The 2008 Cadillac CTS 1SB is a Rear-wheel drive Sedan. It can accommodate up to 5 passengers. It has 4 Doors and is powered by a 3.6L V6 DOHC 24-valve engine which outputs 304 hp @ 6400 rpm and is paired with 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode gearbox. The 2008 Cadillac CTS 1SB has cargo capacity of 385 Liters and the vehicle weighs 1751 kg. In terms of ride assists, the 2008 Cadillac CTS 1SB has stability control and traction control in addition to anti-lock brake system (ABS). The vehicle has an optional engine as well It offers Rear park distance sensor and. Safety features also include Driver-side front airbag and Passenger-side front airbag. The front suspension is Independent front suspension while the rear suspension is Independent rear suspension. The car also features a It has 17'' painted alloy wheels as standard. Electronic features include Cruise Control. For convenience, the car has Power windows and Power door locks. There is also a remote keyless entry feature. Moreover, the car has. The steering wheel has audio control buttons. In terms of performance, the car has 332 N.m of torque and a top speed of 247 km/h. The 2008 Cadillac CTS 1SB accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and hits quarter mile at 14.6 seconds. Fuel consumption is 16.8 L/100km in the city and 8 L/100km in the highway. The car price starts at $ 41,400
| Name | 1SB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $ 41,400 | |
| Body | Sedan | |
| Doors | 4 Doors | |
| Engine | 3.6L V6 DOHC 24-valve | |
| Power | 304 hp @ 6400 rpm | |
| Number of Seats | 5 Seats | |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode | |
| Cargo Space | 385.0 L | |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 385.0 L | |
| Wheel Type | 17'' painted alloy wheels | |
| Series | CTS II | |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive | |
| Horsepower | 304 HP | |
| Torque | 332 N.m | |
| Top Speed | 247 km/h | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) | 6.5 s | |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) | |
| Fuel Consumption (City) | 16.8 L/100km | |
| Fuel Consumption (Highway) | 8.0 L/100km | |
| Gear Type | auto | |
| Weight | 1,765 KG | |
| Brand | Cadillac | |
| Model | CTS | |
| 0-400m (Quarter Mile) | 14.6 s | |
| 0-400m (Quarter Mile) - Speed | 158.1 km/h | |
| 0-800m (Half Mile) | 24.1 s | |
| 0-800m (Half Mile) - Speed | 177.9 km/h | |
| Modifications (MODS) | ||
| Modifications Cost | $ 0 |
| Used Condition | Trade In Price | Private Party Price | Dealer Retail Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding | $ 4,074 | $ 5,512 | $ 6,330 |
| Clean | $ 3,699 | $ 5,000 | $ 5,730 |
| Average | $ 2,950 | $ 3,975 | $ 4,528 |
| Rough | $ 2,200 | $ 2,951 | $ 3,327 |
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Read our Cadillac CTS Long-Term 20,000-Mile Test

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.

Our extensive 2008 CTS driving experience began on a California race track and extended through many twisty two-lanes, fast freeways, urban congestion and mixed-speed suburban sprawl, most of it in a performance-package model with the strong-performing 304-horsepower direct-injected V6. We expected the trade-off for its responsive steering, world-class road-holding and powerful braking to be an uncomfortably stiff rough-surface ride but found its suspension surprisingly supple even on the most troubled surfaces. We loved the posh, quiet cabin's cheerfully luxurious design, the multi-adjustable seats were uncommonly comfortable over the long haul and every control was easy to see, find and operate. This fine new midsize Cadillac can compete on equal terms with anything in its class.

Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound Surrealistic sound with 40-gig hard drive and iPod integration. It will download and store your CD collection and operate your iPod from the pop-up touch screen. Advanced Navigation SystemOffers real-time traffic and weather, expanded voice prompts and 3-D imaging of major landmarks. While its large center dash-top touch screen pops up fully on demand, the top portion peeks out to display key information even when stored.

