Another one out of the ballpark:

Cadillac continues to redefine their image by adding heavy hitters to their lineup. There’s the elegant titan, the Escalade, which weighs in at 5,554 pounds; the rocket-on-wheels, the XLR, which clocks 0-60 mph in 5.8 sec.; and now the all-new luxury performance sedan: the 2005 Cadillac STS.

The Cadillac STS’ highlights include Tuscany leather seats, eucalyptus wood and aluminum trim, Keyless Access with push button start, Adaptive Remote Start, advanced navigation, OnStar, Bluetooth capability, advanced voice recognition and Bose surround-sound system with 15 speakers and integrated six-disc CD/DVD changer with DVD-A, CD and MP3 capability.

Under the hood
As with most vehicles whose description includes the words “luxury” and “performance,” what’s under the hood is just as important as the soft upholstery and interior ambiance.

For the STS, there are two engines from which to choose: The 255-horsepower 3.6L V6 in a rear-drive configuration and the 320-horsepower Northstar 4.6L V8 in rear- and all-wheel drive. Both engines incorporate variable valve timing and are married to a five-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control. And, by looking at their 0-60 numbers, it looks as if this is a match made in driving heaven.

Cadillac lists their 4.6L Northstar 0-60 mph performance “at or less than 6 seconds,” while the V6 and AWD V8 are listed for under 7 seconds.

Technology wizardry
In our opinion, the Cadillac STS is one smart car. To give you an idea of the STS’ capabilities, we’ve highlighted a few of our favorites features. First, there are the Intelibeam headlamps, which automatically switch from high- to low-beam and back again when oncoming headlamps or forward lighting elements are sensed.

Then there’s the Keyless Access system. By keeping the key fob in a pocket or purse, the driver can walk up to her locked STS, pull the door handle and open the door without having to pull the keys out. The system works by using passive and active antennas to detect the vehicle fob and its proximity to the vehicle.

Keyless Access also works in tandem with the vehicle security system, enabling the STS to be started with a momentary push of a button located on the instrument panel. For it to work, the fob must be inside the vehicle and the brake pedal depressed.

To review: so far we’ve discussed headlights that adjust automatically, doors that unlock without pressing a button and an engine that cranks without keys. All of which are fun, convenient extras; however, there’s another feature that’s a real conversation starter: it’s the Adaptive Remote Start system. And, with winter right around the corner, this is a handy feature to have.

The Adaptive Remote Start can operate from as far as 200 feet and will automatically adjust to a variety of personalization settings in the process. Think of it as the STS’ butler; it caters to your needs and specifications.

When activated, the STS (based on temperature inputs) begins to acclimate the occupant environment before the driver steps foot inside its cozy cabin. The vehicle adjusts the climate control to the previously set cabin temperature, begins seat heat or ventilation (based on feedback from outside temperature settings), and activates front and rear window defroster if climate conditions require it. All we can say is “wow.” No longer do you have to return to your car, after a hearty afternoon of Christmas shopping, and slide onto frigid leather seats. The STS can be waiting for you, all snug and warm inside.

•••

From its attractive styling to its impressive capabilities, the STS is a product that should make its owners proud. The attention to detail is exceptional; its performance is powerful and its overall harmony makes the STS a vehicle that fits its “luxury performance” title like a cashmere-lined leather glove.

Copyright (c) 2005, Michele Brooke

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Specifications 

2005 Cadillac STS

Standard Equipment

• Front and rear ventilated disc brakes
• 4-wheel ABS
• Traction control
• Stability control
• Magnetic Ride Control
• Painted alloy rims
• Automatic headlamps
• Rear parking sensors
• Leather upholstery
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
• Dual zone climate controls - driver and front passenger
• Keyless Access System
• Smart Remote Start system
• 8-way power seat for driver and front passenger
• Power-tilt, telescoping steering wheel
• OnStar telecommunications service
• OnStar Personal Calling, hands-free wireless phone integrated into vehicle
• Bose premium brand stereo system with AM/FM in-dash single CD player and 8 speakers
• Front and rear head airbags
• Dual front side-mounted airbags

Major Available Options

• All-wheel drive
• DVD navigation system
• Adaptive cruise control with Head-Up Display (HUD)
• 4-color Head-Up Display
• Memory driver's seat
• Front heated seats
• Front heated & ventilated seats
• Rear heated seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Tire Pressure Monitor System
• Rainsense automatic wipers
• Eucalyptus wood interior trim
• 6-disc in-dash CD player
• DVD entertainment system
• XM Satellite Radio

For more information on the STS, visit Cadillac.com

Copyright ©  2005, SmartTrac Computer Systems, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.