Cadillac is back

The bold, burly American brand that brought us convertible subculture, the shark fin taillight, and inspired many a song is back in Australia after a three decade sojourn with its stonking CTS sedan range and a possible coupe to follow.

The CTS is introduced here with a 3.6-litre VVT V6 developing 227 kW and 370Nm of torque through the rear wheels via an electronic Hydra-Matic 6L50 (think Grease) six-speed auto, which allows quick clutchless gear changes through the shifter.

It prefers beer to champagne too, running on standard 91RON, but fuel figures are not yet available.

Suspension is an independent front/multilink rear, and a sportier suspension setting is an option, though both sit on huge nine-spoke, 19-inch rims and performance stoppers.

Inside, hand-made trims are bathed in a soft lighting scheme that contrasts the butch exterior. A Bose stereo linked to an in-dash retractable screen with 40gig hard drive storage and MP3/iPod compatibility is standard.

Standard safety is also high, with six airbags, reverse parking sensors, tyre pressure monitors, a pedestrian pop-up bonnet, and Caddy’s ‘Stabilitrak’ stability control.

Options include a full moon roof, choice of a real wood finish over the standard metal, and heated/vented seats.

The CTS will join the GM Premium Brands of Saab and Hummer in early 2009, with pricing revealed closer to its release, though bets are currently hedged at around $60,000 - $70,000.

Cadillac is using the Sydney show to gauge consumer interest and garner feedback on the CTS, and evaluating further powerplants for import into Australia. This means we might see the forceful CTS-V performance version in the future.

However, given the Aussies’ love of powerful rear-drive V8s, we would say their minds are already made up.

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