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2004 Cadillac CTS
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| Bold, upright, and distinctly Cadillac |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:25:46 |
| Rating |
 61 ( -6 -9.83% ) | | Author | Sue Mead |
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Description:
2004 Cadillac CTS - V6
Writer's Notes
2004 Cadillac CTS Specifications
Base price: $32,500 (estimated)
Engine: 3.2-liter V6 (220 hp @6,000 rpm, 220 lb.-ft. @3,400 rpm) or 3.6-liter V6 (255 hp @6,200 rpm (estimated), 252 lb.-ft. @3,200 rpm (estimated))
Transmission: 5-speed electronically controlled automatic with lockup torque converter or 5-speed manual with mechanical shift linkage
Wheelbase: 113.4 in.
Length: 190.1 in.
Width: 70.6 in.
Height: 56.7 in.
Head/hip/legroom: front: 38.9/53.8/42.4 in.; rear: 36.9/53.5/37 in.
Curb weight, lbs.: 3.2-liter manual: 3568; 3.6-liter automatic: 3694
Fuel economy: 18 city/26 highway/22 combined mpg
Safety equipment: Dual-stage frontal airbags and head-curtain side airbags; ABS; four-wheel disc brakes; OnStar; StabiliTrak stability control (optional)
5 questions about the 2004 Cadillac CTS - V6
What is the CTS and how many vehicles were sold in 2002? The Cadillac CTS is mid-sized, rear-drive luxury sedan and was the first North American vehicle to be rigorously tested at the famed Nürburgring in Germany. CTS sales were strong in 2002, at 37,976, well ahead of the 30,000 units projected.
What's new for 2004 on the CTS? All-new 3.6L V-6 VVT (variable valve timing) engine with dual outlet performance exhaust (comes with automatic transmission only); retuned base suspension with new shocks and shock mounts; Sport Package now available across the lineup; interior refinements, including body-colored center armrest and color-keyed center console, instrument cluster temperature gauge and bright white lighting, chrome accents on ashtray; and power adjustable lumbar support with power seat (optional). Also new is a 2004 CTS-V high performance version available in the fall of '03.
What is the CTS made of? Built on GM's "Sigma architecture, the CTS is the first use of ultra high-strength steel at The General, and the first time the steel has been incorporated as a welded member of the structure. In the past, ultra high-strength steel was limited to applications such as bumpers, where bolts were used for attachment. Ultra high-strength steel permits the use of thinner, lighter steel, which reduces mass yet still allows the right degree of energy absorption, while reducing intrusion into the passenger compartment in an accident.
How does it handle? The newest CTS combines great power, strong brakes and linear steering. Its suspension is soft, yet plenty compliant, and it benefits from GM's astute StabiliTrak chassis and traction control system. Its best feature is its modern, edgy styling married to some traditional Cadillac design cues. While it will appeal to Boomers and grandparents, its still suffers an image problem with younger buyers.
What are the safety features of the CTS? CTS has six air bags, including dual-stage frontal air bags and head-curtain side air bags to help protect front and outboard rear passengers. This luxury sedan also has Xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) halogen headlamps, OnStar and StabiliTrak, along with several other safety and security features.
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Autobytel Inc. operates the popular automotive websites Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com, and Autosite.com.
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American health club attendance is on the rise-and, Cadillac has a family membership. The 2004 CTS is one of several newly introduced Caddys sculpted with an impressive athletic physique. Designed to be like a marathon runner's body, the sheetmetal of the CTS combines simplicity and boldness with beauty. For 2004, Cadillac gives the CTS a new engine and a reworked suspension, along with exterior and interior upgrades, and a Sport Package across the model line.
Marked by crisp yet subtle lines, the dynamic exterior shifts effortlessly from one plane to the next. The wheel-wells flare slightly, the nose points sharply, and the hood slopes down before climbing onto the fenders. Horizontal door accents neatly intersect with the vertical fender seams, while oversize C-pillars in the rear glide into short quarter panels. Keeping up with the CTS's theme of an active lifestyle are updated tall headlights and taillights that appear to stand on end, a design cue that actually first appeared in 1965. The signal and driving light combos are also in an over-under orientation. Also updated is the large, egg-crate-like louvered grille, a Cadillac feature that harkens back to 1930.
