2006 Cts Changes

[Bruce Nunnally]

The 2006 CTS builds on Cadillac's century-long tradition of technology and design innovation, and is a modern interpretation of the strikingly beautiful cars that made Cadillac famous. Built on GM's acclaimed Sigma rear-wheel drive architecture, CTS was rigorously tested at the famed Nürburgring racetrack in Germany .

For 2006, the CTS features a new 18-inch Sport Performance Package with 18-inch performance tires and polished nine-spoke wheels; new performance brakes; revised suspension tuning; Xenon HID lamps; StabiliTrak; tire pressure monitoring; and a limited-slip differential.

Also new is an 18-inch Sport Appearance Package that includes all of the features of the 18-inch Performance Package, plus newly designed specific 18-inch wheels; restyled rocker moldings; dual exhaust tips; new front sport grille and a rear spoiler.

For the first time, Driver Shift Control will be standard on all 2006 CTS models with automatic transmission. The shifter has been specifically designed for precise shifter feel and responsive inputs to commanded shifts.

In addition, the CTS is the first GM vehicle with XM NavTraffic – providing continuously updated traffic information in a selected city. The system will come standard in cars equipped with the DVD navigation feature.

This new technology, offered exclusively by XM Satellite Radio, is fully integrated with the vehicle's on-board GPS navigation system to display current information about traffic incidents and average traffic speed along specific roadways. A driver can enter a destination into the navigation system, and then, aided by a color-coded display, obtain instant traffic data on the preferred route. The driver can:

See how fast traffic is moving on the route

See on-screen symbols that identify crashes, construction and road congestion

Choose an alternate route to avoid traffic incidents and reach the destination faster

XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only) provides more than 120 coast-to-coast, digital-quality channels of original commercial-free music and premier news, sports and talk as well as advanced traffic and weather information for select major metropolitan areas nationwide. Consumers can subscribe to the basic service for $12.99 a month. In addition, GM customers with GMAC financing can choose to include the XM subscription in their car payments.

2.8L V-6 VVT engine

As the second-produced variant of GM’s new global V-6 engine family, the 2.8L V-6 VVT engine was d esigned using the latest advanced engineering tools. It is an all-aluminum, 60-degree dual overhead cam, four-valve-per-cylinder design developing 210 horsepower (156 kw) at 6500 rpm and 194 lb.-ft. (263 Nm) of torque at 3200 rpm. Consistent with the 60-degree V-6 design, the engine employs a wide range of advanced technologies, including fully variable valve timing of the intake and exhaust valves and a dual-stage variable intake manifold to deliver outstanding flexibility, fuel economy and emissions control. The 2.8L V-6 comes mated to a new six-speed manual transmission or the Hydra-Matic 5L40-E automatic transmission.

3 .6L V-6 VVT engine

The 3.6L V-6 VVT debuted in the 2004 CTS. In 2005, a new six-speed manual transmission was added to the powertrain lineup. It is an all-aluminum, 60-degree dual overhead cam, four-valves-per-cylinder design. Like the 2.8L V-6, it has fully variable valve timing and a dual-stage variable intake manifold. The 3.6L V-6 develops 255 horsepower (190 kw) at 6200 rpm and 252 lb.-ft. (342 Nm) of torque at 3100 rpm.

Two transmissions

The CTS offers two transmissions. The Aisin six-speed manual transmission is fully synchronized (including reverse), with a single overdrive. This allows for lower propshaft speeds and improved noise, vibration and harshness. The transmission is rated for 400 Nm (295 horsepower) and its unique architecture is such that the gear inertias are lower, resulting in significantly lower shift efforts compared to conventional RWD manual transmissions.

The compact, state-of-the-art 5L40-E automatic transmission features a full complement of advanced electronic control capabilities. These include a shift mode button that allows the driver to select between "sport," "winter" and "economy" modes. Another electronic feature also is a first for GM: engine braking in all five gears, giving the automatic the same sporty feel as a downshifting manual.

Dramatic design

The design team gave CTS a uniquely Cadillac look. Its lean, chiseled body features sheer forms, sharp edges and crisp intersecting lines.

Conventional Cadillac cues, including the grille and exterior lighting, have been updated for the CTS. Cadillac's traditional vertical headlamps and taillamps first appeared in 1965, and CTS refines the tradition. CTS' integrated headlamps convey the high-tech image of optical instruments and high-end camera lenses. Thin and tall, they create more space for the large, louvered grille.

The interior provides all the amenities that luxury customers have come to expect, with the emphasis on comfort and convenience. It uses warm, rich materials to contrast with a sophisticated, high-tech cockpit appearance, balancing the contemporary feel with touches of traditional luxury. Simulated wooden surfaces are used sparingly on the steering wheel, shifter knob and door pulls.

