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2005 Cadillac STS Winter Road Test

Import Buyers Missing Out?

Ive grown to really like Cadillacs new art & science design language. Its edgy and exciting in the CTS and ideally executed in the glorious XLR roadster. While the new STS edges come across a bit softer overall, it is still daring enough to get noticed, and probably better suited for the slightly older, possibly more conservative buyer that will step up from a CTS to the larger Cadillac.

Ive spent quite a bit of time in the new model, and with each passing mile have grown to like it more and more. Of course, this isnt always the case with test cars, with some that start out wonderfully accommodating and end up frazzling my nerves.

I first climbed inside the STS last January in Detroits Cobo Hall, home to the North American

While the new STS edges come across a bit softer than the CTS overall, it is still daring enough to get noticed. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

International Auto Show. I couldnt help but appreciate just how well put together its interior appeared, especially after being rather unimpressed with the CTS and SRX cabins.

The STS show car, at least, was a solid step forward for Cadillac, not only featuring zero tolerance fit and finish of interior panels and buttons, but also showing that the brand had matured towards understated elegance

While the overall design of the STS interior isnt as daring as BMWs 5-Series or as awe-inspiring as Mercedes-Benz E-Class, its materials quality, fit, finish and ergonomics are top notch, and equal to its German rivals. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

and away from the flashy computer-tech style of the CTS; a car which features a center stack that unintentionally looks about as technologically advanced as a mid-80s PC, with the tall "tower" profile, orange LCD displays, FrontPage 95 do-it-yourself webpage navigation graphics and 5¼-inch floppy inspired CD slot.

While the overall design of the STS interior

The 4.6-liter engine, featuring 32-valves and dual overhead cam architecture, sports 320-horsepower, available at 6,400 rpm, and 315 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. (Photo: General Motors)

isnt as daring as BMWs 5-Series or as awe-inspiring as Mercedes-Benz E-Class, its materials quality, fit, finish and ergonomics are top notch, and equal to its German rivals. I took the time to poke around the test model that arrived at my home later in January, just prior to spinning its tires, literally, during a winter test of Cadillacs much improved lineup in Steamboat Springs, Colorado - more on that in a minute - and found it every bit as well made as the car featured in the Detroit show.

Both available engines put power down to the wheels via a a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic with manual mode. (Photo: General Motors) align="justify">January was pretty warm and relatively dry on the West Coast, so I was able to test out the new Cadillacs high-speed performance and tenacious levels of grip throughout the many curving roadways that make up the street and highway system around my home. First and foremost, the upgraded Northstar V8 is an extremely flexible engine, laying down power to the rear wheels, or all-wheels if the optional all-wheel drivetrain is chosen, with an immediate intensity that some of its competitors lack. The 4.6-liter engine, featuring 32-valves and dual overhead cam architecture, sports 320-horsepower,

The STSs side-to-side transitional response is much better than average. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

available at 6,400 rpm, and 315 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, easily enough to charge the somewhat hefty 3,922 pound sedan to 60 mph in only 5.9 seconds.

The V6 powered STS, which sheds 64 pounds over its V8 sibling, is nowhere near as invigorating, but its 3.6-liter mill is plenty sophisticated by GM standards, featuring 24-valves and dual overhead cams, resulting in 260-horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 252 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm.

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