2010 Cadillac CTS 3.0L Base

The 2010 Cadillac CTS 3.0L Base luxury sedan comes equipped with a number of upscale features, including soft, supportive front bucket leatherette seats, an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel with controls for the audio, climate-control, traction control, and available navigation systems. A swooping center stack gives the front row a cockpit-like feel and puts easily readable controls within comfortable reach of the driver and front-seat passenger. Other standard features include dual-zone electronic climate control, remote keyless entry, and OnStar with turn-by-turn navigation, roadside assistance, and emergency services, among other services. The 8-speaker Bose AM/FM audio system includes a CD player and a three-month trial of XM satellite radio. Owners can add such features as wood trim and a power tilt-and-slide sunroof as options.

An updated 3.0-liter V6, designed for improved performance and lower emissions, drives the CTS 3.0L Base trim. This direct-injection engine produces 270 hp, a jump of 7 hp over the previous year's base engine. However, torque drops from the previous year, from 253 lb-ft to 223 lb-ft for 2010. The engine features variable valve timing, which helps improve fuel efficiency, and links to an electronically controlled Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission with Drive Shift Control, which enables manual shifting. The V6 runs on regular gasoline. GM estimates fuel economy for the 3.0-liter V6 at 18/27 mpg. Dual-stage front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear head curtain side-impact airbags come standard. Safety features include the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system and four-wheel antilock brakes with brake assist and traction control. The 2010 CTS 3.0L Base rides on 17-inch wheels. New exterior colors for 2010 include Tuscan Bronze ChromaFlair and Vanilla Latte.

By R. Feeman