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 orange countyCadillac Means Quality
Part of the General Motors Corporation, and produced and mostly sold in the United States, the Cadillac is a brand of luxury automobiles. And in the United States, this brand name of luxury automobiles has become a synonym for “high quality”. Certainly, because of this, it has been used in certain lingo and phrases like “the Cadillac of clocks”. Cadillac was formed from the Henry Ford Company, and the automobile was named after the 17th century French explorer Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac, who was the founder of Detroit, Michigan in 1701.
One of the vehicles running under the Cadillac name is the Cadillac Escalade. This vehicle is a luxury spin-off of the large Chevrolet/GMC SUVs, and is made available in three trim levels – the base SUV wagon, the longer Escalade ESV wagon, and the Escalade EXT pickup truck. The first two versions are sport utility vehicle wagons that has three rows of seats and can take in a capacity of seven passengers. The Cadillac Escalade EXT, on the other hand is a crew-cab pickup truck that has four doors. It is similar to the Chevrolet Avalanche, has a “midgate” wall between the cab and the cargo bed.
All the versions of the Cadillac Escalade feature an all-wheel drive and a 6.0 liter V8. The base wagon also comes as a 2WD model. All have automatic transmission, front side airbags, ABS, antiskid/traction control, tire-pressure monitor, and Cadillac’s automatic-adjusting Road Sensing Suspension. Also standard features for all trim levels of the Cadillac Escalade include a trailering package, power-adjustable gas and brake pedals, a rear obstacle detection, and OnStar assistance. The Escalade ESV Platinum Edition includes features like a navigation system, rear DVD entertainment, specific appearance touches, and 20-inch chrome alloy wheels instead of the usual standard 17-inch alloy wheels of the Escalade.
Acceleration for this vehicle is found to be ample despite occasional transmission delays in full-throttle downshifts. It has towing capacities of 7,400 lbs. for 2WD Escalades, 8,100 lbs. for AWD models, and 7,300 for EXT versions. It has an averaged 13.7-15.6 mpg in city or highway driving. The vehicle could get quite staggering at times. It is also very truck-like. The Cadillac Escalade ESV models have a longer wheelbase that provides a smoother feel on rough roads. As per the vehicle’s steering and handling, it is generally ponderous and has a slow response to steering inputs. It has light and vague steering that demands continuous attention on the highway. Also, it has a rear-leveling suspension that is standard and improves control with a heavy load. The brakes, however, feel soft but have adequate power. It provides a fine isolation from the wind, road, and engine noise. It also offers plenty of head and leg room and a vast shoulder width. Plush seats with fold-down armrests complete the interior. Commanding road view is given to drivers, and added in is a helpful audio/visual rear-obstacle-detection system that warns of the unseen when backing up.
By Stacey Wilson.
