2005 Cadillac STS First Drive Daytona Beach FL

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Introduction

Cadillac STS -- 2005 First Drive: At this rate, Cadillac is going to get a nasty reputation, an edgy rep, one reserved for the cars that go fastest and make real drivers smile.

It started with the CTS, an edgy and sporty luxury sedan, and went as far as the CTS-V - and the SRX - a downright refreshing luxury SUV. Now Cadillac has reinvigorated the most senior member of its lineup -- the Seville - dropping the Seville and keeping the STS, forsaking front wheel drive and adding RWD -- riding on the same Sigma architecture that founds the CTS sedan and SRX sport utility.

The new 2005 Cadillac STS also follows the styling trend at GM's luxury division. Chiseled body lines, jeweled vertical headlights, and "over/under" front bumper driving/fog lights are particularly reminiscent of the newly-introduced CTS. Both the XLR droptop and SRX also share many design cues employed in the STS, although some of the big sedan's lines have been softened for the luxury market. Clearly, however, STS is another step in redefining the quickly evolving Cadillac brand.

Cadillac offers two engines in this full-size 4-door luxury sedan, both sophisticated units equipped with Variable Valve Timing that help deliver smooth, efficient performance. A 24-valve V6 engine displaces 3.6 liters and arrives standard in the base car. Power is an impressive 255 hp. and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. More importantly, however, is the engine's ability to deliver 90 percent of peak torque from 1,600 to 5,800 rpm.

Powerplant

Pricier STS models arrive with a 4.6-liter Northstar V8, producing 320 horses and 315 lb.-ft. of twist. In addition to VVT, both powerplants operate according to electronic throttle control. A 5-speed automatic is the only transmission offered at the present.

Both RWD and AWD are available in V8-powered Caddys, while V6 sedans initially make do with rear-drive only. Eventually, however, AWD will become available across the lineup. Under most circumstances this AWD system distributes torque in a 40/60 split favoring the rear. But when traction fades, all four wheels adjust to maximize grip. The AWD hardware works in harmony with StabiliTrak, GM's electronic stability system that includes traction control.

We drove all three models of this upgraded performance sedan recently, following a presentation in GM's on-site NVH testing facilities, where a vehicle's quietness is measured in every way imaginable. Whether it was at all by suggestion, or entirely objective, we found the first item of note was the STS's quietness.

Getting into the STS was easy with wide-opening doors, along with seats and a steering wheel that accommodate almost all body sizes and driving positions. After engaging the push-button start, we gave the upscale cabin high marks; however, despite the age of STS buyers having descended, we still feel its look and feel is for "mature buyers".