For a regular of this site, and someone not completely familiar with the terminology GM uses, I read in the new Winding Road article that the new CTS does not currently have MagnaRide but it may be available in a future year's version of the CTS. Can you please explain what MagnaRide is and what the current CTS has in the same department to make me avoid waiting for such a feature (as it kind of sounds like a suspension system but I don't know if it's that big a deal), thanks.

Couple Questions:

- There's been alot of discussion and speculation about Bluetooth availability on the CTS. The last "semi-official" word was that it is a dealer installed option. Is this still the case? Is it indeed available?

- What are the fuel economy ratings for the two available engines?

- From a testing standpoint, what happens after production begins? Do all the road tests, test mules, etc... just come to an end?

- What kind of quality control processes are implemented in the assembly plant?

Once the 08 CTS is completely finished and arrives in dealer lots, how long is it before you start working with the next generation CTS?

When will cadillac.com have a build your own feature for the 2008 CTS. I check the site everyday, waiting to build my own.

I've been following the launch of this vehcile for months and may be ordering one as soon as some outstanding questions can be answered. The online order guide states the U23 and UAV radio options have a DVD player. Does this mean they both have the pop-up screen? If not, how is the DVD player used without a screen? Also, when will the order guide be updated to provide the vehicle specs and dimensions? What's the fuel tank capacity? For those of us who are six-foot, what's the headroom with and without the sunroof? Thanks!

Never in my entire life have I ever had this much anticipation for an American Car. Some how, some way Cadillac looks like they got it right this time. God willing I am looking forward to getting my hands on a 2009 CTS-V next year. If the regular CTS is this good I can only imagine what the V-series is going to be like. I can't take this anymore...I need more details. I check every day but nothing is getting updated!

Can you provide any information on the CTS All Wheel Drive system? Thanks!

I remember reading that the Corvette C5R played a significant roll in the development of the Corvette C6 road car. Did the CTS-V race program also have a significant effect on the development of next generation CTS program? Do you have any comments you can make about CTS race programs going forward with the second generation model?

I'd like to know a bit about the rumored coupe. Will it be a pillorless coupe like from the 60's, which in my opinion were beautiful, or like all the other 2 door cars? If it is a truth, when will it become a reality? At this point in my life, I think I might wait for that since I don't really need 4 doors anymore. Also, what direction will Cadillac go for the powerplant for the CTS-V? I mean, another Corvette engine or some variation of the Northstar like the other V series cars? In any case, I'd like to second the questions as to availability of information about ordering and pricing and build on the website. Thanks for finally making an American car worth buying again. I am tired of seeing our money go to another country, forced there because nothing of value and reliability and desirability was produced here. Cadillac is an American icon and I want to see it on top once again, worldwide, setting the standard for all others to follow.

I think Cadillac deserves high praises for putting their best foot forward with the CTS. By any measure no other manufacturer has made the progress Cadillac is making with their products. Each one is an improvement by leaps and bounds over the previous. If this continues I can see Cadillac being a force to be rekoned with very soon. I for one would spend my hard earned dollars on this new CTS. I could care less if it doesn't live up to the expectations of overly biased auto journalist or die hard "anti-American car" evangelist. While there is always room for improvement Cadillac has shown that they want the gold medal and are working very hard for it! Congrats Bob and the rest of the Cadillac team!

Is there a menu option to turn off the DRLs? It requires a chip mod to turn them off in the 1st gen CTS. I'm not going to tell someone else they can't have them on, but as a motorcyclist I'm not going to contribute to a less safe environment for my fellow cyclists. And your competitors don't require me to make that choice.

Thanks for the great quetions. We will be back in the next few days with a TON of new posts, and answers to some of the more complicated questions.
Let's answer a few of the more basic questions, right here and now:
--Bluetooth is a dealer-installed system, an accessory already in use for other Cadillac models. We will probably be adding this as a factory option sometime in the future, as has been stated here previously.

- Magnetic Ride is "the world's fastest reacting suspension," developed initially for use on the Chevy Corvette and Cadillac XLR Roadster, also used as an option on Cadillac STS and DTS. Too much to go into here, but it relies on advanced magnetic forces to perform extremely fast and precise shock damping. It is not planned for the CTS at the moment, as we feel VERY good about the suspension we are using. Also, this is a rather expensive system with advanced electronics that you mainly see on very elite vehicles. Since we introduced it, it has since been adopted by Ferrari.

