & CD Player
Air Conditioning
Airbag Deactivation
Anti Theft/Security System
Anti-Theft Device(s)
Auto Express Down Window
Auto Headlight Delay
Automatic Leveling System
Automatic Transmission
Beverage Holder (s)
Child Safety Locks
Climate Control in Steering Wheel
EBA Emergency Brake Asst
EBD Electronic Brake Dist
Floor Mats
Fog Lamps
Keyless Ignition
Memory Mirrors
Memory Seating
OnStar Communication System
Passenger Seat Height Adjust
Premium Sound System
Rain Sensing Wipers
Remote Ignition System
Satellite Radio
Side Air Bag System
Small Size Spare Tire
Tire Pressure Monitor
Traction Control System
Trip Computer
Vanity Mirrors
Vehicle Stability Assist
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This vehicle is located at:
2001 w Jefferson ST Joliet, IL 60435
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Pricing and Information Disclaimer: All vehicle prices are subject to change without notice. This may be due to, but not limited to, accessories or options added by our accessory specialists.
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