2005 Cadillac STS First Drive Oklahoma

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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".

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Sävy Strategic Creative

The Finest in European Automotive in Bend.

1.541.359.3068
Service Rd
Bend, OK
http://www.getsavy.com/

The Finest in European Automotive in Bend.
The moment one walks through the doors at German Master Tech in Bend, Oregon, its meticulously kept, white floored shop currently home to an impressive lineup of detail and restoration in progress: the bright silver Porsche spec racer being built in the center of the room, the Porsche 911 S undergoing a full restoration and the variant of others, from BMWs to Ferraris, it is quickly understood why German Master Tech, with some of the finest European auto technicians and restoration specialists in the country, supports some of the finest European cars on the West Coast. This German-apprenticed, master-trained company, that refers to its work as “a craft”, is known to many by the unmatched service and support they provide their racing and restoration clients across the country, to others by the niche expedition preparation service they provide all-terrain vehicles, and still to their most dedicated customer, the fine European car enthusiast, German Master Tech is truly the one to many in this town.
German Master Tech’s President, a BMW Master Technician, Tim Morris, brings with him over 25 years experience in the industry and has been awarded several achievement and master technician status awards though BMW specialized factory schools. Tim has also achieved BMW’s Center of Excellence Award twice and is a seven-time BMW President’s Club Technician. German Master Tech’s co-founder and past partner, Jay Audia, won the 07 SCCA Regional Championships for GT2 in his German Master Tech-prepared Panoz. The company’s third founder is one of Bend’s most passionate Porsche enthusiasts, John Audette.

“Restorations have been a large part of our focus,” said Morris, describing some of his company’s award winning roots. “From our very first restoration, a 58’ BMW Isetta 300, which we took to the Forest Grove Concours d’ Elegance in 05 and won our class, in addition to taking home the President’s Award, which was judged by Pacific College’s President as “the car the college student would most want to drive,” said Morris. “I drew on my past car show and restoration experience to pull off a surprise win. It was a good deal of timing and the right car, with the right colors. We stole the show with a micro car, it was great!” Morris said standing next to his red Porsche hot rod parked inside his shop. “Car shows and racing are my passions,” he said with a smile.
“Our tuning business is the best around,” continued Morris of the company’s capabilities. “The application of our developed performance packages to already great cars really creates a ‘wow’.” German Master Tech provides full warranty BMW performance upgrades as a Dinan-authorized dealer, and Porsche performance programs that take the 911 to the next level. “Our tuning business has led us to organized racing, which has been a life-long dream of mine.” Included in German Master Tech’s list of champion racing cars are a 64’ BMW 1800 TISA owned by Steve Walker of Salem. The 1800 TISA is BMW’s first post-war racer based on a production car in regional vintage racing. A 911 Porsche racer owned by Bend’s Mark Powell will be racing in one of the West Coast’s fastest growing amateur racing classes, Spec 911. “Mark’s car is special as it ties together the whole business: a restoration with an extreme tuning package.”

“German Master Tech has worked on all my cars, including a Range Rover, BMW, three Ferraris and a Porsche,” said Ervin Richards, a long-time German Master Tech customer. “I bring my cars here because they consistently do it better and because they’ve always gone way beyond the call of duty in their service and support of my vehicles.” “If I can bring it to German Master Tech,” said Richards, “I will.”
To learn more about German Master Tech, contact them directly at 541.322.9647.