GM of Canada hasbegun delivery of the new entry-level version of its popular mid-size sportssedan from Cadillac -- the CTS 2.8L, with an MSRP of $37,800 -- that it hopeswill attract a younger buyer to the brand.That'sconsiderably less than GM of Canada is charging for the CTS 3.6L, which is$41,845.That's also thelowest price ever for the stylish rear-drive sedan, by the way, and it shouldbe especially attractive to enthusiast drivers because it will have a six-speedmanual attached to its 2.8-litre V-6. With the manualshifter, it should be easier (and more fun) to tap into the power from theengine's power through its variable-valve timing technology.
The all-aluminum60-degree DOHC, four-valve-per-cylinder design develops 210 hp at 6,500 rpm and195 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm. Those numbers are considerably below theratings for the engine's 3.6-litre variation (255 hp at 6,200 rpm and 252 lb-ftof torque at 3,200 rpm), but again they should put on quite a good show if thedriver pushes the transmission enough.Consistent withthe 60 degree V-6 design, the engine employs a wide range of advancedtechnologies, including fully variable valve timing of the intake and exhaustvalves and a dual-stage variable intake manifold to deliver solid flexibility,fuel economy and emissions control.In terms ofperformance equipment, the 2.8L has the same stuff as the 3.6L version, andthat's good, since Cadillac designed the handling of the CTS on
Germany 'slegendary Nurbrigring test track.
Included in thelist of standard equipment on the CTS 2.8L are traction control, 16-inchwheels, driver and passenger heated leatherette reclining bucket seats withhigh/low controls, eight-way power adjuster for driver's seat and four-way manualadjuster for passenger seat, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel withaudio controls, stainless steel exhaust, and two-driver personalization thatallows for programming of driver's name, twilight delay, remote activationverification, perimeter lighting, auto door lock mode, delayed door locking,all-passenger window lockout, and enhanced chime volume.The 2005 CTSalso has a new instrument cluster, 16-inch painted wheels, 16-inch machinedwheels, and three new exterior colors: Stealth Gray, Sand Storm and Moonstone. The six-speedtransmission is fully synchronized (including reverse), with a singleoverdrive. Jim Taylor, the Canadian who is now the general manager of Cadillac,says ''This allows for lower propshaft speeds and improved noise, vibration andharshness levels.''The transmissionis rated for 295 hp,
Taylor says, ''and its unique architecture is such that the gear inertias are lower,resulting in significantly lower shift efforts compared to conventional RWDmanual transmissions.''The compact,state-of-the-art 5L40-E automatic transmission features a full complement ofadvanced electronic control capabilities. These include a shift mode buttonthat allows the driver to select between ''sport,'' "winter" and"economy" modes.''The interior provides all the amenities that luxury customers have come toexpect,'' says
Taylor ,''with the emphasis on comfort and convenience. It uses warm, rich materials tocontrast with the cool, computer-like, high-tech cockpit appearance, balancingthe contemporary feel with touches of traditional luxury. Wooden surfaces areused sparingly on the steering wheel, shifter knob and door pulls.''