2008 Cadillac Sts in Ocean, NJ - $3,995

Stylish, roomy, powerful and intelligent -- Cadillac brings it all together with the STS sedan. Based on the automaker's global Sigma rear-wheel-drive platform architecture, the STS has been designed to compete with world-renown prestige sedans. The STS includes a lengthy roster of advanced comfort, convenience and available safety features – including Lane Departure Warning and Side Blind Zone Alert. The STS Platinum also returns for 2011, offering distinctive luxury touches, such as 18-inch wheels, leather-wrapped interior, an Alcantara™ headliner and exclusive Platinum badging.

The STS expresses the bold design flair that has become a Cadillac signature. Up front, the dual-textured, multi-faceted grille reflects the styling seen on the Escalade and CTS. High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and the IntelliBeam automatic high-beam system are available. Side air extractors, inspired by the Sixteen concept and Escalade, are incorporated into the front fenders. Polished 18-inch x 8-inch aluminum 14-spoke wheels are available.

Available in front- and all-wheel drive variants, the Cadillac STS is powered by a sophisticated, direct injected 3.6L with variable valve timing and a Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission. The Northstar V-8 is no longer available.

A performance handling package is available and includes 18-inch x 8.5-inch aluminum alloy, chrome-plated wheels fitted with P255/45R18 Bridgestone Potenza summer-only tires. Four-piston caliper Brembo brakes, with front rotors measuring 355 mm x 32 mm and 365 mm x 28 mm rear rotors, provide enhanced stopping ability. All four rotors are vented.

Inside the passenger cabin, STS' luxurious interior includes a steering wheel with available genuine Sapele wood trim. Sapele is an exotic wood commonly used in fine furniture and musical instruments. The center stack of the instrument panel is revised with the addition of wood trim with new metallic surroundings.

Additional available features include a reconfigurable head-up display. The head-up display projects key driving information (such as speedometer ratings) onto the windshield, enabling drivers to keep their eyes on the road. Other features include a keyless access system, Adaptive Remote Start system, heated and ventilated seats and heated steering wheel.

An available infotainment system includes one of the industry's first OEM-installed surround-sound audio systems. The cabin is immersed with 15 Bose speakers. The 5.1 Bose system also has an integrated six-disc CD/DVD changer and plays formats including DVD-A, CD, and MP3. It includes an eight-inch full VGA-quality touch screen and advanced navigation. In addition, the system has Bluetooth phone capability and advanced voice recognition.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 116.4; overall length: 196.3; width: 72.6; height: 57.6

All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 302 hp at 6,300 rpm and 272 lbs-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm

Transmission: six-speed electronic automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 18 city/27 highway

Cargo capacity: 13.8 cubic feet

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, all-speed traction control, StabiliTrak vehicle stability control, automatic headlamps, fog lights, daytime running lights, tire pressure monitors, rear parking assist, automatic power door locks, side-impact door beams, OnStar communications system, remote keyless entry, remote engine start, PASS-Key III theft-deterrent system, and run-down battery protection.

Optional safety features include: Bluetooth hands-free phone system, universal garage door opener, navigation system, intelligent speed advisor, IntelliBeam automatic high/low beam headlamp control, Xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, limited slip differential, lane departure warning system, and side blind zone alert system.

Warranty

Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile

Powertrain: 5-year/100,000 mile

Corrosion: 6-year/unlimited

Roadside Assistance: 5-year/100,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2011 Cadillac STS sedan starts from $47,280. Destination charges add $825.