Larger size? The full-size STS is 4.98 meters (196.1 in) long, with a width of 1.85 meters (72.83 in) and height of 1.46 meters (57.48 in). Like the Chrysler 300 C, the Buick Velite concept and other variations on
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| The base STS will be rear-wheel drive, while the top of the line model will offer all-wheel drive. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
GM's large-car Zeta platform, the STS has made the move to rear-wheel drive. Also, top of the line models will get optional all-wheel drive - a first for Cadillac cars, albeit already becoming available on the new 300 series Chrysler and scheduled for upcoming Lincolns. Still, this technical innovation ought to slingshot the STS directly alongside its European and Asian competition.
With the wheels now turning at the rear (or at all corners), Cadillac's midsize model is no longer crippled by the power and handling limitations of front-wheel drive. Just the same the new car features a 3.6 liter V6 as its base powerplant (the Seville only offered a V8 in different levels of tuning) that
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| The STS features a 255-hp 3.6 liter V6 engine as its base powerplant. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
generates a healthy 255 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. Cadillac estimates that the V6 powered car should jump to 100 km/h in less than seven seconds. If high-performance and tire-spinning torque is what you crave, the Northstar 4.6-liter V8 is the engine of choice. The 32-valve, DOHC V8 makes an impressive 320 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, 65 horsepower and 65 lb-ft of torque more than the 6-cylinder version enabling the top-level STS to reach 100 km/h in less than six seconds. A five-speed ZF automatic with driver-controlled manual function is standard with both motors. Regardless of which engine is chosen, the STS should be a quick and responsive drive.
