© Copyright 2008 Denver Newspaper Agency • 101 West Colfax | Denver, CO 80202

2008 Cadillac CTS

CTS
Redesigned for the 2008 model year, the Cadillac CTS keeps everything that was good about the first-generation model and seems to improve everything that wasn't - and not just a little. More refined exterior styling, greatly improved interior design and quality, more power and optional all-wheel drive mean the CTS is poised to give the Infiniti G35 and other entry-level sport sedans some tough competition.

One controversial element is the tall grille, which plunges down low on the bumper - similar to new designs from the likes of Audi and Volkswagen. The CTS is another in a string of new cars to incorporate small vents high on the front fenders, right in front of the doors, but Cadillac gets extra credit because those on the CTS are functional: they're an outlet for cooling air that's routed past the front disc brakes from inlets in the wheel wells.

2008 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

Escalade Hybrid
The 2008 Escalade Hybrid is the first in its line for Cadillac. The full-size luxury SUV's hybrid transmission is manufactured by Allison; it is similar to the two-mode system to be used on the upcoming Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon hybrids.

The Escalade hybrid will gain in fuel economy; city drivers will get around 20 mpg and highway cruisers are looking at close to 30 mpg. The vehicle's nickel-metal batteries will be supplied by Panasonic EV.

The engine features GM's active fuel management system, which shuts off half the cylinders when less power is needed in situations such as highway cruising.

2008 Cadillac XLR

XLR
After going more than a decade without one, Cadillac added a two-passenger sports car to its lineup for 2004. Named the XLR, the retractable-hardtop coupe gave Cadillac a luxury roadster with a performance-oriented chassis and structure. Changes for 2008 include a heated steering wheel and a limited edition Alpine White XLR in addition to last year's Platinum edition.

Cadillac promotes the “harmonious blend of technologies and materials meant to add pleasure, not complexity, to the driving experience.” A long list of technical features includes a head-up display, radar-operated adaptive cruise control and electronic stability system.
Cadillac