What's New for 2008
The additions of an available Alpine White limited edition, optional chrome wheels and a newly standard heated steering wheel are the only changes to Cadillac's XLR roadster for 2008. In a rather nifty commercial featuring music by Iggy Pop and the Teddy Bears, the 2008 Cadillac XLR roadster is presented as the latest in a long line of great Caddy coupes and convertibles. Of course, it's the first model to represent both categories thanks to its power-folding hardtop. But while the commercial proclaims "I'm a punk rocker, yes I am," the XLR's grand, eye-catching design practically screams "I'm a Cadillac" with thoroughly modern lines that pay homage to -- rather than copy -- all those that wore the Caddy crest in the past.For better or worse, driving the XLR is more indicative of those past Cadillacs than it is of the Corvette it's based on. The 320-horsepower V8 is plenty powerful and the steering is precise, but even with its adjustable suspension, the XLR is more suitable for straight-line highway cruising than back-road athleticism. Those expecting a Vette in evening wear will be disappointed.So, too, will those anticipating this Cadillac to match the interior quality and driving experience of its fellow $80,000 convertibles. Subsequently, unless the XLR's handsome looks and all-American pedigree strike a strong chord with you, we suggest focusing on the rather impressive list of competitors that includes the BMW 650i, Jaguar XK, Mercedes-Benz SL550 and Porsche 911 Cabriolet. The 2008 XLR may be the latest in a long line of fine Cadillacs, but in this price bracket, that's not necessarily enough.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2008 Cadillac XLR is a luxury roadster that features a retractable hardtop. It is offered in base, Platinum Edition and Alpine White Edition trim levels. The base XLR comes with most of the luxury features you'd ever want, including 18-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tires, adaptive xenon HID headlights, eight-way power and heated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, Bose audio (with satellite radio and a CD changer), OnStar, a navigation system, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless ignition, adaptive cruise control and a head-up display.The XLR Platinum Edition adds unique 15-spoke wheels, different wood and metallic cabin accents, special door sill plates, exclusive color choices and "Platinum" exterior badging. The Alpine White Edition isn't quite as grand (nor costly) as the Platinum, but comes attractively painted in its namesake and also features chrome wheels and grille. Chrome wheels are also available separately.

Powertrains and Performance
A muscular yet refined 4.6-liter V8 powers the XLR. A six-speed automatic (that allows manual-style shifting) sends the V8's 320 hp and 310 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. The XLR is a spirited performer, as the 0-60-mph dash takes less than 6 seconds, while high-speed running on the highway is hushed and effortless. Full-throttle shifts result in little hesitation, and the sound of the engine at full song is as good as or better than any V8 in its class. Braking performance is equally impressive, with a stop from 60 mph taking just 118 feet, and with no fade evident after successive panic stops.

Safety
Antilock disc brakes, run-flat tires and stability control are all standard, as are side airbags that offer head as well as thorax protection. Rear parking sensors are also included.

Interior Design and Special Features
While packed to the gills with high-tech luxury features, the 2008 Cadillac XLR fails to match the interior quality of similarly priced competitors that wear the badges of BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. Its soothing blend of soft leather, eucalyptus wood trim and aluminum trim are certainly inviting, but the plastics quality is below average for this lofty class and its design is a little too reminiscent of the outgoing first-generation CTS. Still, this is a hardtop convertible, and as such, the XLR won't disappoint customers looking for a two-seater that can provide both a suntan and a quiet top-up highway ride. The trunk boasts a respectable 11.6 cubic feet of space when the top is up. Top down, however, that number drops to a more confining 4.4 cubic feet.

