Cadillac CTS test drive since 2007 sedan
A weighty base
Cadillac CTS. Price: 1 600 000. On sale: since April 2008 It seems that with the advent of this car in our market, many who hitherto believed that cars for drive are able to do only in Europe and Japan, they will have to reconsider their attitude towards the Americans. For this, a weighty base appeared, and his name is Cadillac CTS
Energetic, squat, muscular precisely such epithets revolve in the tongue when you look at the new CTS. Lasteral track, wide wheel arches, a small road clearance, a powerful radiator grille, gangs on the wings, rolling back
standing, slightly upturned food, faceted forms, finally. All this created an image, looking at which you understand: such a descent will not give such a descent on the road. And although Cadillac had never looked subtle before, in this model the designers, in our opinion, surpassed themselves. It is immediately obvious that here it was not only by one computer design and in the car, as they say, they put the soul. In a word, great. However, you are even more imbued with this car when you get into the CTS salon. There is no doubt, this is really Cadillac. Decorative elements of handmade, high -quality materials, modern technologies all this looks perfect. Moreover, the visual analysis of the component does not go to
care with tactile. Everything that you have touched, leaves only pleasant impressions, whether it is a steering wheel or buttons on the central console. It is from it that the digital entertainment system is controlled, which the developers endowed CTS. Its characteristics are so impressive that they can argue with the characteristics of home audio systems. However, the music is not the only horse. Reproduction DVD and navigation system are also included in the circle of its responsibilities. To view films or orientation in space is a VGA display. In the cleaned state, a small part of the screen displays only numerical information, but it is worth pressing the corresponding key, as the screen moves out of the panel and turns into a full 8 -inch sensor monitor. Conveniently, you can’t say anything. 
It is also convenient that almost everything in the cabin is driven exclusively by servo drives. Starting with the adjustment of the steering wheel and ending with the back of the back of the seat in the lumbar region. The seats themselves can also be called quite convenient, and if we recall that they are equipped not only with heating, but also in ventilation, then comfortable. Nevertheless, comfort and luxury, no matter how strange it may sound, for us in CTS were not the main ones. Driving characteristics, this is what interests us the most. I really wanted to check how much Cadillac masters managed to bring their creation to famous European handling brands. In the end, it was not for nothing that the suspension was set up on the famous Nürburgring ring. So, the front suspension is equipped with a new
the reptile stabilizer, which increases the transverse rigidity of the car and improves handling. No, the Americans do not drive like that! Yes, they just don't know how to ride like that! Where is the famous longitudinal swing? Where did nods and squats go when braking and starting? Why does the machine react with lightning speed even to a slight turn of the steering wheel? Why doesn’t the food try to run forward of the nose when turning? Where is all that we are used to for many years of communication with cars from the New World? No, Cadillac is not the same now. This is a fundamentally different machine with habits and settings inherent exclusively to European models. From an American, only a 300 hp engine remained here. and a volume of 3.6 liters. And he has already acquired direct injection, in connection with which fuel consumption with this
the volume does not go too much beyond decency. As a base, a 2.8 -liter engine is proposed, a capacity of 210 hp. and torque 262 Nm at 3600 min-1. And also, like many European models, this sedan can not only be a rear -wheel drive there is a version with all -wheel drive, which at times improves not only dynamic characteristics, but also active security. Competitiveness also increases significantly. Cadillac CTS should not have problems with her.
Audiophile The new CTS is able to please all lovers of music: IPod fans, listening to music in MP3 format, and fans of CDs, and sophisticated audiophiles. Musical compositions can be stored on a built -in drive, on a hard drive with a capacity of 40 gigabytes. The drive is also equipped with the function of recording radio programs. In addition, it is possible to record music files on a hard drive from CDs. The hard drive has installed software for the production of a world leader in the field of Graceenote entertainment systems; This software can recognize the lists and names of files, read information about musical genres and artists recorded on reproduced CDs.
Driving The behavior of the car on the road can be recognized as impeccable. CTS is especially good on the highway. He feels good in the city. And the dynamics is completely stunning. Builds that the suspension imprisoned under the dynamics remained quite comfortable for passengers.
Salon
Not as spacious as it could be, but this does not mean that it is crowded.
Comfort At a very high level. Great sound insulation, comfortable seats, impeccable audio system. And the abundance of servo drives. What else is needed?
Safety
6 airbags. The system of dynamic stabilization. Traction control system. Pedestrian security systems.
Price
Small, however, given the rich basic package, we can safely say that it is quite adequate.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Excellent dynamics, exceptional handling, magnificent brakes, high levels of equipment, high -quality sound insulation.
- High price, insignificant clearance.
Specifications Mark and model - Cadillac CTS4
Dimensions - 4569/1853/1674 mm
Engine - gasoline, 3564 cm3, 307 hp/6400 min -1
Transmission - automatic, 6 -speed
Dynamics - max 225 km/h; 6.7 s to 100 km/h
Competitors - BMW 535, Audi A6 3.2
Our opinion
For a long time, large cars from America were associated with us only with luxury. Cup holders, coffee makers, leather sofas and all that. As for handling, stability, drive, it was not their skate. But, it seems, with the advent of Cadillac CTS, many will have to significantly revise their attitude to cars from behind the ocean. There really is a reason for this.
Author: Oleg Kalaushin
Photo: Igor Kuznetsov
Source: Magazine 5 wheel [April 2008]
