New Cadillac sedan is proof of hard lessons GM’s learned

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The new CTS is efficient, striking and powerful.

Cadillac is a name full of history. It was the pride and joy of General Motors before years of mismanagement and lost sales turned what was once the world’s largest carmaker on its head. It was merely the final insult when so many cars bearing this quintessential American luxury “bigger-is-better” name were junked under the U.S. government’s cash-for-clunkers program.

The shock of the last few years obviously signaled the need for a new direction and philosophy at Cadillac, something other that just big luxury battleships, something efficient. The 2010 Cadillac CTS 3.0 that I tested recently provided a glimpse of that ongoing transformation.

When it was released in November last year, the 2010 Cadillac CTS 3.0 boasted the second-highest fuel efficiency among cars in its class being sold in Korea. It got 9.4 kilometers per liter (22 miles per gallon), second only to the Lexus ES350’s 9.8 kilometers per liter.

The Cadillac’s signature design, reminiscent of a spaceship or stealth fighter, is still the same in the CTS 3.0. Its straight lines conjure up a state-of-the-art image. The wide chrome grille between four rectangular headlamps adds to the dynamism of the vehicle. The number of imported cars is ever-increasing here, but during my test drive, the exotic look of the Cadillac CTS 3.0 still drew the attention of many pedestrians and other drivers.
 
Indeed, the luxurious air of the vehicle earned it a spot on several soap operas, almost always populated by fantastically wealthy characters. For example, Koo Jun-pyo, one of the four rich handsome boys in “Boys Over Flowers,” a KBS soap opera, drove the car.

And actually, the price tag is reasonable, compared to other luxury imports.

The 2010 CTS 3.0 Luxury, the cheaper model, goes for 47.8 million won ($38,400), compared to the Lexus ES 350’s 60 million won range. The 40 million won bracket is home instead to the BMW Mini Cooper JCW or Volkswagen Golf or Passat. The 2010 CTS 3.0 Performance, on the other hand, is priced at 56.6 million won.

The car promises 275 horsepower, the strongest among automobiles with engines between 3,000 and 4,000 cubic centimeters.  To test drive a CTS call or click www.BradshawGreer.com  In Greer SC.  We have the complete line 2010 Cadillac  in stock.  We can also help you with GMC Chevrolet and Buick.  864-879-7111.
By Moon Gwang-lip