2005 Cadillac STS First Drive

Milford, Michigan – At this rate, Cadillac is going to get a nasty reputation, an edgy rep, one reserved for the cars that go fastest and make real drivers smile.

It started with the CTS, an edgy and sporty luxury sedan, and went as far as the CTS-V – and the SRX – a downright refreshing luxury SUV. Now Cadillac has reinvigorated the most senior member of its lineup -- the Seville – dropping the Seville and keeping the STS, forsaking front wheel drive and adding RWD -- riding on the same Sigma architecture that founds the CTS sedan and SRX sport utility.

The new 2005 Cadillac STS also follows the styling trend at GM’s luxury division. Chiseled body lines, jeweled vertical headlights, and “over/under” front bumper driving/fog lights are particularly reminiscent of the newly-introduced CTS. Both the XLR droptop and SRX also share many design cues employed in the STS, although some of the big sedan’s lines have been softened for the luxury market. Clearly, however, STS is another step in redefining the quickly evolving Cadillac brand.

Cadillac offers two engines in this full-size 4-door luxury sedan, both sophisticated units equipped with Variable Valve Timing that help deliver smooth, efficient performance. A 24-valve V6 engine displaces 3.6 liters and arrives standard in the base car. Power is an impressive 255 hp. and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. More importantly, however, is the engine’s ability to deliver 90 percent of peak torque from 1,600 to 5,800 rpm.