Will the new CTS support bluetooth devices like cellphones to support hands-free use of a cellphone with Bluetooth? Also, as a current leaser of the 2004 CTS, what month are you guys expecting to have these out, when is the earliest they can be custom ordered?

When doing these final tests do you still have the competitive models along for the ride? If not when did these cars physically leave the scene of this cars development? Thanks!

Why do you continue to use a floor mounted parking break on a sport model with an available manual transmission?

It's something that was commented on in nearly every review of the current CTS.

Will the 300+HP V6 be available with AWD when the car is released in September? I'm also curious about Bluetooth functionality - I've read elswhere that it may not be available initially. I will be in the market for a new car (the CTS is on my short list) in January '08 and would DEFINITELY want that as a feature.

Will the cruise control be of the adaptive type? This would certainly be of value on trips here in Southern California and vicinity. I would also like to know when the '08 will be available to order to replace my early '03, the one without the temperature guage.

Here's a more general question: are the majority of the engineers on your team true automotive enthusiasts, or are they just automotive engineers by trade? How many of you participate in "extracurricular" car-related activities (i.e. car clubs, backyard projects, amateur racing, etc...)?

Here's a question I hope can be answered: C/D has posted a video of the next CTS-v at the 'Ring in Germany; did any of you get to test there, or do you guys only get to test the vehicles in North America?

I would love to read more about the stress testing procedures.

For example, I remember reading somewhere about the testing of a Northstar engine, how it was run flat out at 6,000rpm for hours or days on end with near boiling hot coolant pumping through it which was then instantly switched out to ice cold coolant and then back again over and over and over. Real stress testing. I don't know if that testing was true but that's the sort of testing that makes me feel I can depend on my car no matter what.
I'd love to hear more about stuff like that!

Will there be coupe, wagon and convertible variants of the new CTS? Will they all come in V-trim as well? Thanks for allowing us to ask these questions.

A 300HP V-6 is quite impressive. Hopefully the combination of power and fuel
efficiency will be in a single package. Will this motor be able to burn E85?

What about an ElDorado type CTS coupe?
Cadillac has to be more agressive. CTS has been a success and should be repeated adding new models to this line, like convertibles, coupes and wagons.

Liz or Rob,

How about a discussion on why having the parking brake on the floor is a good idea for the 6-speed CTS. Maybe you can add to your test drive log something like a static start on a very steep hill. Of course, don't forget to position another shiny new CTS about 1 foot behind the first, just to make it interesting. That's a real world situation that the rest of us might really encounter some day - tell us how it all works out, and make sure you include the GM beancounters and design engineers in your report too.

Looks like most of your testing is on flat ground on test tracks. I would like to see some comments on using the floor mounted ebrake, with the manual shifter, especially in hill country. For the life of me, I can't understand why Cadillac continues to use this outdated approach on the CTS. Aren't you Cadillac guys supposed to be setting high standards? Can you please make sure this comment reaches the ears of somebody that cares about performance at Cadillac? And design it right with a console mounted parking brake - and like start now? No, really - go ahead and do it. NOW. Please.

Hi Liz (and any other editors answering these questions). First off, I am so glad to see a few questions answered about the 2008 CTS as I am foaming at the mouth to get one...almost literally, but here are my questions.

With the navigation package, will there be a rearview camera monitor (because the original press release made it seem like only a beeping sensor)?

Also, when will packages and brochures be available for me (as a consumer) to put my order in at a local dealer?

Also, I read somewhere that the 300hp DI motor should be getting better gas mileage than the regular motor, is that the case or not (although I know you are unable to disclose actual mileage, that's fine)?

Hmm, I'll probably have many more as a consumer that just put my car shopping on hold (sorry Infiniti and Acura) in order to learn more about this car, thanks so much in advance!!!

Just wondering if you benchmarked any cars in particular for reliability and maintainabilty. Consumers want a very reliable car but at the same time do not want to spend $300 every time preventative maintenance comes due. The reliability of the top Japanese cars with the maintainability of the most frugal American cars would be a great combination.

I would like to add to Ted's statement about the parking brake location. I am VERY dissapointed to see it mounted on the floor. Sometimes I wonder if you and the rest of the folks at Cadillac may seem to think that is not a big deal, or that it should not affect sales of the car. Perhaps you want to be "different". I don't know, but whatever your reasoning is it is WRONG. Performance cars do not have the brake on the floor - especially with manual transmissions. You want it there on automatics, that's fine. But with the stick shift models, PLEASE locate the parking brake on the center console where it belongs. I have already talked to a couple of people who think that is a deal breaker. The car could be perfect in every other way, but because of the parking brake location they will not buy the car.

You have to remember, Liz, this CTS is supposedly going to focus on the enthusiasts. That means BMW, Audi, Mercedes, and even the Lexus IS series. It is absolutely amazing that GM still hasn't learned from past mistakes.

RELOCATE THE PARKING BRAKE!

Hello,
I would like to know whether there is going to be a push-button start (different from the remote start already announced) and whether there will be a rear-view camera for that huge navigation screen? These features are showing up on cars much cheaper than the CTS. Thanks!

I currently drive a V-Series CTS, will the 2008 have a V-Series, when will it be offered?

The bluetooth "pack" that has been mentioned, will that be restricted to verizon phones, as in other GM vehicles. also where is the microphone built into the car located?

Hi! Love the blog. My question: I know that you can't currently talk about future CTS-V features or availability yet. But can you tell all us V owners when you WILL be able to begin releasing CTS-V specifics?

I really like the look of the gray woodgrain accents in the current STS-V. Will the new CTS-V has woodgrain accents? Will the gray wood be an option??

Why can't anyone tell me what colors will be available on the '08 CTS? Please have a dark green!

Will the CTS-V have the non-functional fender vents?

Can I get "EZ Key" without getting leather?