I,m waiting to order my new CTS love the car my only concern is Sirius radio, will it be incorporated into the info screen? will there be a downloaded upgrade? hurry so I can get my order in .

bluebaby

Well I'm not sure if this is a testing and development question, so feel free not to answer but about that bluetooth pack...any info on it? The car is at dealerships and I'm personally awaiting mine to be delivered, so is that bluetooth pack still in the works, is it cancelled, or any update on it in general?

Are you building the CTS now with manual transmissions or are there still delays? Will the AWD be offered in a manual transmission? Thanks.

I'm curious if you can point out a few elements of the current production car that we're now driving that was changed during your testing. Can you describe a part or a feature of the car that you observed some problem with, what it was, and ultimately what the fix was that led to the current production version?

We just ordered a 2008 CTS with Premium package, summer perf tires, and compact spare. We were told it would take 8 weeks to build. Is that true, and why?

How do your testing and developing procedures compare to Mercedes and BMW? Have you found any interesting differences? Have they adopted any of your practices over the years or vice-a-versa? I just checked out a '08 CTS and loved it, a true work of art if you ask me. I loved everything but the way the exterior door handles felt. Just like on the STS they felt flimsy and hollow and if your hand slips of them they snap back with a cheap plastic thud sound. Considering this is where someone first interacts with the car I feel it would be worth you guys getting on Magna's case or whoever is making them and tell them to kick them up a notch. The multi color tinsel stringers hanging all over the Cadillac dealership here in No. California wasn't appropriate either, made the BMW/MB dealers down the street look and feel more upscale and sophisticated, (and the Cad dealer just did a total remodel!) The car already is a hit regardless though and will be for years to come so congratulations and a job well done.

Earlier this year you posted pictures of testing in the snow. With so many people ordering the AWD option, can you shed any light on traction in the snow with AWD using all season tires versus snow tires? If my CTS had AWD, I'd be curious if I'd need to get snow tires, or would the all season tires plus AWD get me through the snow. Thanks.

I always enjoy reading up about the CTS on this site when new posts are available. One thing I'd wish to see is that the images posted could be higher-resolution. You guys have some interesting images (such as the image of the cutaway CTS), but it's too bad that they're so small. Is there a way (like many other blogs) that you could have a smaller image for the post and when you click on it, get a higher-resolution version?

We all know that the CTS-V is currently in development. Questions are many. Is it going to have a huffer? Will there be an available automatic? AWD? Will it be a hardcore enthusiast's ride or a power cruiser? What about the coupe that was leaked in the UAW contract?

Please, please make a spare tire standard. I have a new '08 CTS (3.6DI, AWD, all the toys but no optional spare) and got a flat tire this weekend. The sidewall was punctured, so the patch kit was useless. This is the first time in 20 years that I have not owned an Audi and until I saw that flat, I had no regrets....

Are you working on developing adaptive cruise control for the CTS? And what about a backup camera.

What has been the experience of the testers with the translucent moon roof cover? Especially during SouthWest Summer driving?

Congrats on the rollout of the new CTS! With the UAW contract leaking the delivery date of the CTS coupe and wagon for 2009, could we expect to hear more about these products before their release? Or must we wait at least until the auto show circuit gets underway in '08?

Kudos for your "Drivers' Log" postings. This has been a great source of insight into the development of the CTS, a car which is on my short list of cars to purchase.

Question: As is required for successful penetration of the Chinese luxury car market, as well as in Europe and North America, rear passenger compartment amenities that virtually mirror those available to front seat passengers is requisite to fully compete in this space. Unlike the competing vehicles in this size category (E-Class, 5 series, A-6, Avalon, Lexus ES & GS, etc.), the 08 CTS does not appear to offer sunshades for the rear compartment windows, heated rear seats, or other similar amenities.

In that my 2000 CTS offers the former (rear sunshades), and my 2002 STS offers the latter (rear seat heaters), why is the 08 CTS being handicapped for US, Chinese, and European market sales by the exclusion of these and other similar rear passenger compartment luxury segment features?

I am purchasing a four door / four seat sedan for transporting four passengers in comfort. This parsimonious approach is forcing me towards the purchase of a competing product, in spite of my enthusiastic inclination to the contrary.

Well, I've asked this twice with no answer so maybe it can be answered here. I see in the night pictures a lot of white and blue light coming from the dash. It should be red so it doesn't destroy your night vision.

Is it possible without spending a $1000 in labor charges to remove the dash and replace the white and blue lights with red bulbs? Are there red bulbs available that will work.

