Background: In the 2005 model year, Cadillac, one of General Motors’ more productive divisions of late, debuts the STS, a mid-size luxury sedan replacing the long-running Seville. Actually, the STS name has been around for a few years as a top trim level in the Seville lineup.
Cadillac is in the midst of a positive sales turnaround parent company GM would like to see implemented with the entire corporate lineup. In the 2003 model year, Cadillac debuted the entry-luxury CTS sedan, giving notice to the driving public of Cadillac’s new mission. The CTS (with a $30,695 starting price) included sharp-edge styling and upgraded powertrain, making it a worthy opponent to established vehicles in the segment including the Lexus ES330, BMW 3-Series and Lincoln LS. Soon after, the SRX sport utility, based on the CTS architecture, was introduced. Cadillac’s success with its new entry-luxury sedan and sport ute gave rise to the next logical progression, a larger luxury-performance sedan, the STS.
Other recent Cadillac debuts include large, fuel-inefficient Escalade sport utility. It arrived in the 2002 model year and found several niche audiences. Early in the 2003 calendar year, the 2004 XLR two-door roadster came on line and this fall, Cadillac debuts the front-wheel-drive full-size DTS, a vehicle making its world introduction at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show this past February. The DTS replaces the DeVille in Cadillac’s marketing scheme. Cadillac seems intent on identifying newly introduced models with alpha-initials (XLR, STS) rather than more traditional (and easier to remember) names such as Seville and DeVille.
The STS borrows some styling cues from CTS, but offers both an eight-cylinder and six-cylinder powertrain where CTS is a six-banger exclusively. The STS is also the first Cadillac sedan available with all-wheel drive, a handy feature here in the snow belt. All-wheel drive is available only in the eight-cylinder model. Both CTS and STS are built in Lansing, Mich. Cadillac expects to sell 30,000 STS units in 2005.
Competitors to STS sedan include the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Jaguar S-Type and Lexus GS 430.
Engines: Two STS powertrains are currently available: a 3.6-liter V-6 with variable valve timing delivering 255 horses. This is one of two powertrains available in the smaller CTS. The more potent of the two STS engines is the 4.6-liter Northstar V-8 delivering 320 horses. The Northstar engine recommends premium 91 octane fuel where the V-6 runs with regular 87 octane. Both fuel tanks hold 17.5 gallons of fuel. Both engines are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission which is designed for manual shifting without the use of a foot clutch if the driver desires.
Fuel economy for a rear-wheel-drive Northstar V-8 is 17 miles per gallon city and 26 m.p.g. highway; average for a V-8 powertrain. The V-6 checks in at 17 m.p.g. city and 24 m.p.g. highway, slightly below that of many rivals.
Scheduled to arrive in the fourth quarter of this year is the STS-V, featuring an even more potent version of the Northstar V-8. The “V” designation represents Cadillac’s high-performance variant of a particular model. The entry-luxury CTS also boasts a CTS-V offshoot.
Equipment: The STS includes the usual wide range of standard features one would find in a mid-size luxury sedan including dual zone climate control, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel and eight-speaker stereo/compact disc system. Optional goodies include XM satellite radio, rain-sensing wipers, moonroof, multi-driver memory settings, heated/ventilated front seats, headlamp washers, in-dash navigation system, magnetic ride control and high intensity discharge headlights. Many options are available in special packages.
Pricing: Cadillac supplied the Daily Herald with V-8 STS rear-wheel drive version starting at $47,025. After adding in an $11,065 luxury performance package, the bottom line added up to $58,785 with a $695 destination charge factored in. A V-6 rear-wheel drive edition starts at $40,525.
Comparatively speaking, a 2005 BMW 5-Series with standard 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine delivers 215 horsepower and starts at $41,800. The 5-Series also comes with a choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. A 2005 rear-wheel-drive exclusive GS 300 from Lexus delivers 220 horsepower from an in-line, 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and starts at $38,875. Lexus redesigns GS in the 2006 model year and offers an eight-cylinder variant aptly named the GS430 (reflecting the 4.3-liter displacement of the V-8 engine).
