2008 Cadillac Models Under the Spotlight

There are millions of Cadillac drivers all over the world and many are restlessly awaiting for news from the USA car builder. Here are the best news on the 2008 Cadillac line up that will either have new facelifts or engine upgrades.

Cadillac CTS – This entry level Cadillac will jump up a few stages in 2008, mainly because of the optional all-wheel-drive system and a much more attractive front design. The CTS is also going to be slightly wider than Cadillacs up to 2007. A 263 horsepower model is available, but motoring addicts will certainly prefer the 3.6 liter V6 engine with direct fuel injection and an output of 304 bhp. The 2008 Cadillac CTS will arrive with 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions. Directional headlights that turn progressively as the steering wheel turns are also a huge addition to the CTS. A more powerful CTS-V is also announced, but no launch date has been confirmed yet.

Cadillac DTS – The luxury sedan from Cadillac is receiving a few additions in 2008, such as lane departure warning systems and an optional blind zone. There’s also a Platinum Edition DTS that comes with a bigger powerplant and more luxurious dashboard trim.

Cadillac Escalade – not many changes on the current Escalade model. However, somewhere in 2008 we will see the first hybrid Escalade SUV and a brand new lengthier Caddy Escalade ESV.

Cadillac STS – a facelift is also coming for the 2008 Cadillac STS. The engine is a 3.6 V6 with a 6-speed automatic while the 4.6 liter Northstar V8 Cadillac engine remains optional. All wheel drive is also on the extras list and other new optional features include lane departure warning systems, blind zone and a Performance Handling Package that is only available on the V8 and rear-drive V6 Cadillacs. There’s also a Platinum Edition STS which is more bling with gold paint and a lot more chrome. The amazing supercharged 469 horsepower STS-V will also join the Cadillac line up of cars next year.

Cadillac XLR – Not a lot of changes for the Cadillac XLR in 2008. We do get to purchase it in an Alpine White Limited Edition that comes equipped with 18" chrome wheels and a cooler grille. The Magnetic Ride Control system is also tuned up for 2008 and there’s also the option of having a heated steering wheel. Chrome rims are also offered as options with 18" wheels for the XLR and 19" wheels for the XLR-V.

By Michael Rad.

Visit the Blog about cadillac

Queen of the Road

The name evokes images of high quality luxury cars. A car brand that has been always associated with superior make, precision car technology and innovation. It has become ingrained in our vocabulary that everything of high quality has been tagged "the Cadillac" of sorts.

As a high quality car manufacturer, Cadillac assures that every vehicle that comes out of its assembly line fits to be called a Cadillac. Ever since the introduction of the very first Cadillac in 1902, the company had made its mark on luxury cars and sport utility vehicles.

The first Cadillac was first manufactured by the Cadillac Motor Company, a company formed by former employees of the Henry Ford Company. The 10 hp Cadillac rolled out of the factory floor on October 1902, marking the birth of one of America's top car manufacturers. The first model was shown at the New York Auto Show, where it impressed thousands and meriting 2000 orders. It defined Cadillac's position as a reliable and precise manufacturer; the Cadillac was better made than its nearest competitor. As a measure of its greatness, the Cadillac was awarded the 1908 Dewar Trophy; for the most important advancement of the year in the automotive industry, the interchangeability of its car parts.

In 1909, the Cadillac Motor Company was purchased by General Motors, and became its luxury car division. Cadillac not only made large luxury vehicles, it also made "commercial chassis" institutional vehicles such as ambulances, funeral home flower cars, hearses and limousines.

It was under General Motor's management that numerous firsts and technological advancements became standard features in Cadillacs. In 1911, the Cadillac became the first internal combustion engine automobile to feature an electric starter, as opposed to the competition's crank start. The first mass produced V8 engine became available in 1915; shatter-resistant glass in 1926; and the first fully synchronized transmission in 1928.

Pre-World War II Cadillacs were models for well-built, powerful, and mass-produced luxury cars. These were aimed primarily at the upper class market. In the 1930s, 12- and 16- cylinder engines became part of the Cadillac stable. These cars were fitted with custom-built bodies, and their engines were able to deliver a combination of high power, smooth driving and quietness.

After the War, Cadillac introduced the "finned" car concept. Inspired by the twin rudders of the Lockheed P-38, Cadillacs sported tailfins in 1948. It reached its highest point in 1959, when the Cadillac had the most recognizable tailfins in the automotive world.

Since then, the Cadillac became a symbol of innovativeness, of simple elegance and bold design. Today, the Cadillac's stable include the STS, XLR, XRX, CTS, EXT, ESV, the Escalade, the Deville and the V-series. All of them carry the proud lineage of quality and luxury packed with sophisticated Cadillac parts that only a Cadillac could muster.

Despite its strong, recognizable design heritage, the Cadillac has resisted any efforts to bring back its "old" or "retro" designs. However, the Cadillac has trailblazed on a new road, the design philosophy of "art and science" - a form Cadillac says "expresses bold, high-technology design and invokes the technology used to design it."

As a progenitor of bold ideas, the Cadillac has the world waiting for its next innovation.

By Fernando Asedillo.