Category Archives: Cadillac Models

2010 Cadillac CTS Luxury Package – What do you get?

Posted on by
Reply

I see some CTS Luxury models coming up on my standard nicely used Cadillac searches, like this one at Crest Cadillac.  What do you get with this model?

The “1SD” 2010 Cadillac CTS Luxury Package is a step up from the standard CTS, and includes the Luxury level 1 package, Seating package, memory seating, and wood trim package with the 3L DI V6.

Luxury Level One Package, includes (ARH) heavy-duty pet guard cargo net, (RYJ) retractable cargo area shade, (UA6) theft-deterrent alarm system, (U2R) audio system, and (TSQ) accent lighting

In other words, you get all of the appearance and “texture” items, with the Luxury package. The Luxury model is one of three configurations for the 3L:  Standard, Luxury, or Performance.

The Luxury package is available with or without the Navigation system.

What it dos NOT have:  The Luxury CTS does not include the Luxury Level 2 package or the Performance Package, the  Rear Parking Assist, or the Adaptive forward lighting Headlights.  So if those are important to you, you will want to shop for a more highly equipped model (Like the Premium!)

Luxury Level Two Package, includes (KB6) heated/ventilated front seats, (AM9) split-folding rear seat, (N38) power rake wheel and telescopic steering column, (ATH) Keyless Access-Passive Entry, (BTV) Keyless Access-Remote Start (not available with [MN6] 6-speed manual transmission), (BTM) Keyless Access-Keyless Ignition, (K14) Automatic cabin odor filtration and (UD7) Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist

Performance Package, 18″ (45.7 cm) All-Season Tire, includes (T4F) HID headlamps, (T3U) fog lamps, (P75) 18″ x 8″ (45.7 c x 20.3 cm) aluminum wheels with premium multi-coat painted finish, (QKE) P235/50R18 V-rated all-season blackwall tires, (G80) limited slip differential (AWD only), (J55) performance brakes (AWD only) and (FE2) sport suspension

Rear Parking Assist, Ultrasonic

Headlamps, high intensity discharge with Adaptive Forward Lighting System and flash-to-pass. Windshield wiper activated

The 3L Cadillac CTS Luxury Package makes a lot of sense to me.  You get all of the things many people want in a CTS at a good price point, and you can add in the Navigation if that is desirable to you.

New Cadillac Flagship?

Posted on by
Reply

The upcoming Cadillac XTS will notionally replace both the Cadillac DTS and the Cadillac STS.    Certainly it seems a numeric replacement for the Cadillac DTS, as a FWD or AWD model with perhaps similar ride, handling and all-weather traction.

Replacement of the STS, originally intended to be Cadillac’s S-Class or BMW 7-Series Competitor by the upcoming XTS is more problematic.   Although the AWD variant of the XTS can be tuned to have some rear-wheel drive dynamics, it is difficult for such a vehicle to have the control, predictability, and performance of a true rear-wheel drive sedan.

Once more Bloomberg reports that GM CEO Ed Whitacre has charged the team to do a business case analysis for Cadillac to develop a new high-end rear-wheel drive flagship:

The company has also started work on a flagship sedan for Cadillac, two of the people said. Designers are looking at several prototypes that differ from the XTS concept car on display at the Detroit auto show in January, they said. If GM’s board approves funding for the luxury car, intended to compete with BMW AG’s 7 Series, it wouldn’t be built for several years, they said.

It is not clear if this model would impact development of the XTS itself; I hope Cadillac moves forward with the release of a hybrid power-trained XTS while considering development of a new model.   Production of the XTS really seems a no-brainer, building on the advantages and sales base of that platform and offering a high-end replacement for DTS buyers.    Meanwhile, penciling in a high-end sedan above the CTS works.  It would even make sense to plan a high-end variant of the next gen Alpha-platform CTS and make that the flagship.

There are still on-the-shelf technologies such as a hybrid power plant, Heads-up Display, lane departure warning, and blind-spot alert that are not available in the CTS family.  Moreover, the magnetic suspension used so well in the current CTS-V could be offered in a high-end sedan as standard equipment.

I am excited if Cadillac brings on a high-end sedan stable-mate or Flagship.  I hope that the Team does not take their eye off the ball however and send indecision to the showrooms instead of new models.  Bring the XTS along and continue to work the business case for a high end RWD flagship.

Cadillac CTS Coupe Drive-Away Event Dallas/Arlington

Posted on by
Reply

Cadillac hosted a fun Cadillac CTS Coupe Drive-away this morning.  They brought 2 dozen Cadillac CTS Coupes and Cadillac CTS-V Coupes together at Victory Center in Dallas, then paraded out to the Arlington Convention Center for a press conference with SLANT 45 and the Super Bowl XLV Host Committee.

There was a veritable WAVE of CTS Coupes; it was great.

Cadillac CTS Coupes were plentiful

I was able to get one photo of the CaddyInfo Sponsor Crest Cadillac crew in attendance and I in front of the CTS-V Coupe

Crest Cadillac Crew & Bruce

Shown: Daniel Durbin, Mike Brosin, Bruce, Yolanda Hermosillo, Ed Elizondo.

I also got a shot with Donna McLallen, GM South Central Region Communications/PR ( @GMTexas on twitter)

Donna & Bruce

Ed Elizondo drove the CTS-V Coupe with Donna and I as passengers for the drive over to the convention center.

At the Press Conference Cadillac also discussed their sponsorship of the upcoming SLANT 45 movie.  Service Learning Adventures in North Texas (SLANT 45) is the education initiative that the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee, in partnership with Big Thought, launched as part of its legacy programs.  Designed to inspire creativity and build problem-solving skills, this unique service-learning program will positively impact thousands of North Texas children and their families.  For more information, visit www.slant45.org.

The Cadillac CTS Coupe will be offered in a range of packages:
•  Standard ($38,990 RWD, $40,890 AWD): Six-speed automatic with tap up/down shifting, 18-inch wheels, performance suspension, rear park assist, Bose audio, MP3 input, EZ Key, remote start, power driver and front passenger seats.
•  Performance Collection ($43,430 RWD, $45,330 AWD): HID Xenon headlamps, adaptive forward lighting, 10-way power leather seats, Bose 5.1 Surround Sound, USB integration, 40GB hard drive.
•  Premium Collection ($47,835 RWD, $49,735 AWD): Interior ambient lighting, rear-view camera, heated/vented front seats, heated steering wheel, wood trim, Bose 5.1 Surround Sound with navigation, sunroof.
•  V-Series ($62,990): 6.2L Supercharged V8, paddle shift controls, Brembo brakes, Magnetic Ride Control, 19-inch wheels with performance tires.

Disclosure: Cadillac gave Press Attendees goodie bags with a keychain, Cadillac shirt, and a press kit with a flash drive with CTS Coupe information in it.

Overall it was a good morning.  I love to spend time in new Cadillacs, and I enjoy hearing more from the Cadillac Team and seeing their excitement about the new models.