Driving Impressions
As fast as the 2008 Cadillac XLR is when pushed, those expecting a Corvette in a three-piece suit will be disappointed. Acceleration is certainly quick, but the XLR's soft suspension tuning results in noticeable body roll during hard cornering and plenty of nosedive under heavy braking. The Magnetic Ride Control shocks are standard equipment, but even with their split-second adjustability, the XLR still feels less willing to tackle the turns than the more athletic Mercedes SL. On less serpentine roads, the XLR hits its stride, delivering an undisturbed ride with effortless, arrow-straight tracking afforded by the precise steering. At highway speeds, wind buffeting is somewhat intrusive with the top down, but not so much that it detracts from the XLR's otherwise enjoyable freeway ride.

Pros
The 2008 Cadillac XLR boasts an artistic, eye-catching design that still stands out in a crowd. Its lackluster performance and interior craftsmanship, however, put it at a disadvantage in the very competitive (and expensive) luxury roadster segment. Literally sharp-looking exterior design, comfortable ride quality, hardtop convenience, nearly ever luxury feature you can ask for is standard.

What's New for 2008
The high-performance 2008 Cadillac STS-V receives new high-tech safety equipment and a few interior improvements. With flashy contemporaries like the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, the 2008 Cadillac STS-V always had an uphill battle to win some celebrity among luxury-minded horsepower junkies. However, it isn't a German or even a Japanese high-performance sedan that has effectively torpedoed the STS-V. No, the shot below the water line has come from within its own family. The forthcoming CTS-V will sport 81 more horsepower, 111 more pound-feet of torque, greater agility and a much better interior at a lower price. In other words, the little brother is way cooler. Jacksons one through four can relate. Things started off well for the STS-V, as it was the most powerful car to ever don the old wreath and crest logo. With a supercharger stuffing air into the 4.4-liter Northstar V8, this high-performance Caddy pumps out 469 hp and can go from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Although not quite as prodigious as the BMW M5 or Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, the STS-V is still a mean machine that can also soak up miles upon miles of freeway cruising in luxurious comfort. For American muscle car lovers with a healthy bank account, the STS-V presents a tremendous combination of performance and luxury. Of course, its German competitors are more refined and technologically advanced, but they also cost at least $6,000 more. On the luxury front, the 2008 STS-V comes standard with all the regular STS's options, including this year's new lane-departure and blind-spot warning systems. The interior has also been given a light polish, with a much nicer steering wheel and a sportier combination of wood and aluminum accents. In total, this large sedan is very nice, but like its performance credentials, it will be greatly outdone by the future CTS-V. Little brother sports a more eye-catching design, better materials and newer electronic gizmos. Plus, it's actually the same size as the M5 and E63 -- the STS-V is the big-boned member of the family. Given that size, the 2008 Cadillac STS-V will certainly have some appeal to those who need the maximum amount of space available in a high-performance luxury sedan. We're not sure how many people actually do, though, so seemingly, the STS-V's only other advantage over its little brother is that you can actually get one. The CTS-V won't be available until later in 2008 and even then, it may be hard to come by initially. It should be worth the wait, but the STS-V certainly won't disappoint if you absolutely have to have a super Caddy this very second.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2008 Cadillac STS-V is a large high-performance sedan available in one fully loaded trim level. Standard equipment includes 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels, HID xenon headlamps, rear parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, a sunroof, keyless entry/ignition, leather and faux suede upholstery, heated eight-way power front seats, driver memory functions, heated outboard rear seats and a heated steering wheel. Dual-zone automatic climate control, a head-up display, a navigation system, Bluetooth and a 15-speaker Bose surround-sound system with six-CD changer, auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio are also standard. The only option is deleting the sunroof.

Powertrains and Performance
Thundering under the STS-V's hood is a supercharged 4.4-liter V8 making 469 hp and 439 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic with automanual control. In performance testing, the STS-V went from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 13.6 seconds.

Safety
Antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, front-seat side airbags, full-length head curtain airbags, OnStar and a rearview camera are all standard on the 2008 Cadillac STS-V. New for 2008 and also standard are blind-spot and lane-departure warning systems. In government crash tests, the STS scored four out of five stars for frontal crash protection and front seat side impact protection. It got five stars for rear side impact protection. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal-offset crash testing, the regular STS scored a rating of "Good," the highest possible. It scored a second-best rating of "Acceptable" for that agency's side impact protection.

