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2004 Cadillac CTS Road Test

Beauty is More Than Tin Deep

For 2004 the aggressive CTS theme has finally permeated the engine bay. The all-new, 3.6-liter (220 cu in) 255 horsepower V6, featuring variable valve timing (VVT), has given CTS performance to match its styling. The base V6 engine in the CTS remains unchanged from 2003, continuing to develop a reasonably competitive 220 horsepower.

GM claims its new powerplant is one of the most advanced in the world. In addition to VVT, this rev-happy internal combustion initiator also features 24-sodium filled valves, polymer-coated pistons, electronic throttle control and all-aluminum block and heads. These high-tech goodies come together to produce 252 pounds-feet of torque, also right on target with the top performers in the class. Whats more, a full 90 percent of the peak torque is produced between the real-world driving rpms of 1,600 to 5,800.

Cadillac has finally given the CTS a performance engine to match its racy styling. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

What that means is that power is on-tap from the moment the tach departs the idle position and remains so through to redline. This isnt one of those engines that wakes up post 4,000 rpm and looses momentum with every shift-change.

Although GM put a lot of R&D into the new V6 to ensure that the harmonics are pleasing, under hard acceleration this beast growls like a junkyard dog on steroids. Personally I didnt find the growl particularly pleasing or refined, certainly for this premium midsize segment.

The 3.6-liter (220 cu in) 255 horsepower V6 growls like a junkyard dog on steroids. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

But just like the color of a persons underwear, an ideal engine and exhaust note is a personal thing. The growl of Cadillacs new V6 may cause the blood to race through the veins of many-a-CTS purchaser within the models median target age of 48-years; its just that Im not one of them. That being said, under normal operating parameters, the 3.6-L is as civilized as the majority of its competitors V6s.

Although the styling package of the 04 CTS is relatively unchanged from 03, it remains fresh and eye-catching. In these days of automotive designs that often mimic a well-worn bar of soap,

Although the styling is unchanged for 2004, the CTS still remains fresh and eye-catching. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

its refreshing to ogle something edgy and sharp. It was a bold, albeit necessary move for a car company that was once perceived as the geriatric choice; and one of the reasons Cadillac is quickly shedding that image with entries into the truck and SUV markets, as well as the world of performance sedans and roadsters.

As my ogling eyes darted away from the sharpness of the exterior creases and toward the interior of the CTS, I found myself flashing back to the 1980s. Whats with the odd dash design and chiseled door panels. Oh sure, its all very functional and GM has improved the touch and feel of the interior finishings enormously, but to me the

The CTSs sharp interior imparts a sense of size that belies it compact nature. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

overall design of the dash and door panels takes on an unintended retro-feel. While I do give kudos to Cadillac for having the courage to deviate, whether that deviation is good or bad is debatable. It just doesnt work for me, and with interiors often making or breaking a cars success I think that Cadillac needs to reboot the CAD computer and try again.

Regardless of my tastes, the 2003 CTS did win Auto Interiors magazines 4th annual Interior of the Year Award. On the basis of appearance, functionality, innovation and overall impressions automobile industry professionals rated the competing vehicles; apparently my vote wasnt sought.

There are however many positive aspects to the CTS interior.

The steering wheel houses a bevy of buttons which can be programmed to control various electrical functions. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

First and foremost are the heated front seats. The two leather-trimmed, power adjustable front buckets are wonderfully supportive and first-rate for comfort. Unlike some of the competitors in the personal luxury car market, the CTS imparts a sense of size that belies it compact nature. My slightly-sub 6-foot frame had no difficulty with legroom in front or rear, although for NBA talent or the like headroom may become an issue.

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