The 2008 CTS debuts a dramatically different interior design theme for Cadillac, with emphasis on tasteful ornamentation and hand-crafted details. The instruments, vents and other elements are framed in chrome, the center stack blends seamlessly into the lower instrument panel and console and hand-cut, hand-sewn and hand-wrapped coverings with French stitching are used throughout. The heated and ventilated front seats use "thin-seat" technology for improved rear leg, knee and foot room. Available soft, white LED backlighting in the door-pulls, footwells and between the upper and lower instrument panels creates an effect similar to recessed lighting in contemporary homes.

The new look of the 2008 Cadillac CTS is characterized by a bold two-segment grille, chrome side air extractors and sculpted fenders emphasizing its wider tracks and more athletic chassis. Flanking the lower grille, below the vertical headlamps, are chromed wrap-around slots for additional air intakes and fog lamps. The fast-sloping roofline is nearly coupe-like in profile, the large vertical taillamps refine Cadillac's recent practice, the trunk-top center brake light doubles as an aerodynamic spoiler and an available double sunroof offers an open-sky view for both front and rear passengers.

The base 2008 CTS is powered by a 258-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 driving through a six-speed manual transmission and rolls on all-season tires on 17-inch aluminum wheels. Inside its cabin are dual-zone climate controls, an eight-way power driver's seat, a Driver Information Center, a rear-seat/trunk pass-through and an eight-speaker AM/FM/CD Bose audio system with XM Satellite Radio and MP3 capability. Standard safety and security equipment includes advanced front, side and side-curtain airbags, Stabilitrak stability and traction control, daytime running lamps, Twilight Sentinel auto lamps, programmable power door locks, a theft-deterrent system and one year of OnStar security and convenience service with turn-by-turn navigation.
The available "Luxury Collection" package includes upgraded seats, sound system and additional luxury features. The "Performance Collection" adds 18-inch wheels and tires, FE2 Sport Suspension and High-Intensity Discharge headlamps with adaptive forward lighting, while the "Premium Collection" offers wood trim, a 10-speaker Bose 5.1 premium audio with a 40-gig hard drive and radio rewind and pause, iPod integration, GPS navigation and EasyKey keyless entry and ignition. Major stand-alone options include the 304-horsepower direct-injection V6, six-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, Ultraview roof, Bose premium audio (with or without navigation), the FE2 Sport Suspension and FE3 Performance Suspension on high-performance "summer" tires.
The 2008 CTS offers two levels of 24-valve, double-overhead-cam, variable-valve-timing 3.6-liter V6 power, and the up-level version boasts power- and efficiency-enhancing direct fuel injection. Standard transmission is a six-speed manual, while a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are optional.3.6-liter V6263 horsepower @ 6200 rpm253 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3100 rpmEPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 (automatic), 16/25 (manual)3.6-liter V6 (direct fuel injection)304 horsepower @ 6400 rpm273 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5200 rpmEPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/26 (automatic), 16/25 (manual)
Cadillac's midsize 2008 CTS is a legitimate BMW 5 Series competitor at 3 Series prices. With a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $ 33,000, it's roughly $ 2,000 above the 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class and $ 1,000 below the front-wheel-drive Lexus ES350. All three of those "entry luxury" sedan competitors are EPA-rated as "compact," and the two German entries start with much less-powerful 3.0-liter six-cylinder engines compared to the base 3.6-liter V6 of the CTS. On the resale side, the CTS should retain somewhat more of its value five years down the road compared to the Mercedes but substantially less than the BMW or Lexus. Direct-injected V6 models start roughly $ 2,300 higher, the top-of-the-line "Premium Luxury Collection" package adds over $ 8,000 and the 18-inch performance tire, wheel and sport suspension package goes for almost $ 2,000.
