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STS Aligns with Cadillacs Art and Science Design Language
The 2005 STS, replacement for the aging Seville, made its world debut at the New York International Auto Show this week, before going on sale at years end. The new model also serves a second purpose, helping establish the Cadillac brand name in Europe. The combined venture into heavily uncharted waters with Chevrolet means that the task the STS faces is a difficult one. Will the STS measure up to the stiff competition? Initial reports from automotive journalists present at the introduction, substantiated by Editor Trevor Hofmann who took time to poke and prod around the car inside  | | The 2005 STS made its world debut at the New York International Auto Show this week. (Photo: General Motors) |
and out, say the new STS comes prepared to do battle with the best in its class.
The STS targets a slightly older client than the edgy CTS, and therefore features softer, more acceptable corners like its SRX SUV/crossover sibling. Vertically stacked headlamps feature dual-beam xenon units that bend into curves for added safety, supplemented by  | | Targeted at a slightly older audience, the STS is a little less edgy than the current sharp CTS. (Photo: General Motors) |
powerful fog lights. The new cars bold two-slat chrome grille is wide and purposeful, elevating the car to premium status. While similar to the CTS in side profile, especially so with regards to the wide C-pillar and near vertical tail end featuring stacked taillamps and spoiler-mounted LED lights, the STS is extremely different when placed side-by-side. Many, nevertheless, could be overheard commenting that the STS is merely a larger CTS.
In effect though, this is  | | The base STS will be rear-wheel drive, while the top of the line model will offer all-wheel drive. (Photo: General Motors) |
exactly what the STS is. Already having a modern, well-balanced rear-wheel drive chassis in the family, it makes sense that Cadillac applied GMs Sigma architecture to more than one vehicle. The same as used under the SRX, though stretched and widened for the larger car, the STS should prove extremely responsive to driver input.
Larger size? The full-size STS is 196.1 inches long, with a width of 72.83 inches and height of 57.48 inches. Like the Chrysler 300 C, the Buick Velite concept and other variations on GMs large-car Zeta platform, the STS has made the move to rear-wheel  | | The STS features a 255-hp 3.6 liter V6 engine as its base powerplant. (Photo: General Motors) |
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), Cadillacs 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 generates a healthy 255 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. Cadillac estimates that the V6 powered  | | With high-style premium fine leather, real wood and authentic aluminum trim, the STSs interior is top quality. (Photo: General Motors) |
car should jump to 60 mph 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 60 mph 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.
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