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By Mitch McCullough
More sport for the great American sports sedan.
Introduction
The Cadillac CTS kicked off a renaissance at Cadillac and once and for all dispelled the idea that American luxury and sports sedan are mutually exclusive concepts. With sporty handling, exhilarating acceleration and powerful braking, the CTS is a sports sedan in the truest sense.
Introduced as a 2003 model, the CTS launched an edgy new styling theme at Cadillac and immediately grabbed the spotlight. The automotive press praised the dynamic qualities built into its superb rear-wheel-drive chassis. A torrent of new models has followed from Cadillac, all very good in their own right, but the CTS set the mold.
Since its launch, the CTS has been improved and refined. For 2006, a new sport performance option enhances its sporting character, while a sport appearance package can give every CTS the look of the mighty, Corvette-powered CTS-V. These options complement the new generation of V6 engines and transmissions introduced for 2005.
All of the CTS drivelines are smooth, quiet and powerful, with the latest technology and advanced electronic controls throughout. Most buyers opt for the automatic, which features a manual shift feature in all models for the first time. Yet the manual is remarkable for its smooth shifting and easygoing clutch. Those who want a true four-door sports car that will run with Porsche 911 can try the CTS-V, a hot rod that looks like a CTS but sounds and accelerates like a Corvette. The CTS-V is a great hot rod, but the other CTS models are far more pleasant for daily driving.
We love the CTS's balance of good ride quality and fine handling. We haven't been happy with its austere interior, but Cadillac has tried to soften it a bit and make it more inviting. The CTS is the first GM vehicle with XM NavTraffic, which can deliver continuous, real-time traffic information straight to the navigation screen.
The Cadillac CTS is a sophisticated car that belies its sporting potential until you mash down the gas and attack the corners. It has helped reacquaint the world with Cadillac's century-long tradition of technology and design innovation. In short, the CTS presents a real, uniquely American alternative to traditional class leaders like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.
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