Interior Design and Special Features
Cadillac snazzed up the STS's interior significantly for 2008 with higher-quality wood and the addition of tasteful aluminum trim. Also, a sporty new steering wheel looks and feels better than the previous one. The good fit and finish remains and luxury buyers should be pleased with this Cadillac's generally high-class ambience. There are some demerits, though, mostly having to do with some low-grade plastic trim pieces that put the STS at a disadvantage against the top European and Japanese luxury sedans -- the all-new Cadillac CTS is much better in this regard and in terms of overall design. Controls are straightforward and easy to use, with the exception of the confounding memory-setting procedure for the driver seat, mirrors, radio and climate controls. Unlike traditional systems, which place buttons on the door or driver seat, you must dive deep into the navigation touchscreen to set memory functions. It's frustrating and unnecessarily complicated, but at least it's something done only occasionally.

Driving Impressions
As you might expect, overtaking slow-moving cars or trucks requires little forethought in the 2008 Cadillac STS-V. Just dip the throttle and go. Mash the pedal and the STS-V jets forward on a huge wave of supercharged torque, but the six-speed automatic has a tendency to move slowly through gearchanges. The sport-tuned suspension, powerful Brembo brakes and larger wheels and tires all do their part to make this a very complete, well-balanced package. The car's rather large size ultimately limits its ability to hustle throThe 2008 Cadillac STS-V stakes out a strong claim on turf normally dominated by ace German sport sedans, but will be greatly outdone by a rambunctious future sibling.

Pros
Strong supercharged V8 power, nimble handling for such a large car, loaded with every option available on the standard STS, cheaper than German rivals. ugh corners, but it generally handles like a much smaller car. Compared to the M5, the STS-V is softly sprung for American tastes, but body roll is well controlled, and the big Caddy never feels floppy or sloppy.

What's New for 2008
A new three-spoke steering wheel is the only noteworthy change made for the 2008 Cadillac SRX. Like FCC indecency laws, the term "crossover" is so vague that it can be interpreted in many different ways. Lately, it has been thrown on just about anything by marketing folks to improve the perception of uncool vehicles like minivans and station wagons. But if the definition of crossover was ever clarified, we hope it would start taking the shape of something like the 2008 Cadillac SRX, an SUV-styled wagon that's derived from and closely emulates the driving experience of a sport sedan. Despite its ability to seat seven or consume 70 cubic feet of cargo, the SRX is actually fun to drive, behaving more like the previous-generation CTS sedan it's based on rather than some sort of shrunken Escalade. After last year's interior overhaul, the 2008 SRX now has a quality cabin befitting the Cadillac name and the luxury segment it inhabits. The dash design is attractive and decidedly upscale, with controls that are mostly logical and fall easily to hand. Although the driver seat is comfortable with a good range of motion, the tilt-only steering wheel has only six widely spaced "steps" to it, making finding a "just right" position difficult. The brake and accelerator pedals are also too offset in height, requiring an uncomfortable amount of leg and ankle movement when moving between them. These are two factors that unfortunately take away from the SRX's otherwise excellent driving experience.A rear-wheel-drive SRX V6 has been in our long-term test fleet, and throughout its stay, the Caddy has remained a sought-after commodity with its great mixture of athleticism, luxury and utility that is hard to beat. While we wait for the SRX to be graced by the more powerful and efficient V6 found in the 2008 CTS and STS, the Caddy crossover manages to make do with a 255-horspower V6 and 320-hp V8. This choice of engines keeps the SRX on par with other sporty midsize SUVs like the BMW X5 and Infiniti FX series, as well as less sporting choices like the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class and Volvo XC90. The V6-only Acura MDX is also very worthy of consideration, but against any of these crossovers, the 2008 Cadillac SRX makes a compelling case for itself.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2008 Cadillac SRX is a midsize luxury crossover SUV offered in two trim levels. Those trims are defined by what's under the hood: V6 or V8. The V6 includes 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seating, a power driver seat, a Bose audio system with CD player and satellite radio, OnStar, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, full power accessories and rear park assist. Step up to the V8 and in addition to the bigger engine you'll get 18-inch alloys, xenon headlamps, heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, driver memory presets, real wood accents, a power front passenger seat and a six-disc CD changer. Most of the V8's features are optional on the V6. Major options for both models include a Magnetic Ride Control suspension, a third-row seat, a separate rear air-conditioning system, an extra-large "UltraView" sunroof, a heated steering wheel, a DVD rear entertainment system, surround-sound audio and a navigation system. A Sport Package adds larger 18- or 20-inch wheels, unique fascias and a limited-slip differential.

