Look at that interior!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here's the article from autoextremist.com
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CADILLAC STS-V
The 2006 Cadillac STS-V is the latest step in the total transformation of Cadillac. Once a failing division with a core buyer group that was dying off at a rapid clip, Cadillac is now the single best thing going at General Motors and hands down, the hottest American car brand. If the hard core CTS-V was a bare-knuckled poke at BMW's M5, the STS-V takes more of an iron-fist-in-velvet-glove approach in a sophisticated high-performance sedan. Powered by a new, 4.4-liter version of the DOHC Northstar V-8 engine (called the Northstar SC) enhanced with variable valve timing and a positive displacement intercooled supercharger, the STS-V has 440 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 430 lb.-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm - with 90 percent of the engine's peak torque delivered between 2200 and 6000 rpm. The redline for the Northstar V-8 SC is 6700 rpm. The STS-V has 120 horsepower and 115 lb.-ft. of torque more than its naturally aspirated counterpart, while reaching a specific output of 100-horsepower-per-liter. You can expect 0 to 60 times in under 5 seconds, according to factory estimates. The refined shift feel is enabled by careful electronic calibration of both the engine and transmission. During shifts, power is instantaneously lowered, then ramped back up carefully to make gear changes virtually unnoticeable. The Northstar V-8 SC is mated to the all-new Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission - the first use of GM's new high-performance six-speed automatic. GM claims the 6L80 is one of the most technologically advanced automatic transmissions in the industry, using clutch-to-clutch operation and an advanced integrated 32-bit transmission controller to deliver smooth and precise shifts. The 6L80 also incorporates a host of advanced driving enhancement features, including advanced Performance Algorithm Shifting (PAS) and Driver Shift Control (DSC). PAS lets the electronic transmission controller override the automatic gear selection during closed throttle high lateral acceleration maneuvers, rapidly downshifting with the release of the torque converter clutch for smooth powering up when the throttle is reopened. Driver Shift Control allows the driver to sequentially shift gears manually via the gearshift lever.
The STS-V has been tuned for performance on GM's all-new Milford Road Course facility (aka the "Lutzring") and the Nordschleiffe (North Course) at Germany's Nürburgring. The STS-V gained a lot from this high-performance chassis development, including P255/45R18 front, and P275/40R19 rear tires; increased brake rotor diameters, larger pad areas, and larger calipers; increased stiffness stabilizer bars and suspension springs; a faster steering ratio; and chassis tuning aimed at delivering high performance without punishing the driver.
The exterior details of the STS-V that distinguish it from the civilian STS include a larger, polished stainless steel wire mesh front grille (now a signature of all Cadillac V- series machines) for better airflow, a new, lower front fascia that incorporates a larger lower grille (also wire mesh) for increased cooling capability; brake ducts for front caliper and rotor cooling; and a splitter to counteract lift created by the larger grille openings. The STS-V also includes a new lower rear fascia that facilitates smooth airflow under the vehicle for improved cooling; lower rockers that visually bridge the lowered front and rear fascias, a sculpted domed hood designed to provide space for the engine's supercharger, and ten-spoke, flangeless, painted aluminum alloy wheels - 18 x 8.5 inches in the front, and 19 x 9.5 inches in the rear. A higher, more rearward-positioned rear spoiler that enables balanced aerodynamic downforce with the front splitter is also part of the exterior body package. V-series badging is prominently displayed on the rear decklid and front doors. "Supercharged" block lettering is also on the front doors.
The interior of the STS-V includes hand-wrapped leather surfaces throughout; Olive Ash Burl wood appointments; Kinetic-finished aluminum accents; sueded fabric seat inserts; V-series badging in the instrument cluster, on the instrument panel, and on door sill plates; and a new Tango Red color accent offering that is applied on seat inserts (front and rear), console, center armrest, lower instrument panel and door mid-sections (front and rear).
The STS-V was engineered and executed by GM's Performance Division, their in-house center designed to explore potential enthusiast-oriented versions of production models, headed by Mark Reuss. GM says no engineering, design or assembly functions were outsourced - the vehicle is truly an original equipment offering. Like the STS, the STS-V will be built at GM's state-of-the-art Lansing Grand River (LRG) assembly center beginning in 2005. In 2004, the LGR facility received JD Power's highest award for plant quality in North America. The STS-V is expected to arrive in Cadillac showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2005.
It just shows you what happens when GM allows some of its most talented people to cut loose and go for it. Imagine if GM expended the kind of effort lavished on these two high-performance machines on every vehicle they make - they might actually have a shot at increasing their market share.
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) The Mustang has excellent build quality and offers a good bang for the buck.
mmmmm
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