Cadillac CTS-V Review

The wickedly fast Cadillac CTS-V is easily one of the best Cadillacs ever. In an effort to take advantage of its recent vogue, Cadillac decided to build high-performance versions of several of its cars. Collectively called the V-Series, they are meant to be high-powered, tight-handling, all-around track-tuned performers in the vein of the European performance marques, such as BMW's M series and Mercedes-Benz's AMG lineup.

2006 Cadillac CTS-V 4dr Sedan Shown

The CTS-V was the first Cadillac to get the V treatment, and it's no exaggeration to call it an enthusiast's dream. Based on the CTS entry-level luxury sedan, the CTS-V has exclusivity stamped all over it. The throaty V8 may get all the publicity, but the CTS-V looks, sounds and drives like a very special car.

As you'd expect, though, the Cadillac CTS-V does share a few inherent flaws with the regular CTS, including an awkward interior design and mediocre interior materials. These attributes will likely be addressed with the second-generation CTS-V, which is expected to follow the launch of the new '08 CTS.

Current Cadillac CTS-V

The Cadillac CTS-V comes in one body style and trim. It is a powerful, rear-wheel-drive midsize luxury sedan. The V6 engine from the standard CTS has been swapped out for a 400-hp 6.0-liter V8, which is the same engine found under the Corvette's hood. A six-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential are standard. There is no automatic transmission option. Put the pedal down hard and you can expect to move from zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds.

But the performance upgrades go far beyond the bigger engine. Additional highlights include a tightened suspension, massive Brembo performance brakes and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with performance tires. Antilock brakes and a driver-adjustable stability control system (StabiliTrak) are standard. More subtle adjustments include a strengthened engine cradle and hydraulic engine mounts.

There is a level of sophistication that extends from the performance construction down to the interior features. You get all of the CTS upscale features as standard, including HID headlights, climate control, sport seats and a premium Bose audio system with an in-dash six-CD changer. Even navigation comes standard. Options are limited to paint colors and run-flat tires.

Cadillac has done its best to gussy up the CTS's normally dull interior to make the V-Series sedan feel special. The original instrument cluster has been replaced by more upscale dials and computer readouts, which even spit out real-time driving dynamics, such as lateral G-forces. There are also aluminum and satin chrome accents on the dash. The more heavily bolstered front seats are comfortable and supportive during aggressive driving. As in the regular CTS, the backseat is spacious, which makes the CTS-V more useful on an everyday basis than similarly priced compact rivals from Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

In road tests, our editors found the Cadillac CTS-V to be the automotive equivalent of a Fourth of July fireworks celebration. It just oozes enthusiasm and begs to be driven hard. Whether you're pushing hard in a straight line, around long curves or sharp corners, the CTS-V does everything you want from a high-level sport sedan and then some, though its drivetrain exhibits the sort of raggedness that sets it slightly below the standards of its European rivals. But no excuses need to be made for the handling, which is precise and predictable in all conditions.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Review

2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS Hatchback

For more than a decade and a half, the Mitsubishi Eclipse has been one of America's more popular sport coupes. Its success can be attributed to several factors that have remained constant throughout its run, including sleek styling, powerful engines, a decent amount of comfort, and affordability.

Interestingly, these traits also describe the traditional domestic rear-drive sport coupe, and some have described the Mitsubishi Eclipse as the Japanese version of a pony car. They point out that the Eclipse has typically not been as nimble as other imported coupes, and has instead been best at straight-line performance. The Eclipse has also always been designed solely for the U.S. market and is a rarity in other parts of the world.

The original Eclipse was the result of a joint venture in the mid-'80s between Mitsubishi and Chrysler, known as Diamond Star Motors (DSM). For model-year 1990 at a plant in central Illinois, the partners started production of what was known as the Diamond Star triplets: similar versions of the same Mitsubishi-engineered car, including the Eclipse, the Eagle Talon and the Plymouth Laser. The DSM partnership no longer exists as it once did, and only the Eclipse remains in production.

In total, there have been four generations of the Eclipse. Measured in terms of all-around performance and design, the latest one can be considered the best yet. But earlier Eclipses, assuming they have been cared for properly, could become an affordable and enjoyable purchase for the budding sport coupe enthusiast.

The latest Mitsubishi Eclipse has been available since the 2006 model year. It has a hatchback body style and can seat up to four people. Mitsubishi builds it on the same platform used for its Galant sedan and Endeavor SUV. There are two trim levels: GS and GT. The Eclipse GS is reasonably well equipped and comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine good for 162 horsepower. The main draw of the Eclipse GT is its 263-hp, 3.8-liter V6.

Both versions are front-wheel drive. The GS can be equipped with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission with a sequential-shift Sportronic mode. The GT comes with a six-speed manual, with a five-speed Sportronic automatic optional. Popular options include a sunroof and a powerful Rockford Fosgate audio system.

