Cadillac Drivers' Log (CTS)

[Flybrian]

Just in case you guys weren't aware (and frankly this slipped under my radar, too), the 2008 CTS team is apparently blogging. Check it out here:

Cadillac Drivers' Log - Test Driving the CTS all over the World

For all you perspective '08 CTS owners, get in on the action now because it seems pretty light in terms of traffic, so I bet you can get your detailed questions answered. Here are a few interesting ones...

AWD:
Yes, AWD will be available on the 2008 CTS right away, as soon as the car goes on sale. We expect to begin shipping cars to dealers in late-summer or early-fall, meaning an August or September timeframe.

Engine/Trans/Driveline Combinations:
Globally, we’ll have three engine choices, a manual or automatic transmission and the choice of RWD or AWD. We strive to offer a lot of desirable choices, but with a degree of simplicity and focus. The only combination that will not be initially offered is AWD with the manual transmission. If there were an unexpected outpouring of interest in that configuration, we could consider adding it . . . but that has not been the case so far.

Bluetooth and other Electronics:
Bluetooth capability will be a dealer-installed accessory for 2008 CTS models. There’s a very simple “pack” that dealers install quickly and easily to enable this capability. We’re investigating a more-comprehensive approach for subsequent years if consumer interest continues to grow in Bluetooth. But the CTS absolutely can support it for 2008. Stay tuned on this front. Cadillac will have some really interesting features to discuss later this summer that will be in the CTS right off the bat.

[BigPontiac]

Emergency Brake:

For 2008, the emergency brake for CTS will be located in the same place as it was in the previous car -- in other words, a pedal. We find many consumers to be really focused on maximizing storage space (for things like cell phones, iPods, sunglasses, drinks, etc.) in the center console area. The ’08 CTS has even more storage and convenience capability in the center console between the seats – including an auxiliary audio port, a USB port, larger and better cupholders -- which we think people will really like. We are continuing to work on another solution altogether for the emergency brake for the future, so this one is a work in progress.

If the focus is on maximizing storage in the center console, why not move the gear shift lever back to the steering column? LAME. What's next, a Corvette with a pump-to-set e-brake?

Cadillac needs to go visit an Infiniti dealer and notice that the G35 has a different console/e-brake setup on the manual trans models vs. the automatic models. Just make the manual trans an extra cost option...and do it right! Different kinds of buyers...

[Z-06]

If the focus is on maximizing storage in the center console, why not move the gear shift lever back to the steering column? LAME. What's next, a Corvette with a pump-to-set e-brake?

Cadillac needs to go visit an Infiniti dealer and notice that the G35 has a different console/e-brake setup on the manual trans models vs. the automatic models. Just make the manual trans an extra cost option...and do it right! Different kinds of buyers...

Yes, that is just stupid thinking. The real problem comes when you use the parking break to put your car in drive for the manual transmission on a hill accent. Wonder how are you going to release the parking break with the left foot still on the clutch!

[Drew Dowdell]

Sorry guys, I've been reading this for a while now. I thought you knew about it.

[CSpec]

It should have an automatic e-brake like the new Passat; you don't roll backwards on hills! The new Corsa has it, so GM clearly has the technology.

Good to hear that Bluetooth is available; I found it really stupid that it wasn't in there. Not everyone wants to use the OnStar phone service, and tons of cellphones have it these days.