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Walk Around

The Cadillac STS has been given a substantial facelift for 2008. It's the most significant change in appearance since the STS was introduced as an all-new model for 2005.

Its distinctive profile hasn't changed; in fact, most of the outer skin of the STS is carried over. Its crisp lines draw an almost box-like silhouette that somehow still looks aerodynamic. Perhaps it's the gently curved A-pillar and C-pillar that tend a bit more toward art than science. Sharply contoured lower rocker panels tracking rearward from the front fascia's bottom edge pull the body down, adding a stylistic ground-effects look. It's all very consistent with Cadillac's Art and Science design motif.

Up front, however, the 2008 STS has abandoned any semblance of modern, European-style subtlety in favor of a boldly traditional eggcrate grin. Cadillac says the new dual-textured, multi-faceted grille was inspired by the Sixteen concept car, but to us it looks like a re-run from 1969, an impression compounded by Cadillac's now-trademark vertically stacked headlamps. You can like it or leave it, but Cadillac is clearly embracing it, because you'll find it on the 2008 Escalade and CTS, too.

In a similar vein, chromed air extractor vents now mark the previously clean flanks. More subtle chrome accents have been added to the door handles and rocker flares. New 18x8-inch, 14-spoke polished aluminum wheels are available.

The backside is vaguely reminiscent of the old Eldorado coupe, with vertical taillights bracketing a tall, squared-off boot. Recessed in the boot's rear vertical is a trapezoidal inset, long enough for European-spec license plates, housing large backup lights at the left and right extremes. The last things you see as an STS flashes by are new three-inch polished aluminum exhaust tips, exiting below and at each end of the rear bumper.

You can be forgiven for mistaking the STS for the smaller, and similarly redesigned CTS. The two 2008 models are almost indistinguishable to the casual observer, even when parked side by side. Both cars present only minimally different iterations of the same sharp angles and flat planes. Both now wear the same vintage dollar grin grille. The STS and CTS share platforms, but the wheelbase of the STS is three and a half inches longer than that of the CTS, and its body is nearly five inches longer overall.

The Platinum Edition features 18-inch chrome-finish wheels, an even brighter chrome-finish grille; bright chrome inserts on the exterior door handles, and special Glacier Gold paint.

The super-performance STS-V avoids the retro look up front with polished stainless wire-mesh grilles above and below the front bumper, and a not particularly subtle power bulge in its engine hood. Its deeper front air dam incorporates brake scoops below the fog lights. STS-V gets the new fender vents, but they seem more in line with the performance model's extroverted character. Its 10-spoke wheels are unique; its rear spoiler more obvious. And in case you miss all that, it's distinguished by V-Series badging and Supercharged lettering on the front doors.

Interior

2008 Cadillac STS

The Cadillac STS cabin is warmer in appearance than the exterior, with soft leather surfaces complemented by warm wood accents. Those wood accents cost extra, but we much prefer them over the standard brushed aluminum trim, which looks and feels cold and reflects sunlight to the point of annoyance. Our advice: Get the wood.

The seats in all models are refreshingly supportive, for a Cadillac, without being overly firm. Arm rests and head restraints are a degree or two softer than the cushions and side bolsters, boosting the comfort factor a couple notches. All essential controls are within easy reach, although there could be more clearance between the lower door panels and seat bottom to access the front seat adjusters. For this reason, we were especially grateful for the seat memory feature, which often saved us from having to reach down there. The interior is noticeably roomier than that of the marginally smaller CTS.

Instruments are easily scanned, white-on-black round analog gauges, with a large nested tachometer and speedometer between the smaller fuel and engine temperature gauges. The speedometer changes between English and metric electronically, so there's only one set of numbers around its circumference.

Cruise control and running lights are managed via a stalk on the left side of the steering column, windshield wipers and washers with a stalk on the right. Buttons in the steering wheel spokes provide redundant controls for audio and driver information functions. The steering wheel hub has been re-shaped for 2008; it now looks more substantial, even a bit futuristic, but not all that different from before. The available head-up display projects speed and other key information onto the windshield, so that the driver does not need to look down at the gauges.

The available Bose 5.1 stereo incorporates one of the industry's first OEM-installed surround-sound systems. Fifteen Bose speakers do the job, plus an integrated six-disc CD/DVD changer that plays DVD-A, CD, and MP3 formats. The setup also includes an eight-inch VGA-quality touch screen and advanced navigation, Bluetooth phone capability, and OnStar with advanced voice recognition. A word of caution, however: the top-level stereo system, although delivering superb surround-sound, is multi-tasked with a navigation system that, in combination, demands an extensive study of the owner's manual to operate with any degree of alacrity and confidence.

The 2008 OnStar system features a fully integrated GPS navigation setup called Turn-by-Turn Navigation. Turn-by-Turn allows drivers to talk to a live advisor, who can download complete step-by-step directions to the vehicle through the OnStar system. These audio directions then automatically play through the vehicle's stereo as needed (after the OnStar operator hangs up), triggered by the system's GPS capabilities. This enables drivers to be led to their destination while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Storage cubbies include map pockets in all four doors. The front center console is deep and wide and pre-wired for cellular and Bluetooth (to wirelessly tie a cell phone into the car's audio system, allowing hand-free operation). The glove box, though, is barely sufficient to hold the navigation DVD case and owner's manual. Two cup holders are provided front and rear. The trunk is fully lined, with articulated, gas-pressurized struts.

Fit and finish are top grade, with notably tight trim tolerances. Careful attention was paid to reducing noise, vibration and harshness, with remarkable and commendable success. Specially laminated windshield and front door glass, wind tunnel-tuned outside mirrors and high-density/low-mass sound-deadening padding make this a quiet car even by Cadillac standards.

The Platinum Edition features hand-cut and hand-sewn leather on the instrument panel, door trim and center console areas. The steering wheel is heated. The seats are

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