I found a CTS that I am trying to buy. It has everything I want except the wood trim packages. Can I order those and install them myself?

Noel McGaughey

I just recently purchased an '08 CTS. I greatly appreciate the engineering behind the development of this car. Job well done! But I do have suggestions for improvements. 1) Add a grab handle over the front passenger door. 2) Provide a remote release for the fuel door. 3) Add a back-up camera for the NAV system. 4) provide an optional, completely opaque sunroof screen. 5) Make the performance breaks an option for the all-weather performance package. 6) Provide a heads-up display. 7) Provide a Bluetooth option for all of those wanting it. (Enough already!)

I look forward to your testing blog for the next CTS-V and CTS Coupe.

How did you test the 3 suspension (FE1 thru 3) for the CTS? I would think you would want measruable and seat of the pants better handling from FE1 to FE2 and to FE3. And not too much sacrifice in ride comfort as you move up to FE2 and then FE3. What objective and subjective measurements did you use? We're the tires already chosen or did you have input to tire choice while testing?

When will you start posting about development of the next CTS-V? I have looked at the new CTS and love it, but I think I would love the V that much more... thanks.

I am very curious about 2009 CTS-V development and would like some more info on how that is going. Another question I have has to do with complaints on www.cadillacforums.com about the 2008 CTS having a vibration problems. Wondering if you guys noticed some cars with this in your testing? One poster on that forum has test driven 13 cars and claims he can notice some vibration in EVERY car he has test driven. Quite a few others have admitted to having some vibration issues after buying the car also. Just wondering if this was noticed and addressed at all during testing or if it is more than likely a full scale production issue??

I recognize that this may reflect poor social adjustment on my part, but no car will ever sit in my garage with a right side gas filler. Both the CTS and DTS suffer this shortcomming, as well as other GM products that I would otherwise consider. Since most cars on earth are left hand drive, I just don't understand why this issue exists. Is there a reason for this?

I like Nextone's suggestions and I would like to see the following: 1) Coupe version to have a convertible option 2) Paddle shifters on all models, after driving an M3 I will not buy one without 3)
redo the STS and DTS like you did the CTS

Will the AWD and manual 6 speed ever be offered together with the DI engine? I rented a CTS this past week to try before I buy and found the front seat bottom to be too short for my 6 foot frame, offering too little thigh support. Are either of these issues being addressed? Is there any news on the 2dr coupe?

Are the CTS engines equipped to run on E85 Gasahol?

I would like to hear about the development of the car. Were there vibration issues during development? I've read in another forum that people are having vibration issues and was just wondering why they have never been addressed on here? This sounds like a very major problem and I'm sure the public would like more information on it.

Ok,
I just picked up a new 08 CTS in Red, so here we go.
First mine did not have the wood trim option. Can I add the wood trim option for the dash and doors and if so what is the part number for the kit.

Loading CDs to the hard drive is a real chore and then you have to add the songs, one at a time to a play list that you cannot name. Phooey, you can do better than that. I should be able to name the play list and I should be able to upload a cd directly to a play list.

Sound quality is excellent. Volume seems a little low and this is the Boise big system. Needs a bigger amp.

If you are going to insist on having a manual the size of a phone book then have one available in 8 1/2 X 11, size 14 Font, with line and 1.2 spacing and big margins for notes.

The nav system scared me to death. I'm driving home and all of a sudden some woman says caution, the lane you're in is ending, merge right."

Wow, how did it know that. I knew it but non the less it impressed me. Haven't gotton to that manuel yet. I'm only on chapter three. I had to break "man rule No. 5". Never read the instructions.

Let's see what do we have here. Don't do rapid accelerations when new. Ah ohh, you mean like when I left the dealership.
Don't drive over 70 when new, Ah ohh, but the speed on I-10 west is 85, gotta keep up with traffic. :-):-):-)

So far so good. It's a beautiful car, even thou the lights in the dash should be REDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!

I leased it so I could get rid of it just in time to get a CTS-V coupe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This car is very quiet at 110, errrrr I mean 70. LOL
I couldn't get it up any higher going home, bad traffic. :-)

Noel
"Dirve it like you stole it!!!"

Will this car have better reliability than the current generation Cadillac's?. Most of those scored well below average in CR's latest annual survey. Cadillac owners pay a premium - don't they deserve to get what they pay for, with the best quality, performance, technology and long-term reliability as a given? Do your engineers design the parts to a higher standard with Cadillac, and are the designers and buyers given more latitude as compared to say a Malibu which is all about cheap? These reliability numbers seem to prove otherwise. Standard of the World - what exactly is that except for 4 words? Sorry for all the questions, but these deserve to be answered, if only for your own sake.