-- Option prices and "build-your-own": Cadillac.com will have the option pricing configuration tools in August, including a "build-your-own" feature. The site changes over in a couple of weeks to the 08 models. Pls check that out.

DVDs - Regarding why we have DVD playback capability even for cars without a navigation screen - the reason for that is to enable DVD-Audio playback.

- Good question on fuel economy. It is 17/26 for the base 3.6-liter engine and 18/26 for the optional Direct Injection engine. AWD fuel econ is the same for the base engine; subtract 1 mpg for AWD on the optional engine. That's right, the more powerful engine with DI is actually a tiny bit more efficient in RWD. Overall a lot more power and performance than the prior model, with no loss of fuel econ, despite a much tougher EPA mileage calculation that is new for 2008 for all vehicles in the US.

-- V-Series and other body styles? V-Series will return to the CTS next year. Stay tuned. As for other body types, we'll see who is forecasting correctly in due time! Too early to get into that right now, honestly.

-- Racing Program. Great question. You've given us an idea for a future post! The short answer is yes, it does have an influence and learnings are acquired and applied. More to come on that.

Is it true that AWD will not be an option w/the 3.6 DI engine?

I have a fully-optioned '08 CTS AWD on order. You've asked for more questions - I have some! Here they are:

- The deployment of the Nav screen that comes out of the dash - is it motorized or manual operation?

- The DIC (Driver Info Center).. can you provide detail on some of its particular functions? (example: is there a compass function included?)

- Re the EZ Key passive entry system.. what is the arrangement for starting the engine? Is it essentially a permanently mounted 'twist knob' on the side of the steering column?

- Do you have any updates to provide us regarding the integration / factory inclusion of 'Bluetooth'?

Thank you.

is cadillac going to have coupe and or convertible in the 2009 year? I would love to drive this over the M3 if cadillac can have similar options, just as paddle shifters and the smg tranny

When will the AWD and 6 speed combo be available on the CTS? This driving enthusiast is waiting with a check in hand. I can't afford the CTS-V, and won't buy a daily driver without a stick. Must I shop elsewhere? Will the 2 door coupe be available with this configuration? I can wait if I know it's coming.....

Andy,

About the DRLs. You can turn them off. Instructions on page 3-18 of owners manual.

I called Cadillac about when the online "Build your own car" would be updated to reflect the new CTS and I was told not until the middle of August.

Just a quick question: Does the USB port provide a maximum of 500mA of current at 5V like a typical computer's USB port? Or can it go higher? My phone draws 700mA, so I can't charge it on a typical computer, but I was hoping to be able to listen to music from the phone and charge it at the same time so it doesn't die on me!

Thanks for the info Scott. I'd been misinformed.

More answers:
- AWD is available with Direct Injection engine. Not sure why that's being doubted.

- The "pop-up" nav screen is motorized, via a little "up-down" push button.

- The DIC is quite nice - includes vehicle speed, fuel range and lots of other driving/vehicle info, as well as the compass data. Very compact and very readable.

- EasyKey operates as your question suggests - with key cylinder residing in the "normal" place.

What is the real story on bluetooth availability for the new CTS?

I went to the dealer to place my order, because I really love this new CTS, but they are lost on the bluetooth and do not know anything about what the "dealer installed" bluetooth pack contains.

Is there going to be a dealer installed bluetooth, that is fully integrated? When?

Cadillac has said there would be bluetooth, so can we get some details or at least inform the dealers.

Kevin-
Appreciate your interest! Let's make this the last word on the much-discussed Bluetooth topic. The dealers are being advised of this system this month. There's nothing real complex here: the dealer accessory is a version of the popular "AutoIntelligence" Blue Connect system:(www.autointelligence.com.) Check out the details there, encourage your dealer to do the same, and/or keep their eyes out for more info from Cadillac on it.

Why are the tires on the CTS so narrow and high profile? 235/50-18 summer performance tires seem awfully tame for a full-on sport lux sedan. Lexus, BMW, Audi and Infiniti all offer wider lower profile tires (some staggered width) on their top spec sport supensions. Will there better better wheel choices from the dealer?

Just curious as to why the fuel tank filler door is not on the driver's side, which is really much easier for the driver when filling up.

Hello,
I love the 2008 CTS, and was ready to buy until I found out about the bluetooth problem. I will have to pass and go with Infiniti. What were you folks thinking?