Inside: Drivers and passengers sit relatively low to the ground adding to a sport car feel of this mid-size model. Leather seating comes standard. With front bucket seats set at a comfortable setting, leg room in back is a bit tight especially with the rear-wheel drive floor hump down the length of the floor. Head room for those over 6-feet tall gets compromised in back as well. Two riders in back would travel in optimum comfort; three would be a crowd. A pass-through window allows access to the trunk when carting long items such as snow skies.
Once behind the wheel, the next step is to start up the STS. Rather than a traditional key and ignition cylinder, the STS starts with the push of a dashboard button (remembering too that the brake pedal must be depressed during the start up process). The vehicle turns off also with the push of the button. The key-fob transponder must be within range for the car to start (such as in a pocket or purse). This same electronic system also automatically unlocks the doors when the transponder gets close to the car. Cadillac’s two-seat XLR roadster incorporates this push-button start as does the Chevrolet Corvette.
The flat, black-face instrument panel is backlit with white and red lettering. A digital message center with gold backlight rests along the bottom. Cruise control functions are on the turn signal indicator. Front windshield wipers activate from a right-side stalk. A power lock toggle-type switch is found on the driver’s door near the small chrome door handle. Power window and mirror switches are along the front end of the driver’s arm rest. A trunk release button is found along the arm rest contour.
Eucalyptus wood enhancements are found on the doors, the center of the dashboard and even the top portion of the steering wheel. The center of the wheel is also home to secondary stereo controls. In between front bucket seats are side-by-side beverage holders, the transmission shifter and large storage bin.
The top central dash is home to an eight-inch touch screen for operating many stereo and navigation functions. Additional radio controls are below. Along the bottom is a rectangular display window and buttons monitoring the automatic climate control.
Interspersed throughout the dashboard are four long, vertical air vents.
The trunk region features a convenient shock-absorber-type hinge design outside of the cargo area preventing ‘box scrunch,’ a plight sometimes found with interior goose-neck hinges.
Outside: As with the CTS, STS utilizes strong angled cues rather than smooth lines for its shapely design. In front, long vertical headlight housing surrounds the horizontally-slated front grille with Cadillac’s wreath-crest logo in the center. Tail lights in back also follow the same vertical arrangement flanking the truck. The large, rectangular 45-degree rear window connects to the short, high deck lid. Styling of the STS is more edgy than mid-luxury counterparts from Lexus or Infiniti.
Strap-like door handles are body colored as is the side-view mirror. A small rear deck lid spoiler was part of the luxury option package.
Warranty: Both the basic and powertrain warranties are good for four years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first). Roadside assistance is covered for the same duration. Corrosion coverage is for six years or 100,000 miles.
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 116.4 inches
Overall length: 196.3 inches
Overall width: 72.6 inches
Overall height: 57.6 inches
Curb weight: 3,921 pounds
Safety: The STS includes dual front air bags, front and rear head air bags and front side-mounted air bags standard. Also standard are daytime running lights, remote anti-theft alarm system, rear child safety door locks, rear parking sensors, anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control.
OnStar, GM’s in-vehicle global positioning (GPS) satellite communication system using wireless technologies to link occupants up with 24-hour manned centers, is also standard.
Those who drive lots of miles at night may enjoy Cadillac’s optional Intellibeam system that automatically turns on and off the high beams automatically. Sensors behind the rear view mirror trigger the change.
Final thoughts: General Motors did an admirable job of retaining elegant Cadillac touches while modernizing the STS. Wind noise at highway speeds of 60 miles per hour are minimal. The quiet engine idle matches that of most luxury Asian counterparts.
The STS fits the mold of a driver’s performance car rather than a family luxury sedan. With the well-respected Northstar engine, STS supplies ample get-up-and-go. Cadillac’s stylish mid-size sedan also comes with a nice array of standard safety equipment, including OnStar. |