The Cadillac STS

The Cadillac STS saloon is the flagship of the Cadillac UK range. Following the introduction of the 2008 STS, all Cadillac saloons are now right hand drive. With its Cadillac-signature styling and choice of powerful V6 or V8 engines, the STS is the product of unwavering attention to detail, resulting in refined performance, sophisticated luxury and purposeful innovation.

The exterior of STS declares that it is every inch a contemporary Cadillac.  Design cues include vertically stacked headlamps and light-emitting diode (LED) tail lamps, LED high-mounted centre brake light, horizontal ‘spline lines’ and the dihedral-shaped bonnet.  With an overall length of almost five metres and a wheelbase of almost three metres, the STS has an imposing road-presence and a premium appointed interior that can accommodate five adults in luxurious comfort.

The Cadillac STS is the largest saloon built on GM’s Sigma platform which also forms the foundation of the Cadillac CTS luxury sports saloon, CTS V-Series high-performance saloon and SRX luxury performance crossover.

For 2008, Cadillac STS prices start at £33,995 (on-the-road) and there is a single equipment/trim level called ‘Sport Luxury’.  Premium quality materials, fixtures and fittings are used throughout.  African Sapele Pommele wood accents are featured on the steering wheel, gear selector, centre console, instrument panel and door trims.  Dual-firmness foam, leather covered seats are specially tanned for a softer feel.  Natural grained surfaces on the doors and instrument panel ensure an inviting, tactile feel, as do the headliner and interior pillar trims, which are soft backed and covered with Monaco woven fabric.

In the UK, the Cadillac STS is available with a choice of powerful quad-cam V6 or V8 petrol engines incorporating variable valve timing (VVT), which brings increased efficiency, with benefits in fuel economy, reduced emissions and engine flexibility.  These powerunits are mated to Cadillac’s widely acclaimed Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission as standard.

Thanks to its compact design and excellent power-to-weight ratio, Cadillac’s Northstar all-aluminium engine family has acquired legendary status.  The 4.6-litre capacity, 90-degree V8 unit fitted under the bonnet of the £39,995 STS punches out 330 ps at 6400 rpm and 427 Nm of torque at 4400 rpm.  This abundance of power and torque translates into an exhilarating driving experience, with the charge to 60 mph completed in just 6.2 seconds.  The STS’s top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.