Friday Test Drive: 2007 Cadillac STS 1SE

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I popped over to a local Cadillac Dealer to look at a low mileage 2007 Cadillac CTS-V that they had:

2007 Cadillac CTS-V

Unfortunately, another couple was just taking it out for a test drive, then heading to negotiations as I arrived, so I missed meeting that Cadillac.

2007 Cadillac STS 1SE

Meanwhile, I spotted a 2007 Cadillac STS 1SE on the lot with 42k miles.  The 2007 STS has the 320 hp Northstar 4.6L V8 with variable valve timing.  The 1SE designation means that this is a V8 Luxury model, and not the 1SG Performance Model.  These have to be taken as you find them however, because they can be optioned up quite closely to the 1SG.  The feature that the 1SG has that these don’t get is the MR magnetic suspension.  This one has the Navigation with Premium sound system, and Sunroof so it is a reasonably well equipped example.

I have been shopping around between the 2007 CTS-V, the 2008 STS-V, and the 2009 STS Platinum or STS 1SG models.  I wanted to test drive this Cadillac because it models very closely how one might expect the 2009 STS Platinum or 1SG to drive.  Same engine, same transmission, same vehicle except for some option differences and year differences.  This example was Light Platinum exterior, ebony interior.  The dealer has it on the net for $25K.

2007 Cadillac STS 1SE interior with Nav

We took the 2007 STS 1SE out for a test drive, and up on the Tollway for a bit.  In general it felt strong, but not really better performance than my 2005 CTS 3.6L with CAI & Corsa Catback.  Now since my CTS and this STS have similar 0-60 mph performance that was not surprising, but it does confirm the armchair prediction.  The interior features are good on this car, and the car looked good.  The STS received a redesign that improved the exterior styling in 2008, so I would definitely shop for a 2008+ model however.

After driving this STS my feeling is that I will now exclude the STS V8 1SG from my shopping list, and focus on the 08/09 STS-V, or hold out another year for the prices of the 2009 CTS-V sedans to fall closer to my budget.  I suppose a 2009 STS Platinum might be interesting, but is unlikely to fall to my price range.  The STS 4.6L V8 became interesting because I see that they are in my price range.   They are great cars, and offer very good performance.  I really want my next Cadillac to have break-away performance however, so I’ll have to look for the rare 2008 STS-V at a bargain or wait for the 2009 CTS-V to come into range.

Selling more Cadillacs vs Brand Purity

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Brand Purists have a particular archetype of a brand in mind, and rail against any example of the brand that does not fit that archetype.  For example, Porsche Purists loudly rumbled back in the day when the first Porsche cars were made that were not rear engined and air cooled like the original 356s and 911s.  Later, they almost passed out when Porsche began to make SUVs.

Some Cadillac brand Purists likewise have in mind a limited path for Cadillac.  To the Purists, Cadillac should ONLY make the finest, most luxurious, and highest performance vehicles possible.  All Cadillacs should luxurious in all ways — luxuriant interiors, excess power, hand tailored exteriors, the perfect example of a motor car.

The problem with such a limited view is just that — it is limited.  Cadillac does not have just one type of Customer.  There are a spectrum of People who buy and enjoy Cadillac vehicles.  Some people want the all-out no-holds-barred super car, and Cadillac makes the V-Series for these Buyers.  Some Cadillac Buyers want Style and Efficiency more than all out performance, and Cadillac has configurations within each model line that address this sweet spot.  Some Cadillac Buyers want a vehicle that makes a statement, and Cadillac offers models that do that.

Real car people know how to sell cars.  If you love Cadillacs you want Cadillac to sell more vehicles so that they have the resources and enthusiasm to make the kind of Cadillac that you love.

Purchasing a Cadillac is the very best way to encourage the Cadillac Team to make the kind of automobile that you enjoy.

Specifying Performance for the Cadillac CTS

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I have written about my recommended engines for the Cadillac CTS — I would like to see the LLT DI 3.6L 304hp V6 as the Standard Engine, and the L94 or LS3 403 or 426 hp V8s as the Performance/Premium powerplant.

Let’s put these more in performance specification form.

2010 Cadillac CTS

The Current top non-V CTS Performance Sedan will go 0-60 mph in 6.3-6.5 sec, and corner at 0.87-0.9 g on a 200 ft skidpad.   The base CTS sedan with 270 hp V6 is a bit slower and does not corner quite as well; so say 0-60 mph in 7 sec and 0.83-0.85 on a 200 ft skidpad.

I would like to see the current Performance Sedan as the ‘base’ model.  The counter-argument is that some people want the fuel economy of the 3L and are not that focused on Performance, so I am willing to compromise on this point.

For a CTS Performance Sedan with sizzling performance in today’s market Cadillac needs to attain 0-60 in under 5.5 sec, and a consistent skidpad result above 0.9g.  I believe that the easiest way to get there is to put in one of their current excellent off the shelf V8s, but I would be equally happy with a forced induction V6 that brings the power.

The skidpad / cornering issue is weight.  Until the next CTS refresh that seems fixed.  What can be altered is adding more rubber.

With the retirement of the STS this year, now would be a good time to bring the MR suspension to the CTS Performance sedan.  With the right tires and the right tuning that should keep it over 0.9g on the skidpad.

A true CTS Performance Sedan with 0-60 in under 5.5 sec and that corners at 0.9g would still not match the super car CTS-V performance, but it would be a terrific value and aspirational model at its current price point.