Powertrains and Performance
SRX shoppers have the choice of two engines. The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 255 hp and 254 pound-feet of torque; it's coupled to a five-speed automatic. Those who step up to the 4.6-liter V8 will find 320 horses and 315 lb-ft lurking under the hood with a six-speed auto. Both transmissions come with a sport mode and automanual control. The SRX is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. In performance testing of the V6 we achieved a 0-60 time of 8.2 seconds, while the V8 is about a second quicker. Fuel economy for the rear-drive 2008 SRX V6 is 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway; V8 models are a couple mpg less. Both are middling ratings for this segment.

Safety
Antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control and a full complement of airbags (including front-seat side as well as side curtain for the first two rows) are all standard. In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests, the 2008 Cadillac SRX scored four out of five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts. Side-impact tests resulted in a perfect five-star rating for front and rear passengers. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal-offset crash tests, the Caddy scored "Good," the highest rating possible. .

Interior Design and Special Features
After being dramatically redesigned last year, the SRX's handsome cabin adds the same sporty, higher-quality three-spoke steering wheel found in the new 2008 CTS. Tasteful wood and alloy trim, supple leather upholstery and classy touches like an analog clock live up to the Cadillac name, although there are a few plastic bits here and there that are reminiscent of the low-budget quality of GM's recent past. Like most midsize SUVs that offer three rows of seats, accommodations of the power-folding rearmost bench are tight. Second-row occupants will be happier, though, with plenty of sprawl room. Adding to the airy feel is the huge optional UltraView sunroof that provides an uninterrupted view of the heavens. With the third row folded (or not selected), there are 32 cubic feet of cargo space, while a maximum of 70 cubes is available when both rear rows are dropped.

Driving Impressions
For those expecting Cadillac's midsize SUV to evoke the sort of sloppy handling and floaty ride that was once expected from the brand, they're in for a pleasant surprise. Especially with the optional Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension, the SRX's handling is outstanding, as the body feels tight and responsive around turns, giving it a tossable feel on par with Infiniti's smaller FX crossover. At the same time, the highway ride is smooth and comfortable, just the way most crossover SUV buyers want. The response and feel of both the steering and brakes are impressive as well. A very well-rounded package, the 2008 Cadillac SRX is a top choice for those wanting a bit of extra on-road excitement from their SUV. With its sporty handling, smooth ride and roomy, luxurious cabin, the 2008 Cadillac SRX is one of our top choices for a midsize luxury crossover SUV.

Pros
Excellent ride and handling dynamics, strong V6 and V8 engines, roomy and comfortable interior, optional third-row seat.

