Anybody who looks at a CTS knows it is a car that is the result of a lot of design and styling work. That means we have a lot of partnership with the designers. Dramatic design is a huge part of any Cadillac.
A perfect example is the 2008 car's track width. The design studio wanted to go a little wider, to get that great stance and proportion. But that has a huge impact on us - so there was a lot of collaboration on that in the early days of development. The good news was that a little more track width was great for what we wanted to do in terms of driving dynamics. This was a win-win, and a big milestone if the development of the new car.
For more on the design side of things, John Manoogian, director of design for Cadillac exteriors (and a guy we worked with a lot!) has posted a discussion about the design of the '08 CTS on FastLane.
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Comments
Why does my 2008 CTS not have the wood grain gear shift?
Posted by: Phyllis Wall | September 21, 2007 2:43 AM
First name basis with the owner of my local GM dealer and he knows I love Cadillacs so he emailed me and said they've had a new CTS out on the lot for show. I'm on my way to look and maybe testdrive??
Posted by: Fredrick Donut | September 23, 2007 1:25 PM
Phyllis - The reason is we offer the Sapele wood trim in 2 ways. The first method is on the instrument panel and door trim. The second level adds it to the shifter and steering wheel. Two levels, in other words.
Posted by: editor | September 24, 2007 3:57 PM
Dear Editors,
Is there future consideration for AWD/DI to be offered with a 6 speed manual? I do have some winter driving to contend with, and would prefer the AWD option. But, my very strong preference is to also have a manual transmission. I really enjoy shifting, and clutchless paddle shifters (as have been rumored to be in the works) just don't do it for me.
BMW offers the 3 series (both coupe and sedan) that meets my preferences, but I'd really rather buy the CTS. I will wait with my vehicle purchase if I know that this build combination is coming for the CTS - maybe MY'09? Should I wait? Will you have a car for me? Will the coupe be offered this way? Please?
Posted by: John Mankiewicz | September 25, 2007 10:37 AM
The reason is that there is a constraint on the wood steering wheels and shift knobs because the supplier is out. Mine didn't come with them either.
My car is awesome though, I love it!!!
Only thing that Cadillac forgot was the auto-dimming side mirrors, not sure why they didn't carry over from last year? Once you have them, you can't live without them.
Posted by: Mark Zurales | September 27, 2007 2:04 PM
I'll tell you why - cost reductions. Even Cadillac isn't above the beancounter driven mentality at GM. Auto dimming anything costs more, and they thought you were too stupid to notice. Someday maybe they will grow up and listen to the customers that buy their cars, instead of the beancounters and engineers that only care about cost. It is quite pathetic.
Posted by: Jason Pitts | September 29, 2007 1:07 AM
The auto-dimming side view mirrors would have been nice. Cadillac should offer paint-protection film as a dealer-installed option as well.
Posted by: Brian A Ruffin | October 1, 2007 6:21 PM
Jason, until you succeed in the auto business by giving customers exactly what they want AND keep the price down, I'm not taking what you said seriously. Cadillac's not the only one. EVERY automotive car company does this. If there was ever one who didn't, they wouldn't be around for more than a year if even that. The concept is simple, but execution is next to impossible. I honestly can't stand when people think like this.
Most cars are worth less than the sum of their parts already. Asking more is just stupid.
Posted by: KLint | October 2, 2007 5:40 PM
Klint:
I think GM and Cadillac are doing a fine job. I look at BMW and MB and then look at the CTS and smile. Cadillac is better. The CTS is better. Go sit in the new CTS with a 6 speed and 305 HP. It is the best.
Posted by: Ames Tiedeman | October 5, 2007 12:40 PM
The CTS changes everything. Watch out BMW!
Posted by: Ames Tiedeman | October 6, 2007 12:34 PM
I yell and scream until people realize how good the new CTS is. I just drove the thing. 2008, silver! I am buying GM stock now too. GM is back. All of their divisions look great. I predict the CTS kills the BMW 3 series and the small MB. GM is back. Good work!
Posted by: Ames Tiedeman | October 6, 2007 1:37 PM
I really am disappointed that it does not have the auto-dimming side mirrors. That is a must in my next car, since at night other car headlights really bother my eyes. Why can't it even be an option?? I am going to assume that the mirrors don't tilt down when put in reverse either :( I don't want to buy a different Brand but.. :(
Posted by: AV99GT | October 18, 2007 5:51 PM
Why does it take 8 weeks to get a CTS once it is ordered? Thank you
Posted by: Z064ever | October 20, 2007 9:09 AM
GM boys did a great job transforming the original CTS to this 2008 version. Most of the fit & finishes are great, and the power from 3.6L DI is fantastic. CTS could lose a bit of weight, but as a everyday vehicle, this beats many of the lux cars from JP/DE. I agree with Ames about the auto-dimming side mirrors (likes the ones available on Audi), but I think I just have to live without it. I am definitely switching from Audi to the new CTS. I just have to save a few $$$ for some of the neat options. Good job GM!!
Posted by: powerhungry | November 5, 2007 11:16 AM
I visited a GM lot last week. Very impressive!
Regards,
Ames
Posted by: Ames Tiedeman | December 30, 2007 4:45 PM
yup, and the CTS-V beat Audi RS4 on Top Gear!!!! Jeremy Clarkson loves it!
Posted by: ghent the car king | January 6, 2008 1:29 PM