2008 Cadillac CTS Wins Car of the Year

Motor Trend magazine has awarded the entry-level luxury Cadillac sedan, CTS, Car of the Year honors for 2007.

GM's product revival has been focused primarily in three areas: Buick Enclave and its Lambda platform sisters, Chevy Malibu, and Cadillac CTS. Starting around $33K, and typically out-the-door for $45K, redesigned for 2008 CTS is an affordable sport-luxury option.

CTS has garnered rave reviews, and is a sales hit: GM sold 6,586 last month, up 80% year-over-year.

Before 1999, MT's award was not much more than a Detroit ad brochure - only American-made cars were eligible - and was bestowed on some real dogs.

(How 'bout them 1974 Ford Mustang II's and 1971 Chevrolet Vegas?)

But lately, in response to heavy criticism, MT has highlighted foreign-built competition: Japanese cars have won four of the last 6 years.

Last years winner, Toyota Camry, received relatively lukewarm praise.

MT's gushing accolades, saying CTS has matched BMW, once again strongly resemble paid Detroit advertising:

"The massive, cowcatcher prow says 'get out of my way' -- but politely, like a tuxedo-clad bouncer."

Motor Trend, November 20, 2007

But CTS is a much improved Caddy.

The car did zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, and a quarter mile in the high 14's at 94 mph, just adequate for a sport-luxe.

Most impressive among MT's tests was braking: the 13.6-in vented front and 13.4-in vented discs with ABS decelerated CTS from 60 mph to a halt in a short 109 feet.

Skidpad circuits yielded 0.89 g lateral acceleration - sporty.

Interior fit and finish is another CTS breakthrough.

But average fuel economy below 20 mpg strikes this entry from any award list contemplated here.

What is significant about the award is its spotlight on GM's shift back to cars and away from SUV's.

2008 Chevrolet Malibu also made the list of 17 finalists.

The full story on Motor Trend's 2008 Car of the Year will beavailable in the January issue, shipping early in December.

Yes, GM has a hit with CTS.

But is CTS finer than competing luxury cars like Lexus? Sportier than BMW for a lower price?

Maybe Motor Trend is back to its old ways.

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