What's New for 2008
Stability control is now standard on the base model, another Luxury trim level debuts and a handful of exterior and interior color schemes are juggled. Otherwise, the 2008 Cadillac DTS sees no notable changes. A favorite of traditional American luxury car buyers for more than a half-century, the Cadillac DeVille has enjoyed a storied, if sometimes checkered past. During its glory days of the 1950s, '60s and '70s, this Caddy was admired for its flashy styling, plush interior, powerful V8 performance, array of latest automotive gadgets and fine build quality. The dark era of the '80s brought embarrassment to the iconic nameplate when it was powered by a string of weak, unreliable engines and received a rather embarrassing downsizing. More recent times have seen a return of sorts to the old standards of power, classy styling, quality and comfort. In an effort to bring the DeVille in line with current Caddy offerings, a refresh a few years ago gave this large sedan a new name: DTS (DeVille Touring Sedan) along with Cadillac's new face, meaning the stacked headlights and pointed egg-crate grille similar to those seen on the STS and SRX models. The 2008 Cadillac DTS stays the course as it continues to offer old-school American luxury for folks more interested in a hushed, relaxing ride than in attacking apexes. This is not to say the DTS is a rolling anachronism, as it offers a fair level of sophistication under its stately sheet metal. The standard V8 engine delivers decent oomph while the Magnetic Ride automatically adjusting suspension (on the Performance trim) provides that trademark Caddy ride along with respectable handling. Those shopping the large luxury sedan segment will note that the DTS lags behind luxury stalwarts such as the Lexus LS and Mercedes S-Class in terms of interior materials quality, handling dynamics and level of prestige. But those cars are anywhere from $12,000 to $35,000 more than the Caddy. Measured against cars more in its price range such as the Lincoln Town Car and Chrysler 300C, the DTS makes a much stronger showing, beating the Lincoln in performance and topping the Chrysler in cabin luxury and interior volume. For those buyers desiring a car that represents an updated version of the traditional American luxury sedan, the 2008 Cadillac DTS is the best choice available.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2008 Cadillac DTS is a large, front-wheel-drive luxury sedan that is offered in five trim levels: base, Luxury I, Luxury II, Luxury III and Performance. The base is nicely equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seating, OnStar, bi-xenon headlamps, power front bucket seats, remote vehicle start, a CD/MP3 player and satellite radio. Luxury I features a 40/20/40-split front seat that's heated and cooled and allows for six-passenger seating. It also comes with heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel and park assist. Luxury II features bucket front seats and triple-zone climate control. Luxury III adds chrome wheels, power-folding mirrors, a power rear sunshade, Bose audio with six-CD changer, power lumbar support for all outboard seats, massaging front seats, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, driver seat memory, rear vanity mirrors and auto-dimming headlights. The Performance version is equipped similar to the Luxury III but features a more powerful V8, specifically calibrated transmission programming, 18-inch wheels, side blind-spot alert and a firmer suspension with Magnetic Ride Control. Notable options available for the DTS (depending on the trim level) include adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, the side blind-spot alert, a sunroof and a navigation system.

Powertrains and Performance
Two 4.6-liter V8 engines are employed in the DTS lineup. All trims except the Performance have 275 horsepower, while the enhanced V8 in the DTS Performance makes 292 hp. Either way, the lone transmission is a four-speed automatic, which is calibrated for quicker response in the Performance model. On-road acceleration is adequate as we've timed a DTS Performance to 60 mph in 7 seconds flat.

Safety
Stability control is standard across the board, as are antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In crash testing, the 2008 Cadillac DTS did well for a large luxury sedan. In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration frontal crash tests, the DTS scored five stars (out of five) for the driver and four stars for the passenger. In that agency's side-impact test, the DTS scored four stars for front and rear passengers. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal-offset testing, the DTS rated a "Good" (the highest of four), while side-impact testing yielded an "Acceptable" rating (the second-highest score).

Interior Design and Special Features
The DTS is one of the few cars left that offers six-passenger capacity via a front (split) bench seat that is available on the two lower trims. The luxury of space is plainly evident, as passengers are treated to soft yet supportive seats that offer as much legroom in back as they do in front. At nearly 19 cubic feet, the trunk has no problem accepting large suitcases or a foursome's golf bags. Overall, the cabin is handsome and most controls are simple to use -- no small feat given the large number of high-tech features. Although generally good, the interior materials are not up to the high standards set by European or Japanese luxury marques.

