2006 Cadillac DTS Preview

Blame Acura for the modern trend toward alphanumeric names. When it discovered that more consumers recognized the name "Legend" than did the name "Acura," this luxury division of Honda decided that the emphasis should be on the brand and not the individual car names. The strategy worked, and Cadillac has followed suit as it rebuilds its reputation as the standard of the world. With the introduction of the 2006 DTS, the last remaining vehicle in Cadillac's lineup with a real name is the Escalade, which in a short period of time has built enormous value thanks to the entertainment industry's fascination with it. Eldorado? Gone. Seville? Dead. DeVille? Meet its replacement, the DTS. The 2006 Cadillac DTS isn't a new car. Rather, it's a re-worked version of the existing DeVille platform. That means it's still a large, front-wheel-drive sedan powered by a 4.6-liter Northstar V8 engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. Strangely, but mainly because they're sitting in the parts bin so GM might as well use them, two versions of the V8 are available in the DTS. The standard motor is estimated to make 275 horsepower calibrated for quick off-the-line and part-throttle response, while an optional version generates about 290 horsepower that revs higher but whips up less peak torque. Either engine is mounted to a new front cradle, which itself is attached to the front frame rails for greater strength and a reduction in vibration. Cadillac says this results in a quieter, smoother, refined ride quality. Every 2006 DTS is equipped with larger antilock brakes with brake assist and traction control. StabiliTrak stability control is standard on all but the base-level DTS, and when equipped with the Performance package a magnetic ride control suspension is included. Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels and tires, with 18-inch rims and rubber a part of the Performance package.

Nose Job

Most of the changes to create the 2006 Cadillac DTS are cosmetic. From the windshield pillars forward, the DTS is redesigned with a new power-bulge hood, egg-crate grille, trapezoidal bi-xenon headlights, bumper fascia, and fenders. The doors and greenhouse are carried over from the current DeVille, but the multi-spoke wheels are new. In back, the revised quarter panels, LED tail lamps, decklid, and bumper update the appearance of the DTS, though we see more than a hint of vintage Chevy Monte Carlo in the rear styling. The new look brings the DTS into line with the CTS and STS to create a familial resemblance. More important is the new interior design, which resolves the weaknesses of the DeVille. Simpler and more elegant than before, the improved cabin of the 2006 Cadillac DTS is instantly apparent to those familiar with the DeVille. The front seats have been redesigned for improved comfort, the parts fit together better and with flush seams, and the control layout is easier to use and understand than before. A front bench seat is still available, allowing the DTS to carry six adults.

Option Packages

Sold in a single trim level with multiple Luxury packages or a single Performance package, some of the available luxury features offered on the Cadillac DTS include heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. Remote engine starting, a heated washer fluid reservoir, and rain-sensing wipers also help to take the sting out of inclement weather. The DTS also features ultrasonic park assist, automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, a DVD navigation system, and XM satellite radio. Safety gear includes a dual-stage driver airbags, a dual-depth front passenger airbag, side-impact airbags for the front seat occupants, and side-curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions. The dual-depth airbag design takes occupant seatbelt usage, seating position, and crash severity to deploy the front passenger airbag at a shallow depth or a deeper depth to protect the passenger. In the event of an accident that causes the airbags to deploy, the standard OnStar telematics system can notify rescue personnel of your location and status to speed medical treatment, if necessary. Since 1967, when the first Eldorado debuted, Cadillac has always sold a front-wheel-drive car. The 2006 DTS is the last of a 40-year legacy, likely to be replaced by the end of the decade with a rear-drive, redesigned version. And though the DTS amounts to little more than a warmed-over DeVille, it looks pretty good to us.

Photos courtesy of General Motors