In reviews, the Mitsubishi Eclipse has earned favorable commentary for its powerful V6 engine, comfortable front seating and stylish interior. Noted downsides include a hefty curb weight that dulls handling, sluggish acceleration on four-cylinder models and a large turning radius.

Most consumers shopping for a used Eclipse will encounter the third-generation model, which was sold from 2000-'05. Like the current model, it has a hatchback body style, front-wheel drive and four-cylinder or V6 power. It's smaller than the current model, however, and less refined. The RS and GS trims of this generation were powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder good for 154 hp. The GT had a 205-hp 3.0-liter V6. All could be had with either a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic.

Although this Eclipse was fairly popular with consumers, it attracted little critical acclaim. In Edmunds.com tests, editors noted that the Eclipse was not as sporting as previous versions and had a low-quality interior. Nor did the car change much during its run, though in 2003 Mitsubishi added a GTS trim that had a slightly more powerful V6 (210 hp) and more standard equipment.

When new, the first- and second-generation Eclipses were considered some of the best affordable sport coupes available. The original debuted in 1990. This Eclipse was also a hatchback, and these early models can be identified by their pop-up style of headlights. There were four different trim levels, each offering its own mix of powertrains. The top-of-the line model was the Eclipse GSX, which boasted a 195-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. In 1992, minor updates were made, including the addition of fixed headlights.

Compared to the foreshortened, almost stubby first Mitsubishi Eclipse, the second version (1995-'99) seemed long, sleek and gorgeous. It was a bit bigger than the earlier car and in many ways very similar mechanically. Normally aspirated or turbocharged engines were again offered, as was front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

With any of these early models, poor resale values have sunk purchase prices to very attractive levels. But reliability has never been a strong point for the Eclipse, and finding a well-maintained one (especially a turbocharged model) will be key for the smart shopper.

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review

2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL65 AMG Convertible Shown

Easily one of the most recognizable automotive icons of the last half century, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has long epitomized elegance and performance in the grand touring coupe/roadster segments. From the early 300SL models of the 1950s to the present-day retractable hardtops, this two-seater has never wavered from offering the best that Mercedes-Benz could offer.

Initially powered solely by various six-cylinder engines, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class switched to V8 power in the '70s, and in the early '90s began to offer inline-6 and V12 engines as well. That latter time period also marked when the company adopted AMG, a tuning firm that had offered engine and suspension upgrades for various Mercedes-Benz models since the early 1970s. As testament to the power of this union, the current Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG makes an incredible 604 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful cars on the planet.

Regardless of what year SL you may consider, you can be certain that it will have cutting-edge technology and a comfortable cockpit. The downside to packing in all those safety and luxury features is that the SL typically weighs 2 tons or more. So even though it boasts strong performance and handling, a Benz SL isn't going to feel nimble in the vein of a pure, elemental sports car. Nor does all of this excellence come cheap. But for most shoppers, particularly those looking at the current generation, the SL is hard to beat.

Current Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Debuting in 2003, the current Mercedes-Benz SL-Class luxury roadster has been one of our editors' favorite vehicles of any sort. In fact, it has been a winner or runner-up for our Editors' Most WantedSM> award every year since its debut. With its retractable hardtop that requires just the touch of a button to raise or lower, the latest SL offers the fun of an open roadster along with the security and quiet comfort of a closed coupe.

All current Mercedes-Benz SL-Class models are rear-drive and offer a wide variety of engines that are all teamed with automatic transmissions (a five- or seven-speed unit, depending on trim level). Even the least potent SL, the SL550, sports a 5.5-liter V8 with 382 horsepower. Next up is the SL55 AMG, which features a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 making 510 hp. A 5.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V12 in the SL600 also makes 510 hp, but puts out 612 pound-feet of torque, nearly 100 more than the SL55. Should those be inadequate, there is the SL65 AMG, whose 604 hp and 738 lb-ft allow it to hit 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. The SL65's top speed (as with all high-performance Benzes) is electronically limited to 155 mph.

Handling is also a strong point, with Active Body Control (optional on some trims) keeping the SL eerily flat when ripping through a set of S turns. This athleticism doesn't come at the expense of ride comfort either, as the SL absorbs nasty bumps in the road without drama or excess body motion.

With its effortless performance, adaptive suspension, fast-retracting hardtop and wealth of luxury and safety features, we've found it easy to fall in love with the latest SL. Our complaints are few, centering chiefly on the multifunction COMAND interface that requires a fair amount of reading and time to master.

Upon the current generation's release for '03, the SL lineup consisted of just the SL500 (5.0-liter V8 with 302 hp), but it was joined by the SL55 (493 hp) a few months later. The SL600 (also making 493 hp) debuted in 2004, as did a seven-speed automatic for the SL500 and Keyless Go (which allowed the car to be entered and started without using a key). The following year the SL65 bowed, while 2007 saw more power not only for the entry-level SL (hence the name change to SL550) but also for the SL55 and SL600.


