The 2009 Cadillac CTS is now offered with either a 263-horsepower, 3.6L V6 with variable valve timing, or a new direct-injection 3.6L making 304 horsepower. Besides increasing power output, the engine's direct injection system improves fuel economy and reduces emissions. Both engines can be paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with driver shift control. Performance oriented all-wheel drive system is available, mated only to the automatic transmission.
The CTS utilizes a strut tower brace for improved chassis stiffness and large 12.4"-diameter performance disc brakes. Three different suspension tuning levels are available ranging from comfortable to high-performance: FE1, FE2, and FE3. The standard wheels are 17-inch alloys, but larger 18-inch wheels are available, finished either with a multi-coat or high-polish look. All wheel drive is optional and adds $3200 to the price.
The CTS does come very well equipped, but the interior appointments and available high-tech options are what really distinguish the model from its competitors. The center console was designed in consultation with entertainment industry experts and has an interface for iPods and music players, including a USB port. There's also an available 40-gigabyte hard-drive music system that allows recording of live radio and ripping of CDs. The sound system itself has a 300-watt amplifier, ten speakers, and Bose Centerpoint technology. Also on the options list is a 3D-imaging navigation system with eight-inch screen, an adaptive forward lighting system that adjusts the beam direction of the xenon lamps to improve night visibility, and a heated windshield and washer system, along with heated and ventilated front seats.
The new interior incorporates handcrafted trim on the instrument panel and doors, and hand-cut, sewn, and wrapped materials used throughout. Recessed LED interior lighting also helps to improve the interior ambiance, and a distinctive Ultra-View sunroof that provides a sky view for both front and rear occupants is available. The seats themselves have been redesigned to maximize space for back-seat passengers.
A full range of air bags are standard on the CTS, including a new dual-depth front passenger air bag, plus front pelvic/thorax bags, along with roof-rail side-curtain bags covering front and rear rows. The StabiliTrak system and four-channel anti-lock brakes are also standard.
The Cadillac CTS sport sedan got a complete redesign inside and out for 2008. The CTS is carried over largely unchanged for 2009. A 6.2L supercharged V8-powered CTS-V high-performance model will be added to the lineup late in the year. Prices rose about 10 percent from last year.
Cadillac's CTS stands out from the luxury sports sedan segment on the basis of its very attractive handcrafted interior and its available high-tech features, which include adaptive headlamps and advanced audio and navigation options. The direct-injected engine and available all wheel drive makes it one of the most efficient high performance sedans in its class. The CTS is also a tremendous luxury/performance value with base prices starting at $34,780.