Driving Impressions
Considering its large size and softly tuned suspension, the 2008 Cadillac DTS carries itself fairly well. There's plenty of power on hand for quick passes and effortless high-speed cruising, while the suspension manages to offer a compliant ride and solid handling, provided you're going at a relaxed pace. Road and wind noise are barely noticeable, and the sheer volume of room in the cabin makes the DTS a fantastic long-distance highway cruiser. The 2008 Cadillac DTS is the best choice available for those wanting a traditional large America luxury sedan.

Pros
Roomy and comfortable interior, soft and serene ride, user-friendly navigation system.

What's New for 2008
The 2008 Cadillac CTS luxury sport sedan has received a full redesign this year. Highlights include more muscular styling, a much improved interior, more power and available all-wheel drive. When Cadillac's original CTS luxury sport sedan debuted in 2003 with bold "art and science" styling and sporty chassis tuning, it heralded a new direction for America's traditional luxury brand leader. Although well-rounded and an acceptable performer, the CTS never fully lived up to its promise of matching the top import nameplates in this class. Its larger dimensions and tallish profile gave it more room for passengers than most rivals from Europe and Japan, but that also led to a less sporting personality than performance leaders like the BMW 3 Series. Additionally, the CTS's plasticky and unrefined cabin furnishings fell far short of the level of luxury and quality exhibited by class standouts like the Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series. With the debut of the extensively reworked 2008 Cadillac CTS, virtually all of the first generation's faults have been addressed. Although its predecessor was certainly edgy, it lacked the elegance and lavish attention to detail inside and out that the new CTS exhibits. It starts off with freshened exterior styling that seems less "scientific" and more "artistic." Overall body dimensions are similar to the original CTS, but there are an additional 2 inches of track width to give the sedan a more powerful stance. This impression of substance is highlighted by aggressively styled fender flares and a new grille that takes cues from the Cadillac Sixteen concept car. Inside, the entry-level Cadillac's cabin is constructed of higher-quality materials. Buyers have a choice of attractive carbon-fiber or real wood accents, and these frame an aluminum-trimmed center stack and console. Bright metallic accents also stylishly adorn the gauges, primary controls and dash vents. It's a classy look that avoids looking busy and overdone. Backseat passengers enjoy more than an inch of additional rear legroom, thanks to slimmer front seats. If the passengers in the 2008 Cadillac CTS are happier, the driver will border on giddy, owing to the extensively retuned suspension and new powertrains. Cadillac chassis engineers spent a great deal of development time on Germany's famed Nürburgring road course, and it shows on even the well-controlled standard setup. Two additional sport suspension choices further dial up the fun. While the base 258-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 is carryover, Cadillac also offers a high-output version of that engine for the new CTS. The same V6 as on the '08 STS, this engine features direct fuel injection technology and makes a very competitive 304 hp. Both CTS engines are available with a six-speed manual transmission or a new six-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is also a new option with the base engine this year as well. Cadillac has raised the price for its new 2008 CTS, but the redesign is a good one and we expect the new model to be a winner for Cadillac. While it might not qualify for "Standard of the World" status just yet, the Cadillac CTS has evolved into a much more capable car all the way around and can now more than hold its own against entry-level luxury sport sedan rivals from Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz in terms of both luxury appeal and driving prowess. Before you decide on any of these competitors, this heavily reworked sport sedan from America is worth a test-drive.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2008 Cadillac CTS is a midsize luxury sport sedan. There are two base trim levels correlating to the engine fitted but actual equipment is pretty much identical. Every CTS comes standard with 17-inch wheels, leatherette seating, an eight-way power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control and a CD/MP3 player with an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio. Naturally, a variety of options are available either stand-alone or grouped in packages. The basic Seating Package adds leather trim and upgraded power/heated front seats. The Luxury Level One/Two packages build on this with items like a six-CD changer, rain-sensing wipers, heated/ventilated seats, power adjustment for the tilt/telescoping steering wheel, rear park assist and keyless ignition. The Premium Luxury Collection Package includes the previous options plus a 40GB hard drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic, a premium Bose surround-sound audio system, a large sunroof, additional wood trim and LED interior lighting. Enthusiasts will want to check off one of two performance-oriented packages: The FE2 sport suspension package (available with either engine) includes 18-inch wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, performance cooling and adaptive xenon headlights; the FE3 high-performance suspension package (available with the direct-injection V6 only) includes an even higher state of tune with similar equipment, high-performance tires and more powerful brakes.

