2006 Cadillac DTS

Another long-lived nameplate bit the dust in 2005, with the abandonment of Cadillac's DeVille. That familiar luxury sedan isn't really gone, though. Instead, it's been instantly resurrected as the DTS, launched as a 2006 model. Cadillac has recently used the DTS (DeVille Touring Sedan) designation (in conjunction with DeVille) to denote its top model, so switching to the three letters alone is logical enough.

Style

Like all DeVilles since 1985, the DTS is a front-wheel-drive luxury sedan, ranking as the largest and most traditional Cadillac model. Despite new front-end sheetmetal, including the grille and fascia, the DTS carries on "signature" Cadillac styling. That means vertical headlights and taillamps, accompanied by an egg-crate-pattern grille. Cadillac claims the DTS has a "more architectural, linear" appearance than its predecessor. Up front, high-intensity-discharge Xenon headlights are installed. Out back, the decklid, rear quarters, rear fascia and fast-acting LED-type taillamps are new. Cadillac's stand-up wreath/crest hood ornament is a no-charge option.


An "all-new" interior features dual-firmness seats that deliver an additional inch of seat travel. The instrument panel sits lower and farther forward, and a new analog clock provides the time. Soft-backed urethane surfaces are used on the instrument panel and upper doors, and genuine burl wood garnish trim is available. Cadillac is one of the few automakers to offer both five- and six-passenger configurations, depending on whether a bench seat or twin buckets are installed up front.


On the safety front, the DTS holds six standard airbags, including curtain units and a dual-depth front-passenger airbag that's called an industry "first." Four-channel antilock braking with Brake Assist is accompanied by traction control, and Cadillac's StabiliTrak stability-enhancement system may be installed.


Under the hood, Cadillac's familiar Northstar 4.6-liter V-8 delivers 275 horsepower in standard trim, or 291 horsepower when the Performance Option Package is selected. The stronger LD8 engine promises quicker launches and part-throttle response. Both V-8s work with a four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission, but Performance Algorithm Shifting is included with the higher-powered engine. So are 18-inch wheels and tires, rather than the standard 17-inch setup.