The luxurious interior stays cool
Once inside, there is the luxury accent of wood grain on the shifter, steering wheel, and door pulls. The remaining interior features are finished in a pleasant blend of grey, silver, and white, creating a high-tech, computer-like dashboard facade. For 2004, the CTS gets a color-keyed center console and a center armrest matching the exterior body color. Also new are a temperature gauge and white lighting in the cluster. Adjacent to the large speedometer is a tachometer whose 2004 duty is even more imperative - this athlete plans to run harder than ever.
Aerobic exercise pays off
Nestled under the hood of the CTS is an optional 3.6-liter V6 engine. This all-new for '04 aluminum block powerplant aims for both performance and sophistication. The intake and exhaust valves enjoy fully variable valve timing, and help the engine boost fuel economy, reduce emissions, and achieve greater flexibility. Producing an estimated 255-hp. at 6200-rpm, the new V6 achieves 35 more horses than last year's 3.2-liter engine. Torque climbs to 252-lb.-ft., an increase of 32-lb.-ft.
Several features have been employed to reduce engine chatter, including isolated cam covers (reducing vibration from combustion), damping plates in the engine front cover, polymer-coated piston skirts, and two holes in the PCV valve (reducing 'hiss'). For now, the new engine is paired only with the Hydra-Matic 5L40-E 5-speed automatic transmission, the same unit that mediates driveline activity of the BMW 5-series and X5. This tranny accommodates the new V6 with electronic features, including engine braking in every gear and 'economy,' 'sport,' and 'winter' modes. Shift patterns adjust to road and driver inputs, engine torque is managed during shifts, and the auto/stick shifter provides powertrain protection. The 5L40-E will hold a gear through a corner if it senses high-performance driving, even without pressure on the accelerator.
The Caddy's feet get softer shoes for 2004, as new shocks and shock mounts provide comfort without sacrificing performance.
For the driver with the anxious left foot the '04 CTS is available with a Getrag 5-speed manual transmission, but only with the 220-hp. 3.2-liter V6 that debuted last year. This longitudinally mounted engine uses a 54-degree cylinder bank in an effort to conserve space, and features a forged steel crankshaft, aluminum cylinder heads, and a drive-by-wire throttle system. Compared to its 3-liter predecessor, the unit enjoys better lubrication, cooling, and higher fuel pressure delivery. Look for a new 6-speed manual to back the 3.6-liter engine in mid-2004.
Strengthened bone density
Ultra high-strength steel stiffens the rear-drive chassis and allows for a reduction of mass while retaining energy absorption properties. Customers have the option of the Standard/Luxury or a Sport suspension package, and for 2004 the Sport package is available throughout the CTS lineup. Both suspensions use multi-link independent rear setups, full-range traction control, and ABS brakes. The Sport Package offers load-leveling rear shocks, front Stabilitrak stability control, and larger 17-in. wheels with 225/50VR17 tires. The Standard/Luxury package rides on 16-inchers and 225/55HR16 rubber. The Caddy's feet get softer shoes for 2004, as new shocks and shock mounts provide comfort without sacrificing performance. Likely competitors to the RWD CTS are the BMW 3-series, Mercedes C-class, and Lincoln LS.
An effort to reduce injury
Standard on the CTS is a 6-airbag system using dual-stage frontal airbags and side-curtain units to protect against head injury. Other safety features include Xenon high discharge headlamps and OnStar emergency protection.
The next time a 2004 CTS jogs by you on the highway, take another look at those bold, upright, and distinctly Cadillac taillights that suggest previous DeVilles. Maybe Caddy's been hiding some athleticism all along.
--Photos Courtesy of Cadillac North America
--Story by Sue Mead
Sue Mead works as a photojournalist and features writer for more than two dozen publications. She has written for Parade, Popular Science, Open Road, the Road & Track Buyers Guide, Men's Journal, Popular Mechanics and Diversion and she has worked as an auto editor for CNN/fn. Sue has co-driven in two of the world's toughest off-road races, the Baja 1000 and the Paris-Dakar Raid. She attended four Camel Trophy adventures for Land Rover North America and has participated in several long-distance adventure drives. She recently completed her first book, "Monster Trucks and Tractors" published by Chelsea House. Sue lives in New England. |
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