2008 Cadillac STS
Cadillac is continuing its trend to become youthful and exciting. The 2008 STS is updated, but not all-new. Its fresh style is inspired by the last-generation V-series and falls in line with the new CTS, Escalade and Sixteen show car. Its angular grille is bold in comparison to that of its predecessor.
The base 3.6-liter V-6 engine of the STS now produces 298 bhp, up from 254, thanks to direct injection. The same engine will be available in the 2008 CTS. Details of the engine are promised to be made public shortly after the New York auto show. A Hydra-Matic 6L50 6-speed automatic is the only transmission offered, even when equipped with all-wheel drive.
Filling a void between the STS and STS-V will be a performance handling package. It's available for every engine configuration except the awd V-6. The package is impressive and includes 18-in. wheels shod with 255/45R-18 Michelin Pilot Sport summer performance tires. Large Brembo brakes, 14.0-in. front and 14.4-in. rear, are sure to improve stopping performance.
A new StabiliTrak system is enabled with emergency corrective steering and lane-departure technology. A digital camera mounted behind the rearview mirror is capable of detecting when the car is unintentionally changing lanes-and then alerts the driver with audible and visual cues. The new tech also comes with a blind-spot detection system that uses radar.
The new STS should arrive in the middle of summer, but pricing hasn't been announced. So, we expect a 5-percent increase over the 2007 models. New technology comes at a price.