I would like to see a twin turbo LS7 small-block setup for the new 2009 CTS-V. Lingenfelter Performance Engineering has performed this task very successfully over many years and it’s time to see this in the upcoming LS small-block engines from the factory with “GM 100,000-mile/5-year transferable powertrain limited warranty”

What happens to the test cars when the testing is done?

I think its time that Cadillac "officially" comment on the lack of Bluetooth and what the plan is to correct it. I've heard all 2009 Cadillacs will be equipped with Bluetooth. But what about 2008 CTS's? Will there be an aftermarket product available to make Bluetooth a possibility for everyone who supported this new model early, or will they be left out in the dark???

We're anxious to see your answers.

Yes, definitely. I agree with the need to hear about the solution for Bluetooth. I ordered a 2008 in May before production began based on information given out at the auto shows that Bluetooth would be included on the car. Now I've been driving it two months and cant get a straight answer if I'll EVER be able to add it. And full details would be good. How will it work? What level of integration with the audio system? Will it look factory installed, etc????

Ok....If you haven't already heard it, what's the news (if any) on SIDI injection for the new V8's? I don't have one (DI 3.6, that is) but am an AVID Cadillac fan. I have a dark green 1993 STS that has only 120K on the clock, and still looks better than most sport sedans. Runs like stink, too. I also teach GM ASEP and love to have future info for my students. So, any info for that SIDI V8 would be eagerly shared. Thanks.

And one more request: Add selective magnetic ride control as a suspension option.

Is it too early to starting pleading for information on the CTS coupe? Can you talk about any changes that we can expect (other than 2 less doors!)

BTW, thanks for what you guys do.

I would like to see some information (additional high-res photos) on CTS Sport that is shown in 2007 SEMA Show in cadillac.gmblogs.com site.
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/30/sema-2007-cadillac-cts-sport-concept-live-shots/
The only thing missing is the LS7 engine with the APS twin-turbo kit factory installed option with “GM 100,000-mile/5-year transferable powertrain limited warranty”
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/03/sema-2007-spotlight-aps-c6-zo6-ls7-twin-turbo-kit/
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/aps-c6zo6-ls7-twin-turbo-kit/

I am a Cadillac Salesman and I can tell you that there should be many more things standard and easier to order.

One more thing that has been asked before.. BLUETOOTH.. you need to integrate bluetooth on all cadillacs.. its a must feature that EVERYONE has asked for when buying the car.

The CTS-V looks amazing! I'm saving as I type. One question. Are the wheels(Pontiac G8 concept) production or were they used just for testing purposes(size)?

I talked to a dealer two weeks agoa nd he said they got a letter form Cadilac that Blue Connect was going to be availabel soon but didn't know when. How about a response from Cadilac?

Will the MY09 models have the new diagnostics key fob?

I just got my loaded CTS and want to thank you for perfection minus 1. The car is perfection with one exception the bluetooth! There is nothing other then this that the CTS needs at this point. Any hope on getting a mulligan on the Blue tooth? I promise to never say a bad word to anyone about the best car ever made! And comming from a guy that has owned everything and could buy anything you did a great job, even my wife who hates all cars except her Tahoe loves this CTS and made me buy it... PS tell Bob (Mr. Lutz) that he should never retire..... EVER!

I am a new 08 CTS4 3.6 DI owner and had a question about the octane requirements of this engine. The manual says 87 octane (VIN Code "V") which seems counterintuitive for such a high compression engine (11.3:1.) If this octane level is indeed optimum what specific design features of the engine allow this without retarding the spark.

Hello, When will Cadillac start using Carbon Fiber to build body frames? The cost of Carbon Fiber has dropped considerably with quote(s) of less then $4.00 per lb. Also, with the gas market crazy and increase interest in “crossover cars” you would think the lighter weight of Carbon Fiber frames would not only increase the fuel efficiency, but also increase the 0-60mph factors. Not to mention that Carbon Fiber frames can be at least 5X stronger then steel.
The new Provoq looks great and I can’t wait to get my hands on one. I have been waiting for something like this. I have been driving Cadillac sense day one and I just hope they plan on making the right move to Carbon Fiber before the rest of the pack.

I'm not going to mention sunshades or controls you cant see behind the turn signals because its been said 1000 times and I know your aware of it. My question comes from my AWD model at a complete stop with my wheel turned all the way left or right. The car seems a bit rough and choppy until I straighten out the wheel, very similar to my 4 wheel drive Chevy Suburban. Is this natural or should I have it looked at.