General Motors announced the 2008 model year changes for the Cadillac range. The Cadillac BLS, CTS, SRX, STS, STS-V, XLR-V and Escalade all receive updates in 2008.
Cadillac Press Release:
2008 Cadillac BLS
The all-new Cadillac BLS Wagon marks theentry of the brand in the station wagon-segment, for the first time in itshistory. Just like the sedan, the BLS Wagon is offered with a choice of three– all turbocharged – gasoline engines, two turbo-diesels and alow-emission bio-ethanol engine,
running on either E85 bio-ethanol ortraditional gasoline. Both powerful, direct-injected, common rail turbo-dieselengines are fitted with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter.
The BLS sedan model year 2008 alsobenefits from new features, first seen in the new BLS Wagon. It means that allBLS models now have StabiliTrak electronic stability control as standard.
2008 Cadillac CTS
The 2008 Cadillac CTS luxury sedancombines enhanced engines and advanced technologies with entertaining luxury andnew, striking design. The top-level power option is GM’s new, 3.6 litredirect-injection V-6 VVT engine, delivering 229 kW (311 hp) and 374 Nm oftorque. This complements an alternative 2.8 litre V-6, with a power output of155 kW (211 hp).
For the CTSinterior, advances in surface development, technology, materials andconstruction
combine to emphasize technicalprecision with elegant, hand-crafted details. The all-new CTS is designed tofurther upgrade Cadillac’s reputation
for providing safe occupantenvironments in luxury vehicles. Details include for example a PedestrianProtection system, a full range of air bags and a tire pressure monitoringsystem.
2008 Cadillac SRX
The 2008 model SRX is offered witheither the 4.6 litre, 32-valve V-8 Northstar or the 3.6 litre V-6 VVT engine.The five- or six-speed automatic transmissions feature Driver Shift Control,which offers
for example clutchless manual shifting, electronically controlledengine braking and downgrade detection with brake assist. Other features includeStabiliTrak active suspension and a segment-first option of Magnetic RideControl.
At 2.96 meters, the Cadillac SRXhas one of the longest wheelbases in its class, providing unusually generousrear legroom. The SRX is typically configured as a five-seater, with a spaciouscargo area. A third row of seats can also be ordered, enabling the transport ofup to seven people. Another innovative feature (optional) is “UltraView,” a huge glass sliding roof that is operated electrically.
2008 Cadillac STS
The newest STS demonstrates refinedperformance, sophisticated luxury and purposeful innovation. The STS is offeredwith the 189 kW (257 hp) 3.6 litre V-6 VVT or the 239 kW (325 hp) Northstar 4.6litre V-8 VVT. Both engines are mated to Cadillac’s automatictransmissions with driver shift control, driving the rear wheels. V-8 modelsfeature a six-speed automatic transmission, along with the option of all-wheeldrive.
StabiliTrak is fully integratedwith the traction control and ABS systems. Magnetic Ride Control comes standardon the V-8. Technical appointments include a keyless access system with apush-button start; optional adaptive cruise control and reconfigurablefour-color head-up display.
2008 Cadillac STS-V
The excitingSTS-V has been developed to deliver supercharged, rear-drive performancewith an unmistakably Cadillac design. At the heart of the STS-V is a handassembled 4.4 litre version of the Northstar engine, which is fitted with anintercooled, positive-displacement supercharger system. The Northstar V-8 SCengine produces 350 kW (476 hp) at 6,400 rpm and will rev to a maximum of 6,700rpm.
From the outside the 2008 modelinclude features like new side vents, dual polished exhaust ports and a polishedstainless steel wire mesh grille with a recessed Cadillac emblem that confirmsthe STS-V statement.
2008 Cadillac XLR-V
The XLR-V combinesluxury with power, performance, personal amenities and style and is equippedwith the Northstar V-8 supercharged engine, producing 331 kW (450 hp). Combinedwith a rear-mounted, six-speed automatic transmission, the XLR-V’ssupercharged engine helps deliver 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in only 4.7seconds. Its specific output of over 100-horsepower-per-litre makes it one ofthe world’s highest specific output production V-8 engines.
Chassis modifications on theXLR-V include larger brakes, recalibrated Magnetic Ride Control, largerfront stabilizer bar, stiffer rear lower control arm bushings, larger wheels andtires, a power steering fluid cooler and a higher-capacity fuel pump. Severalstyling modifications have imparted a more aggressive character to theXLR-V including an aggressively sculpted dome hood,ten-spoke aluminum wheel design with sterling silver finish and four polishedstainless steel exhaust tips.
2008 Cadillac Escalade
The second generation of theCadillac Escalade luxury SUV offers a new level of refinement, style,performance and an instantly recognizable shape. A 6.2 litre, V-8 engine withall-aluminum construction and variable valve timing technology delivers 301 kW(409 hp) and 565 Nm of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission.Handling and active safety are enhanced with the standard Road SensingSuspension.
Further refinements includeall-new sheet metal, giving the vehicle sleeker styling and improvedaerodynamics. The Escalade trim levels “Elegance” and “SportLuxury” include features as a power-assisted rear tailgate, rear parkingassist, tri-zone climate control, an audio system with DVD and six-CD changerand 10-speaker Bose 5.1 Discrete Surround Sound System.
