Defined by Refinement Riddle: Last night I was floating on a cloud, but I wasn't asleep- where was I? In a 2006 Cadillac DTS of course. Since Cadillac's migration to
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| (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Auto123.com) |
smaller, more performance-oriented sedans the DTS has emerged as the Caddy big boy of the fleet, replacing the long lived DeVille. The DTS is a large sedan that like the DeVille utilizes a front-wheel-drive platform, which will surely please some and discourage others. Count me as an "other." I love the regal driving dynamics of this comfy cruiser except for the fact that its delightful Northstar V8 is shackled to the front wheels. This unification doesn't generate torque-steer of any significance unless accelerating flat-out along a rutted road surface; here a firm hand on the wheel is mandatory if the vehicle is to remain between the dividing lines. But that's asking a luxury car to perform like a sports sedan, which isn't fair. Cadillac has plenty of performance-oriented rear-wheel-drive iron that's more suited to athletic driving than the sublimely smooth DTS. Although a competent handler, the DTS is all about elegance, luxury and divine comfort- but not without flair.
Although nothing about its styling is groundbreaking or controversial, such as Bangle's work on the 7-Series BMW, the DTS sports a crisp, modern facade that I find quite appealing. The overall look is clean and
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| (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Auto123.com) |
symmetrical, balanced and proportional while giving rise to a most impressive co-efficient of drag. It may not project the sleekest of shapes however the big Caddy manages a CD of just 0.32- results once credited only to sharp knives and expensive sports cars. So what's the big deal about co-efficient of drag? Well it enables the bulky sedan to pierce the wind smoothly, free of wasteful turbulence, the outcome being improved
fuel-efficiency and diminished wind noise. Premium luxury cars are supposed to be quiet, and the DTS is the quietest among the quiet. My tester allowed very little wind and road noise to penetrate its catacomb cabin. Its hushed, highly refined operation is definitely its major highlight, but before assuming the only noise to be heard is the ticking of its rectangular analogue clock, think again.
The 291 horsepower, high-output 4.6 litre (278 cu in) Northstar V8 produces some of the sweetest, most discreet notes through its twin pipes to be found in a showroom anywhere. Within normal driving
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| (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Auto123.com) |
parameters, nothing more than a subtle "burble" is audible. Open the throttle and the beast within emerges with a growl befitting Chevrolet's Corvette- only more muted and dignified. Accompanying the auditory "sweet and low" is performance to match. Despite tipping the scales at 1,836 kg (4,047 lb) the hefty DTS is no slouch- at least not when the mightier of the two Northstar powerplants is situated transversely beneath its long hood (the base Northstar mill is rated at 275 horsepower). The high-output Northstar delivers its extra dosage with the application of Variable Valve Timing (VVT), the result of which is strong, steady acceleration and outstanding passing power. Both Northstar mills are united to the same 4-speed automatic transaxle. Unlike many of the autoboxes in the premium sedan market featuring manual-mode shifting and up to seven cogs, there's nothing particularly special or sophisticated about the DTS's autobox- yet it performs it duty reliably and unobtrusively.