| Engine | Standard in Trim | Power | Torque | Fuel Consumption - City | Fuel Consumption - Highway | 0-100 km/h | Quarter Mile | Half Mile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.2L V8 Supercharged OHV 32-valve | Base | 556 hp @ 6100 rpm | 332 N.m | 17.5 L/100km | 11.0 L/100km | 4.1 s | 11.9 s | 19.7 s |
| 6.2L V8 supercharged DOHC 32-valve | Base | 556 hp @ 6100 rpm | 332 N.m | 17.5 L/100km | 11.0 L/100km | 4.1 s | 11.9 s | 19.7 s |
| 3.6L V6 DOHC 24-valve | SFI | 263 hp @ 6400 rpm | 332 N.m | 11.7 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km | 7.0 s | 13.6 s | 25.3 s |
| 3.6L V6 DOHC 24-valve | SIDI | 304 hp @ 6400 rpm | 332 N.m | 12.2 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km | 6.5 s | 14.6 s | 24.1 s |
| 3.6L V6 DOHC 24-valve | 4 SFI | 263 hp @ 6400 rpm | 332 N.m | 12.3 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km | 7.0 s | 13.6 s | 25.3 s |
| 3.6L V6 DOHC 24-valve | 4 SIDI | 304 hp @ 6400 rpm | 332 N.m | 12.5 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km | 6.3 s | 12.9 s | 24.1 s |
| 3.6L V6 DOHC 24-valve | 4 1SA | 263 hp @ 6200 rpm | 332 N.m | 16.8 L/100km | 8.0 L/100km | 7.0 s | 13.6 s | 25.3 s |
| 3.6L V6 DOHC 24-valve | 4 1SB | 304 hp @ 6400 rpm | 332 N.m | 16.8 L/100km | 8.0 L/100km | 6.3 s | 12.9 s | 24.1 s |
| AM/FM stereo radio | AM/FM stereo radio with auxiliary audio jack |
|---|---|
| Air Conditionning | Dual-zone auto climate control |
| Cargo Net | Cargo convenience net |
| Communication System | OnStar communication system with 1-year service |
| Courtesy Dome Light | Courtesy light with theater dimming |
| Cruise Control | Yes |
| DVD Audio Capability (Option) | CD/DVD-Audio/DVD-VideoMP3 player |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | Driver-side illuminated vanity mirror |
| Engine Block Heater (Option) | Yes |
| Front Wipers | Variable intermittent windshield wipers |
| Front Wipers (Option) | Rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers |
| Fuel Door Operation | Remote fuel door release |
| Garage Door Opener (Option) | Universal garage door opener |
| Heated Washer Nozzle | Heated windshield washer fluid |
| Illuminated Entry | Illuminated entry with fade in/out feature |
| Illuminated Entry (Option) | Interior accent lighting |
| Intelligent Key System (Option) | EZ Key intelligent key system |
| Multi-CD Changer (Option) | Deletes 6-CD/MP3 changer when Sight and Sound Package is ordered |
| Navigation System (Option) | Yes |
| Number of Speakers | 8 Bose speakers |
| Number of Speakers (Option) | 10 Bose speakers |
| Passenger Vanity Mirror | Passenger-side illuminated vanity mirror |
| Power Door Locks | Yes |
| Power Outlet | 12-volt power outlet |
| Power Windows | Power windows with front auto up/down feature |
| Premium Sound System (Option) | Bose 5.1 cabin surround sound system with RDS, USB and auxiliary audio jacks |
| Reading Light | Front and second row reading lamps |
| Rear View Mirror | Autodimming day/night rear view mirror |
| Remote Audio Controls | Audio controls on steering wheel |
| Remote Audio Controls (Option) | Audio controls on steering wheel |
| Remote Keyless Entry | Yes |
| Remote Starter (Option) | Remote starter (only available with automatic transmission) |
| Single CD | CD player |
| Special Feature | XM satellite radio with 3-month trial |
| Special Feature (Option) | 40Gb hard drive |
| Steering Wheel Adjustment | Tilt and telescopic steering wheel |
| Steering Wheel Adjustment (Option) | Power tilt and telescopic steering wheel with memory |
| Trunk/Hatch Operation | Remote trunk release from inside and key module |
| Cargo Capacity | 385 L |
|---|---|
| Curb Weight | 1751 kg |
| Front Headroom | 986 mm |
| Front Legroom | 1077 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L |
| Height | 1472 mm |
| Length | 4866 mm |
| Rear Headroom | 944 mm |
| Rear Legroom | 913 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2880 mm |
| Width | 1841 mm |
| Exterior Folding Mirrors | Folding outside mirrors |
|---|---|
| Exterior Mirror Colour | Body-color outside mirrors |
| Front Fog Lights (Option) | Fog lights |
