2005 Cadillac STS Review

Specifications

Is it Good Enough to Convert the World to Cadillac?

The previous two generations of Cadillac Seville went a long way to change consumer perceptions about GMs premium division.

For the most part the brands old image is associated with stodgy land-yachts often used in the limousine trade. These were hardly driver-oriented cars, with most buyers choosing to ride in the back. An old joke poked fun at the brand saying, everyone eventually gets to ride in a Cadillac except sometimes the opportunity comes too late to fully enjoy it.

That statement is still true, however, with Cadillac continuing to be the most prolific supplier of rolling chassis for hearse builders in North America. But unless youre following a funeral procession, literally or figuratively, the crested wreath brand has probably moved up higher on your shopping list in recent years than anytime in the past. Cadillacs Escalade SUV (in its various incantations), CTS sedan, XLR hardtop roadster and SRX crossover sport utility have redefined the brand, with only the full-size DeVille (the model used for limo and hearse builders) and midsize Seville needing to be remolded into the luxury marques new art & science approach to design.

Those waiting for a new Seville had better hold their collective breath, as the name is gone for 2005. The new car takes on the designation currently added to the Sevilles sportiest model, STS, to bring it into line with Cadillacs current alpha naming strategy.

But more than just name alignment, the STS gets Cadillacs new edgy design language, albeit a much more mature execution, as witnessed at its introduction during the New York International Auto Show in Manhattans Jacob Javits convention center. After its introduction, on the same stage as Saabs controversial new 9-7 sport utility by the way, I took the opportunity to poke around inside. Very nice Cadillac! After disappointing interior executions in both the CTS and new SRX, it looks as if GM is set to pull off a true premium quality cabin. The leather in the prototype felt rich and supple, the wood is beautifully finished and authentic aluminum trim… well, authentic.

Sitting in the drivers seat, theres plenty of room for larger individuals - a Cadillac prerequisite. Within the nicely detailed center stack nothing less than an 8-inch touch-screen LCD display, for articulating the audio/visual system, MP3 player, and optional navigation. The heated and air conditioned front seats feature massage action, if ordered, for ultimate comfort. Adding to the mix is the expected dual automatic climate control as well as the addition of a heated steering wheel. With GM being one of the forerunners of head up display (HUD) in cars, the new STS features the technology which projects some primary and often used ancillary readouts on the lower half of the windshield to maximize safety. Lastly, Cadillac will fit the STS with a keyless operation system simply dubbed Keyless Access - an option becoming commonplace among its competitors.

Other technological features will include Driver Shift Control, StabiliTrak Stability Enhancement System, a standard Bose audio system with CD player, Adaptive Remote Start, and Panic Brake Assist.

Also, expect the option of memory personalization, an upgraded Bose 5.1 Studio Surround System with 15 speakers, GMs innovative Magnetic Ride Control suspension system, Adaptive Cruise Control with four-color reconfigureable head-up display, XM Satellite radio, heated and ventilated seats, 18-inch polished alloy wheels, and DVD Navigation.

My enthusiasm for the STS is a sure sign that it made an impact on me, at least during the few minutes I was able to sit in the drivers seat at the NYIAS. If Cadillac can pull off the production STS as well as it has this prototype, it will go a long way to impressing picky European buyers. Say what? Its true, General Motors has long planned to sell its distinctively American luxury cars and SUVs to those across the Atlantic, and the STS will be an important entry into Cadillacs very full lineup.

“Our long-term goal for Cadillac is to become the Standard of the World once again,” said Mark LaNeve, general manager for Cadillac. “In order to succeed globally, we have to build vehicles that have outstanding performance, exceptional quality and reliability, and meet the demands of the most discerning car buyers. “The STS represents the latest step in that direction.”

Being that the STS targets a slightly older buyer than the smaller CTS, its design is a tad on the conservative side. The headlamps are still vertically stacked, to tie it in with the new family face, featuring a dual-beam xenon technology which allows the lights to “bend” around curves for safeties sake. There will be no mistaking the updated models chrome grille, being a modernized version of the substantially sized dual-slat design. Similarities can be seen from side-view and when looking from behind as well, but comparatively it is a distinctive design.

Under the skin, however, there isnt a great deal that differentiates the two. Each model rides on GMs proven Sigma chassis architecture, a rigid performance-oriented design. Obviously Cadillac has lengthened and widened it somewhat, with the STS measuring 196.1 inches long, 72.83 inches wide, and 57.48 inches tall.

I always found it a bit of a miracle that the outgoing Seville STS drives as well as it does, being that it is front-wheel drive and powered by a high-output V8. Such engineering marvels are no longer necessary as the STS will feature rear-wheel and optional all-wheel drive. Base power will be provided by a 3.6-liter V6, the first time a 6-cylinder engine has been used in Cadillacs midsize car since the unpopular downsized 1986 through 1991 iteration was replaced. The new engine is a sophisticated piece of hardware, producing 255 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. With an estimated sub-seven second 0 to 60 mph sprint few will find it necessary to upgrade to the Northstar 4.6-liter V8 - that is if they arent persuaded to drive it as well. The 32-valve, DOHC engine develops 320 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, good enough to drop a full second off of the base cars acceleration time. Both cars feature a 5-speed ZF automatic with standard manual-mode.

It does sound like Cadillac has done everything right with the new STS, but its up against some pretty stiff competition. Not only do the European and Asian luxury marques offer similar drive layouts, performance and features, but now Chrysler is offering its new Mercedes-Benz E Class derived 300C with the same level of high-grade interior quality, premium level drivetrain sophistication, greater presence and way more power, for way less money. Sure, Cadillac people arent about to consider walking over to the Chrysler lot to trade in their Sevilles for 300Cs, but the STS does face a threat from that same situation happening with those buyers it hopes to pull away from its rivals - conquest buyers that include those who currently own Chryslers.

What Cadillac has over Chrysler, and just about every other nameplate sold in North America, is a second place ranking in the latest 2004 J.D. Powers and Associates revered Initial Quality Study (IQS), just behind Lexus and one place in front of Jaguar, but well ahead of Audi, BMW, Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz. Its 93 problems per 100 vehicles rating (PP100) is only 6 points behind Lexus, one of only 4 out of 37 nameplates to break 100 - impressive to say the least. While no Vehicle Dependability Study has been completed for 2004 as of this writing, Cadillac took 7th place last year as the top domestic brand, beating out Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Lincoln, and Mercedes-Benz once again.

“We feel very comfortable calling this a finely crafted car, but we also realize thats the price of entry into this category,” said Jim Taylor, GM vehicle line executive, prestige vehicles. “The STS has simply been engineered to more than hold its own when matched against some of the best prestige luxury sedans in the world.”

According to Cadillac, the new STS will be on sale by years end as a 2005 model, priced at $40,995 for the V6-powered base model and $47,495 for a well equipped V8.

Like the 1992 Seville caused us locals to rethink Cadillac, the new STS just might have what it takes to convert the world. Only time will tell.