We talked to the Cadillac’s Communication Manager, David Caldwell who set some things straight and let us in on some interesting info. Among other efforts to appeal to the BMW and Mercedes drivers of America, Cadillac created the CTS to compete with the 5 series at a 3 series price. (Many refer to it as a 4, how witty).
For driving quality, it may do just that. In terms of design, Cadillac needs to step up to the plate. I questioned the shiny lining all over the interior of the car. Couldn’t they have done a more matte finish like in many of the European cars I’ve seen? Mr.Caldwell assured me that people actually buy the car for small details like this. “People want to know they are in a Cadillac and the “bling-bling” of the CTS is what people love,” he said. But, the cheesy blingyness of the Cadillac is probably why sales have skipped an entire generation of people in their 30’s and 40’s. Maybe we’d see more Cadillacs around if they toned back on the blings a bit.
Mr.Caldwell also informed us that there’s discussion for Cadillac to design a version of the CTS that’s comparable in size with the BMW 3 series. Hopefully, they’ll work on a sleeker design in the future. It may provide a bridge for the generation gap Cadillac is experiencing and maybe even allow it steal away some BMW fans.
Overall, the CTS provided me with a respectable and fun ride and a blinding shine from all the chrome.
Somewhere in-between the two girls you see in the picture above is the 2008 Cadillac CTS dressed in “D3’s” new performance exterior package. The American based tuning firm that specializes on Caddys, offers a full bodykit that includes front and rear lips, a new stainless steel wire-mesh grille, side skirts, a rear deck lid spoiler and a rear roof spoiler. D3 supports that the exterior enhancements on the 2008 CTS are fully functional improving the Cadillac’s aerodynamics. Full image gallery –with and without the gals – after the jump.
