2008 Cadillac CTS

Cadillac already had a winner with its first generation CTS sedan. But that didn't stop it from giving the second generation model, the 2008 Cadillac CTS, an extra dose of "oomph."

2008 Cadillac CTS Interior

The first CTS is credited with ushering in a new age of Cadillac, to accolades and a sales resurgence that spread throughout the upscale brand. The new midsize CTS has taken cues from Caddy's striking "Sixteen" concept car for a more dramatic visual impact. It shows traits of the same elongated grille face, sharply defined features and adaptive lighting that are meant to keep it from fading into a more traditional luxury sedan mold where one might have to look twice to identify whose it is. The CTS won't get lost in a crowd, a talent that has brought the new model widespread honors for appearance and performance.

Bundled with its attention-getting looks are a number of major and minor refinements from engine mechanics to those luxurious interior touches that classify it as special.

With fuel economy getting headlines, improved mileage is a must. The top-line new "direct injected" 3.6-liter V-6 engine delivers 17 city/26 highway mpg fuel economy on regular, along with more power at 304-HP and lower emissions (a 25 percent improvement at startup). The stance is wider for more agile performance and the CTS gains all-wheel-drive in addition to standard rear drive. Both automatic and manual transmissions are now six-speed. Base pricing begins at $34,420 with the new engine model.
 
If critics like to remember interiors of questionable quality, they shouldn't any longer. Styling inside is refreshing and spacious looking yet elegant. Fine touches include hand-cut, French stitched and wrapped leather surfaces, a double-wide sunroof for an expansive sky view, satin metallics, available Sapele Pommele wood, "home theater" audio, and heated washer fluid. 

Cadillac engineers were so sure of the new CTS, they shipped it to Germany for an ultimate in performance testing on the brutal, high-speed Nürburgring circuit. As those who've had the privilege of testing it there can attest, it passed with flying colors.

Read RTM's Full Review of the 2008 Cadillac CTS.