Past Mercedes-Benz SL-Class models

The chief differences between the current car and the long-running 1990-2002 generation are styling, a soft top (versus a retractable hardtop in the current car) and ultimate performance.

The 1990-2002 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offered six-, eight- and 12-cylinder engine choices. Prior to 1994, the cars were named slightly differently, as the numbers came before the letters. Six-cylinder cars (300SL and SL320) made 228 hp, the 500SL/SL500 offered 322 or 302 hp (depending on the year) and the 600SL/SL600 made 389 hp. The sixes could be matched to either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic, while the V8 and V12 versions initially came with a four-speed automatic only. (They were upgraded to a five-speed unit in 1996.) Apart from a navigation system, these cars could be had with most any luxury and safety feature, such as dual-zone climate control, integrated cell phone, HID headlights and stability control.

Although this generation of the Mercedes SL offered spirited performance, decent handling and plenty of luxury, the driving dynamics proved disappointing to our staff. The culprits were steering that felt somewhat loose on center, a platform that lacked this marque's typically solid feel (giving rise to interior squeaks) and brakes that, although strong in panic situations, felt mushy in normal use. At the time, we also felt the Benz SL was overpriced compared to other competing luxury roadsters, though depreciation has largely negated this potential drawback.

With a run that lasted 18 model years, the 1972-'89 SL was much simpler, both in terms of the vehicle itself and trim levels, than the ones that followed. This SL was powered by various V8 engines, starting with a 4.5-liter (around 180-200 hp), changing to a 3.8-liter of just 155 hp and then adopting a stout 5.6-liter (227 hp) for the final years. The names of these SLs went from 350SL (only for 1972) to 450SL, 380SL and then 560SL. Although you may see a 500SL advertised, be warned that it's a gray-market car, a European version modified by some unknown shop to meet U.S. emissions and crash standards. For obvious reasons, we recommend you steer clear of a gray-market example.

*Flex-a-lite 125 '92-'00 Honda Civic 12" Electric Puller Fan

Flex-a-lite 125 '92-'00 Honda Civic 12" Electric Puller Fan

This Low-profile fan is a direct bolt-on replacement for the bulky electric cooling fan in the 1992-2000 Honda Civic. With its custom brackets and O.E.M style electrical connector, it is 100% plug-and-play. With 20-30% increase in air flow over the stock fan, and at just 2 5/8 inches thick, this is the perfect fan for someone looking for the space to add a turbo, or even just performance headers. Read More >>

List Price: $ 182.46

2009 Cadillac STS

Introduction

Is the middle child is never easy. Just ask Jan Brady of "The Brady Bunch". Something plain and not very talented, Jan was constantly overlooked in favor of her popular older sister Marcia and oh-so-cute kid sister Cindy. Jan just could not catch a break, or worship, for that matter.

And then it was the middle child of the family Cadillac, full-size STS luxury sports sedan, which sits between the inexplicably popular DTS luxury barge and Caddy's best selling medium Jocks sibling, the CTS sport sedan. By comparison, the STS barely noticed, with less than half the sales of its siblings. And it's even after Cadillac made some cosmetic changes last year (such as a new grille and upgraded cabin trim), while adding a beefier base V6 engine that helped bring it out of the shadows and give it a better chance in a very competitive luxury sports sedan market. 2009 Cadillac STS sees only minor detail changes, such as Bluetooth capabilities in cars are not equipped with a navigation system, new wheels and a speed limit notification feature on the navigation system.

Buyers in the luxury sports sedan segment expects the latest in high-tech gadgets, and the 2009 Cadillac STS is enough to make a Sharper Image junkie drool with delight. Among them is a lane departure warning system, which, as with competitors' systems, using cameras to see road lines and warn the driver if he or she migrates. There is also a side blind zone alert system, which scans for vehicles in the driver's blind spot and flashes a warning light embedded in the side view mirrors.

We have always wanted the current Cadillac STS, and last year's revisions made it even more endearing. The powerful V6 almost makes V8 version irrelevant. Meanwhile, the STS's ride and handling continues to impress, with moves that almost makes you forget you are driving a sedan that is 6 inches longer and 200 pounds heavier than a Ford E-350. Undercutting its European rivals' price tags of thousands does not hurt either, even if a side effect is a couple of mediocre quality interior plastics.

The STS has a new competitor this year, Hyundai's all-new Genesis sedan, which offers many of the same strong-value qualities such as STS, but a more powerful V8 and a higher quality interior. All told, know that there are plenty of excellent choices in the $ 45,000 - $ 60,000 range, including this car is not so little Sibling CTS. Yes, as much as we like Caddy's STS, we can not help but think that, just like Jan Brady, is yelling "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!"

