Brandy: What about the ride and handling characteristics?

Rich: It's a bit too soft for my tastes when compared to the BMW especially but I think that if it came out of the box stiffer, that it might scare off some potential buyers. But I'm sure that the V-version coming in the fall will remedy that.

Brandy: You mean the version that reportedly lapped the Nurburgring Nordschliefe at 7 minutes, 59 seconds back in May?

Rich: Yes.With the CTS-V, it will go from class-competitive to world beater...I can't wait.

Brandy: You seem to express some concerns about the way the CTS is being positioned.

Rich: I do have some reservations about the way Cadillac is marketing the car on TV, at least from what I've seen. It's a mixed message.

Brandy: You mean the Kate Walsh "Favorite Things" TV spot where the woman pulls up to the yuppie guys in what appears to be a BMW?  I confess: I did the same thing a few times, myself. Never underestimate the throttle foot of a woman driving a flashy red car.

Rich: Exactly. The CTS is clearly a man's car. But they so closely identify it with this woman and all the associated imagery. I just don't get it.

Brandy: You can be such a dodo. I have no idea why you would characterize this as a "man's car." This car is both gorgeous and powerful. Cars like this make it easy for me to feel beautiful, even if I have dark circles under my eyes from caring for a vomiting child all night long. There's nothing specifically "manly" about that.

Rich: Call me old fashioned, but I hate the spot...but if we're mentioning it, then it must be successful.

Brandy: I think you answered your own question.

Rich: Overall, your final thoughts?

Brandy: All in all, the new Cadillac CTS delivers what it promises: beauty and luxury from the first glance at the outside to divine comfort and power once you settle into the inside. And I speak from experience when I say this: Just because I'm a mom with kids on the brain doesn't mean I don't also want to drive a vehicle that makes me feel beautiful behind the wheel. (Think of it as a little tryst.) Often I drive vehicles and think about all the reasons why it doesn't fit into my lifestyle: "too big, too expensive, terrible gas mileage, poor styling..." but this was one car I hated to give back.

Rich: This one was easy to agree on. The CTS is now a world-class sports sedan that doesn't need to make any excuses. With the 505-horsepower V-Series coming in the fall, the stunning coupe shown in Detroit in January on tap for 2010, and possibly a station wagon version for markets outside of North America, it looks like Cadillac has all its bases covered.

Brandy: I'm sure your salivating at the prospect of a wagon?


  Rich: I am but the coupe looked really sweet. I was there when it was wheeled on to its turntable in Detroit and every one, and I mean everyone, was stunned, even designers from rival manufacturers. That's when I knew that GM Design had their mojo back!

Brandy: Rich! Leave it to the practical woman to remember to mention the pricing! Base price starts at $34,545, which is really quite an affordable price to begin with. As tested, with options that included the premium red paint, luxury interior with sunroof and upscale sound/entertainment/navigation system, and an all-season performance package which upgraded the wheels and tires, suspension, and headlights, the price went up to $46,440. Still quite competitive, I think. I need a sugar daddy to buy one for me.

Brandy's rating:
Rich's rating*:

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