Comprehensive safety and security

CTS has six air bags, including dual-stage frontal air bags for front-seat passengers. Head-curtain side air bags help protect front and outboard rear passengers. It also has Xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) halogen headlamps, StabiliTrak and OnStar.

StabiliTrak assists the vehicle in maintaining the driver’s intended path by applying a brake force at any corner of the vehicle independent of the driver’s use of the brake pedal.

StabiliTrak uses an accelerator pedal position sensor, a brake master cylinder pressure sensor and a steering wheel angle sensor as inputs to interpret the driver’s desired path and whether to accelerate or decelerate the vehicle. StabiliTrak also uses these sensors plus a lateral accelerometer and yaw rate sensor to determine the vehicle’s actual path.

If the difference between the driver’s desired path and the vehicle’s actual path becomes great enough, StabiliTrak automatically takes appropriate action to assist the driver with maintaining the desired path. If the vehicle begins to “snowplow,” or understeer, StabiliTrak applies the inside rear brake to help turn the vehicle. If the vehicle begins to fishtail, or oversteer, StabiliTrak applies the outside front brake to straighten the vehicle. StabiliTrak is integrated with the traction control and anti-lock braking (ABS) systems.

OnStar-equipped CTS models will feature OnStar dual-mode (analog-digital) equipment. OnStar’s digital equipment also includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada . Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Hands-Free Calling that allows drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls using an externally mounted antenna for greater reception.

All 2006 Cadillac owners will receive 12 months of complimentary access to Cadillac Virtual Advisor by OnStar. Cadillac Virtual Advisor service begins at activation of OnStar Hands-Free Calling. Cadillac Virtual Advisor provides three-day weather forecasts and traffic reports within pre-selected ranges of 5, 10 or 15 miles of the vehicle’s location in most major markets. Cadillac Virtual Advisor also monitors traffic for up to three personalized routes and reports information on up to 10 selected stocks on the DJI and NASDAQ markets – all at the touch of a single button.

CTS-V

The CTS-V performance variant provides high-performance driving enthusiasts with a serious, credible alternative to imports in the highly competitive, low-volume luxury performance segment, including the BMW M-Series, Mercedes-Benz AMG Series and Audi S-Series.

The V-Series has been designed to take Cadillac's performance credentials to an entirely new level. With 400 horsepower (298 kw), CTS-V is the most powerful production model Cadillac has ever offered.

Based on Cadillac’s performance-oriented rear-drive Sigma architecture, CTS-V is a highly refined high-performance luxury sedan designed for performance enthusiast drivers.

The CTS-V features a performance-tuned engine and suspension, as well as numerous other modifications, including exterior and interior design changes.

For more information on CTS-V, see the 2006 Product Information Guide V-Series overview release.

[STS Scott]

Hmmm, I'd like to get a look at those new 18 inch wheels. New Cadillac wheels are always exciting, especially when they are are 'bigger'!

[bigjayzway]

For 2006, the CTS features a new 18-inch Sport Performance Package with 18-inch performance tires and polished nine-spoke wheels; new performance brakes; revised suspension tuning; Xenon HID lamps; StabiliTrak; tire pressure monitoring; and a limited-slip differential.

How could you possibly ask for more?

Big Jay

[STS Scott]

For 2006, the CTS features a new 18-inch Sport Performance Package with 18-inch performance tires and polished nine-spoke wheels; new performance brakes; revised suspension tuning; Xenon HID lamps; StabiliTrak; tire pressure monitoring; and a limited-slip differential.

How could you possibly ask for more?

Big Jay

Maybe a couple of cheerleaders to come along in the backseat?

[Bob D]

????

>. With 400 horsepower (298 kw), CTS-V is the most powerful production model Cadillac has ever offered.<

????

From GM's press release:

>2006 STS-V Reaches New Performance Level

Supercharged Northstar boosted to 469-hp

DETROIT, MI - Cadillac's upcoming 2006 STS-V not only enhances the performance of the current STS sedan, it also has eclipsed the goals set during its development. With testing now complete, the STS-V is certified at 469 horsepower, significantly more than the 440 estimated at the car's world debut earlier this year.<

I don't get it.....

[Bruce Nunnally]

I don't get it.....

Now you want the poor people in Cadillac communications to READ all these releases too? Gosh, that's gonna take away from their golf time.

Looks like the CTS-V trailer just got pasted into the CTS article and not updated, yes.

[Bob D]

QUOTE]

Now you want the poor people in Cadillac communications to READ all these releases too? Gosh, that's gonna take away from their golf time.

Oh, I get it...