Body style, trim levels, and Options

2009 Cadillac STS is a large luxury sport sedan available in V6 and V8 models. Both versions feature 17-inch wheels, leather seating, wood and alloy interior trim, eight-way power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote keyless entry and vehicle start, satellite radio, Bluetooth, an eight-speaker Bose sound system and OnStar. The V8 version adds a CD changer, memory seats presets, heated seats (front and rear), a heated steering wheel and rain-sensing wipers. Many of the V8's functions can be added to the V6 model through a series of packages.

Other features available on both models (in packages or a la carte items) includes a sunroof, xenon headlamps with washers, adaptive cruise control, a lane departure warning system, a blind spot warning system, a head-up display, and heated and ventilated front seats. The navigation system is interconnected with a Bose surround-sound audio system. There is also Performance Management package, which adds better wheels, tires and brakes. An adaptive suspension system (Magnetic Ride Control) is also available, as are larger 18-inch wheels.


Power Trains and Performance

The standard engine on the 2009 Cadillac STS is a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 302 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque. The optional engine choice is a 4.6-liter V8 making 320 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. While it is certainly plenty of thrust for most people, they are really hungry for power must know that the top rivals have anywhere from 40 to 62 hp more. Both engines come only with a six-speed automatic transmission, and both can be ordered in rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive guise.

For performance testing, the STS V8 reached 60 km / h in 6.3 seconds. Cadillac estimates put the V6 in 6.5 seconds for the same speed. Fuel mileage estimates vary from 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined for a V6 to 15/24/18 mpg for the V8.

Given that the new V6 accelerates with the same enthusiasm and turns in better fuel mileage, it is hard to justify the V8's added cost and weight.


Security

Anti-lock disc brakes, stability and a full complement of airbags are standard on all Cadillac STS. The air bags covering front-seat side and full-length side curtains. There are also a number of available advanced technologies designed to prevent accidents, including lane departure warning, blind-zone alert system and asset management. The latter is only available in AWD V8 models, and is notable for turning the front wheels in a skid when rear wheels lose traction.

In government crash tests, STS earned four stars (out of five) for both driver and passenger in the frontal test. The federal side-impact tests, STS scored four stars for front impacts and five stars for rear impact. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal-offset crash test, the STS scored a rating of "Good", the highest possible. It scored a second best rating of "acceptable" for side-impact protection.


Interior design and special features

Last year's refresh rate brought higher quality wood and the addition of tasteful alloy trim for the cabin. A trail tier steering wheel also debuted with more wheel mounted controls. Fit and finish are solid, and luxury buyers may be happy with this Cadillac's generally high-class atmosphere. Minor problems include the use of some low-grade plastic trim pieces to put STS in a disadvantageous position in relation to very expensive European and Japanese luxury sports sedan. The overall design is also on the dull side compared to the traditional confines of the building.

Controls are simple and easy to use, with the exception of the concurrent memory-setting procedure for driver seat, mirrors, radio and climate control. Unlike traditional systems, which place buttons on the door or the driver, you must dive deep into the navigation touchscreen to set memory functions. It is frustrating and unnecessarily complicated, but at least it is something done only occasionally. Strain is also a bit small, with 13.8 Cubic of total capacity.


Driving Impressions

Although large in size, the 2009 Cadillac STS sedan considers three-quarters its size when driven with gusto - but it is running as smooth luxury car when you are gobbling up miles on the highway. Cadillac offers an optional Magnetic Ride Control suspension, which includes Touring and Sport modes. In Touring mode, the Cadillac STS offers a cushy ride and composed handling, although the car still will dive into the turns with unwavering calm and never feels as if it sprung too low. In the Performance setting, handling is a bit sharper and ride a little stiffer, but the STS handles so well in Touring, we question the need for the two options.

Braking is strong and progressive pedal action and an impressively short 120-foot stopping distance from 60 mph. The torquey V6 is more than ample. With its V8-matching acceleration and higher fuel economy, the base-model STS will be our choice of pricier V8 version

Special Price on ST Suspension 50154 Front Anti-Sway Bar for Honda Civic Coupe and Sedan

ST Suspension 50154 Front Anti-Sway Bar for Honda Civic Coupe and Sedan

When tuning your vehicle's suspension, there are many ways to change your vehicle's handling characteristics. Springs, dampers and alignment all play huge parts in affecting how your vehicle handles, but no component has as drastic effect on your body roll as the Anti-Sway bars without adversely affecting your ride quality. To the average enthusiast, the installation of a ST Anti-Sway bar or Suspension Techniques Anti-Sway bar Complete Kit will result in a drastic reduction in the boat-like feel Read More >>

List Price: $ 222.00