It does sound like Cadillac has done everything right with the new STS, but it's up against some pretty stiff competition. Not only do the European and Asian luxury marques offer similar drive layouts, performance and features, but now Chrysler is offering its new Mercedes-Benz E Class derived 300C with the same level of high-grade interior quality, premium level drivetrain sophistication, greater presence and way more power, for way less money. Sure, Cadillac people aren't about to consider walking over to the Chrysler lot to trade in their Sevilles for 300Cs, but the STS does face a threat from that same situation happening with those buyers it hopes to pull away from its rivals - conquest buyers that include those who currently own Chryslers.
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| The STS will definitely have its work cut out for it, facing very stiff competition from the European and Asian luxury marques. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
What Cadillac has over Chrysler, and just about every other nameplate sold in North America, is a second place ranking in the latest 2004 J.D. Powers and Associates' revered Initial Quality Study (IQS), just behind Lexus and one place in front of Jaguar, but well ahead of Audi, BMW, Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz. Its 93 problems per 100 vehicles rating (PP100) is only 6 points behind Lexus, one of only 4 out of 37 nameplates to break 100 - impressive to say the least. While no Vehicle Dependability Study has been completed for 2004 as of this writing, Cadillac took 7th place last year as the top domestic brand, beating out Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Lincoln, and Mercedes-Benz once again.
"We feel very comfortable calling this a finely crafted car, but we also realize that's the price of entry into this category," said Jim Taylor, GM vehicle line executive, prestige vehicles. "The STS has simply been engineered to more than hold its own when matched against some of the best prestige luxury sedans in the world."
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| The new STS should hit your local dealership as soon as the end of this year. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
According to Cadillac, the new STS will be on sale by year's end as a 2005 model, priced at USD$40,995 for the V6-powered base model and USD$47,495 for a well equipped V8. No Canadian prices have been released yet, but the current 2004 Seville SLS sells for $63,400 with the top-line STS starting at $70,625 - don't expect too much of an increase.
What will certainly increase with the new STS, however, is our nation's faith in this all-American brand. Like the 1992 Seville caused us locals to rethink Cadillac, the new STS just might have what it takes to convert the world. Only time will tell.
Specifications:
- Price Range (MSRP): N/A
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: front engine, RWD (AWD opt. on V8 model)
- Engine: 255 hp, 252 lb ft of torque, 3.6-L, 24-valve, V6
- Opt. Engine: 320 hp, 317 lb ft of torque, 4.6-L, 32-valve, V8
- Transmission: 5-spd automatic with manual function
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
- Acceleration (0 - 100 km/h): less than 7 seconds for V6, less than 6 seconds for V8
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): N/A
- Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 comprehensive
- Direct Competitors: Acura RL, Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Chrysler 300 C, Hyundai XG, Infiniti M45, Jaguar S-Type, Kia Amanti, Lexus GS, Lincoln LS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mitsubishi Diamante, Mercedes-Benz C36/E55, Volvo S80
- Web Site: www.gmcanada.com
Note: Additional larger photos are available in the photo album.