Powertrains and Performance
The 2008 Cadillac CTS is available with one of two V6 engines. Standard power comes from last year's optional 3.6-liter V6 generating 258 hp and 252 pound-feet of torque, while the available new 3.6-liter direct injection (DI) V6 puts out 304 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. In performance testing, this engine produced a 0-60-mph time of 6.5 seconds. A six-speed manual transmission is standard with the base engine, and a six-speed automatic is available. The DI engine has the automatic as standard and the manual as optional. The CTS is offered in both rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations. Note that all-wheel-drive models come only with the 258-horse V6 and six-speed automatic. Both engines get virtually the same gas mileage, with 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for the base engine and 17/26 mpg for the DI engine.

Safety
The CTS features all of the expected latest safety equipment, including antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and GM's OnStar emergency communications system.

Interior Design and Special Features
The cabin of the redesigned Cadillac CTS is substantially improved over its predecessor, and is a much more inviting place to spend time. Materials are high in quality, and the level of detailing in this car is comparable to the top import nameplates. Plus, its pleasing mix of available wood accents and tasteful alloy trim make the CTS interior one of the most elegant designs in its class. A new telescoping steering column gives the driver a bit more space, while thinner front seatbacks and a slightly stretched cabin add to the CTS's already roomy backseat.The screen of the optional navigation system retracts into the dash, but leaves the top inch visible as the touchscreen display for audio and climate systems -- a slick touch. Another is the 40GB hard drive included with the premium Bose surround sound audio system, that stores digital music and includes an iPod integration interface. With this setup, AM/FM and satellite radio can also be rewound, paused and resumed in a TiVo-like manner. There are a few quibbles, however. Rear-seat entry and exit can be a bit tricky due to a low rear roofline, and loading bulky items into the 13.6-cubic foot trunk is hampered by a very short deck.

Driving Impressions
On the road, the benefit of the additional track width is readily apparent as the 2008 Cadillac CTS is more stable and copes better with quick directional changes and weight transfer. The steering is still a bit too light for a sport sedan but it's more precise than before. Overall, the Cadillac offers an excellent ride and handling balance that will give the Europeans a run for their money. That said, the CTS is larger than its like-priced competitors, however, and with a curb weight of almost 4,000 pounds, lacks the nimbleness of cars like the 3 Series, G35 and IS 350. The new 304-hp direct-injection V6 certainly feels strong, but in acceleration this CTS isn't quite as quick as other 300-plus-hp cars in its class. The 258-hp base V6 and automatic transmission should still be very adequate for most consumers. The automatic is quick-shifting and can be manually controlled with a console-mounted shifter. The standard sport mode automatically holds onto revs longer during spirited driving and will downshift while braking. A major enhancement to the CTS lineup is its all-wheel-drive option, which makes this Cadillac a viable option even in Northern states. An American schooled abroad, the midsize 2008 Cadillac CTS finally has what it takes to compete with the leading entry-luxury sport sedans from Europe and Japan.

Pros
Roomier cabin than like-priced rivals, capable and secure handling, smart interior design, available all-wheel drive.