| Headlight Type | Halogen headlamps |
| Headlight Type (Option) | Xenon headlights |
| Headlights Adaptive Headlights (Option) | Adaptive headlights |
| Headlights Auto Off | Auto-off headlamps |
| Headlights Headlight Washers (Option) | Headlight washers |
| Headlights Sensor With Auto On | Automatic headlights |
| Heated Exterior Mirrors | Heated outside mirrors |
| Power Exterior Mirrors | Power outside mirrors |
| Sunroof (Option) | Power glass sunroof |
| Tinted Glass | Solar Ray tinted glass |
| Clock | Digital clock |
|---|---|
| Driver Info Center | Driver information center |
| Floor Console | Yes |
| Floor Covering | Floor mats |
| Floor Mats | Front and rear floor mats |
| Folding Rear Seats (Option) | Split folding rear bench seat |
| Front Seats Climate (Option) | Climate front seats |
| Front Seats Driver Lombar | Driver's seat lumbar support |
| Front Seats Driver Power Seats | 8-way power driver's seat |
| Front Seats Driver Seat Memory | Driver seat, exterior mirrors and Radio position memory |
| Front Seats Front Seat Back Storage | Front seatback storage |
| Front Seats Heated | Heated front seats |
| Front Seats Passenger Lombar | Front passenger-side lumbar support |
| Front Seats Passenger Power Seats | 2-way power front passenger seat |
| Luxury Dashboard Trim (Option) | Sapelle pommele wood interior trim |
| Number of Cup Holders | 4 cupholders |
| Oil Pressure Gauge | Yes |
| Overhead Console | Yes |
| Seat Trim | Leather seats |
| Shifter Knob Trim | Leather-wrapped steering wheel |
| Steering Wheel Trim | Leather-wrapped steering wheel |
| Tachometer | Yes |
| Drive Train | Rear-wheel drive |
|---|---|
| Engine Name | 3.6L V6 DOHC 24-valve |
| Stability Control | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual transmission |
| Transmission (Option) | 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode |
| Body | Sedan |
|---|---|
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine | 3.6L V6 DOHC 24-valve |
| Fuel Consumption | |
| Power | 304 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Seats | 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode |
| Warranties | Bumper-to-Bumper80000/km, 48/Months Emissions130000/km, 96/Months Powertrain160000/km, 60/Months Roadside Assistance160000/km, 60/Months Rust-throughUnlimited/km, 72/Months |
| Anti-Lock Brakes | Anti-lock brakes |
|---|---|
| Anti-Theft Alarm | Theft-deterrent alarm system |
| Brake Assist | Brake assist |
| Brake Type | 4-wheel disc |
| Child Seat Anchor | LATCH child seat anchors |
| Child-proof Locks | Child security rear door locks |
| Driver Airbag | Driver-side front airbag |
| Front Seat Belts | Height adjustable, pre-tensioner |
| Ignition Disable | Engine immobilizer |
| Panic Alarm | Panic alarm |
| Parking Distance Sensor | Rear park distance sensor |
| Passenger Airbag | Passenger-side front airbag |
| Roof Side Curtain | Side-curtain airbags |
| Front Suspension | Independent front suspension |
|---|---|
| Front Tires | P235/55R17 |
| Front Tires (Option) | P235/55R18 |
| Power Steering | Power rack-and-pinion steering |
| Power Steering (Option) | Speed-sensitive variable-assist power steering |
| Rear Suspension | Independent rear suspension |
| Spare Tire | Tire pressure monitor |
| Suspension Category (Option) | FE2 sport suspension |
| Suspension Self-Levelling (Option) | Rear load-levelling suspension |
| Wheel Type | 17'' painted alloy wheels |
| Wheel Type (Option) | Deletes 17'' machined alloy wheels when Sight and Sound Package is ordered |
2008 Cadillac CTS Review by U.S. News Best Cars Staff | February 20, 2009 Note: This review was created when the 2008 Cadillac CTS was new. The CTS delivers good performance, handsome styling and a luxurious interior, but its manual transmission suffers from stiffness and long throws, its front seats could provide better side bolstering and its fuel consumption is not ideal for the class.
Currently, the cheapest Cadillac is the best one you can buy. The all-new 2008 Cadillac CTS, at the bottom of the Cadillac lineup, builds in great performance and superior cabin tech.
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