I recently was able to look at a new 08 CTS on the local dealers lot and was VERY impressed. The G8 doesn't seem to hold a candle in terms of the interior, but the G8 has the performance. Anyone else debating between the two?

I recently was able to look at a new 08 CTS on the local dealers lot and was VERY impressed. The G8 doesn't seem to hold a candle in terms of the interior, but the G8 has the performance. Anyone else debating between the two?

G8 = Less Expensive and probably much more fun. I think the CTS base V6 models price is right around the same price as what a fully loaded G8 GT will be. And while the CTS interior might look nice, I would much rather have my GTO interior over any American built GM car anyday. I'm sure the G8 can't be that far off in terms of quality materials when compared to the GTO.

Yep, I'm considering a G8, CTS or Corvette. Not sure which way I want to go yet. I love the look of the CTS inside and out. However, even with the 304 hp and the stick it just won't be quick enough for me.

The G8 GT will have all kinds of potential and will quicker than the CTS right out of the box for less money.

The Vette only has two seats and two doors. That's where the negatives stop though...it's performance is outstanding and I can get a base 08 Vette for right around 40k plus tax.

I'll probably end up getting a G8 once I see them on the street in true GT form.

yup, I am looking at both. I am not a Cadillac guy, and the first version of the CTS seemed too sharp-edged. But it sure seems that the CTS can stand on its own merits for 2008. I would go with a 1 yr off lease in awd for about the same price as the G8. A Lincoln MKZ is also under consideration. Price seems right, and awd is optional, but they only offer one wimpy little V6. That's the same reason, despite its gfrowth into a large car, that the new Accord is only barely on the radar.

I just looked at 3 2008 CTS on the dealer lot. All with AWD ($1900) and all at least $52,000. Whew! With what I expect to save on a G8 I'll have half the price of a Solstice to go with it. But, they do look good, and make the "bargain" priced Audi A6 Quattro's on same lot at only $51,000 look overpriced.

The sticker was $51k? Yikes! Was there a dealer markup on it?

The sticker was $51k? Yikes! Was there a dealer markup on it?

Factory sticker on each. No markup. All 3 CTS over $52k, all 3 A6 Q average $51k, and I think the Audis were '07s and not '08s. A fully, and I mean fully loaded Lincoln MKZ (although scads less hp) stickers for $37,885.

Factory sticker on each. No markup. All 3 CTS over $52k, all 3 A6 Q average $51k, and I think the Audis were '07s and not '08s. A fully, and I mean fully loaded Lincoln MKZ (although scads less hp) stickers for $37,885.

hmmm . .
On Cadillac.com, build your 2008 CTS:
I checked every option except the engine block heater & optional paint. . .

= = =

2008 CTS 3.6L Direct Injection

Model: 2008 CTS
Style: 3.6L Direct Injection
MSRP*: $35,290.00
Colors: Ext: Black Raven
Int: Light Titanium Seats With Ebony Interior Accents Leather Seating Surfaces
Additional Options: $14,295.00

Vehicle Total: $49,585.00


Included Equipment

3.6L Direct Injection MSRP $35,290.00

Features shown below are in addition to, or in place of, 1SA features:
Engine: 3.6L Variable Valve Timing V6 SIDI Direct Injection with 304 hp
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Colors

Exterior: Black Raven
Interior: Light Titanium Seats With Ebony Interior Accents Leather Seating Surfaces
Additional Options $14,295.00

18" (45.7 cm) Summer Tire Performance Package, includes (TT6) HID headlamps, (CE4) headlamp washers, (T96) fog lamps, (P63) 18" x 8" (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) aluminum wheels with high-polished finish, (QUR) P235/50ZR18 Y-rated summer only performance blackwall tires, (FE3) performance handling suspension, (G80) limited slip differential, (J55) performance braking system and (V03) Performance Cooling System ([MX0] transmission only).
Audio system, , AM/FM stereo with CD/DVD player, MP3 playback and Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound 10-speaker system, with Radio Data System (RDS), 40GB Hard Drive Device (HDD), USB and audio connectivity and steering wheel controls
Engine, , 3.6L Variable Valve Timing V6 DI Direct Injection, (304 hp [226.7 kW] @ 6400 rpm, 273 lb-ft of torque [368.6 N-m] @ 5200 rpm)
Luxury Level One Package, includes (UA6) Theft-deterrent alarm system, (U2R) Audio system, (CE1) Rainsense wipers, (TSQ) Accent lighting, and (P62) 17" x 8" machined-faced wheels
Luxury Level Two Package, includes (KB6) heated/ventilated front seats, (AM9) split-folding rear seat, (N38) Power rake wheel and telescopic steering column, (UG1) Universal Home Remote, (UHA) EZ Key passive entry system (automatic transmission version with remote start. Included when equipped with (MX0) or (MX7) transmissions), (UHF) EZ Key passive entry system (manual transmission without remote start. Included when equipped with (MN6) transmission), (UD7) Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
Premium Luxury Collection, includes (Y40) Luxury Level One Package, (Y41) Luxury Level Two Package, (Y44) Seating Package, (UAV) audio system with navigation, (C3U) UltraView sunroof, (B19) Wood Trim Package and (B20) Wood Trim Package
Seating Package, includes leather seating surfaces, (AH8) 10-way power passenger seat, (AL2) 2-way power driver and front passenger lumbar control, (A45) Memory Package, (KA1) heated front seats and (XA7) heated windshield washer fluid
Sunroof, , power UltraView, double-sized, tilt-sliding with express-open and power sunshade
Tire, , compact spare
Transmission, , 6-speed automatic for AWD
Wheels, , 18" x 8" (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) aluminum with high-polished finish
Wood Trim Package, , real Sapele Pommele on the instrument panel, center console and door trim
Wood Trim Package, , real Sapele Pommele on the steering wheel and shift knob
No accessories selected


* MSRP. Tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment extra.

Back to Summary

= = =

Odd.
Optional paint would bring this to just over $50K.
How do we manage $52?
- Ray
Just curious...

Exactly, I think there is some dealer markup in there. Perhaps one of those extra dealer stickers that has pin stripes and sealant.

hmmm . .
On Cadillac.com, build your 2008 CTS:
I checked every option except the engine block heater & optional paint. . .

= = =

.
How do we manage $52?
- Ray
Just curious...

I'm not sure now, but I know what I saw and it was not a side sticker (which is the requirement in PA, they cannot reformulate the original to include such items, has to be additional). The highest prices I have found in a 500 mile search are just over $49k and the vehicles I quoted are not on the inventory search yet so I'll have to make another trip.

Now the basics of what I would spec go ike this:

Additional Options $8,095.00

18" (45.7 cm) All-Season Tire Performance Package, includes (TT6) HID headlamps, (CE4) headlamp washers, (T96) fog lamps, (P75) 18" x 8" (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) aluminum wheels with premium multi-coat painted finish, (QKE) P235/50R18 V-rated all-season blackwall tires, (G80) limited slip differential, (FE2) sport suspension and (J55) performance braking system (only available with (MX7) 6-speed automatic AWD transmission, at an additional charge), and (V03) Performance Cooling System ([MX0/MX7] transmissions only)
Audio system, , AM/FM stereo with CD/DVD player, MP3 playback and Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound 10-speaker system, with Radio Data System (RDS), 40GB Hard Drive Device (HDD), USB and audio connectivity and steering wheel controls
Engine, , 3.6L Variable Valve Timing V6 DI Direct Injection, (304 hp [226.7 kW] @ 6400 rpm, 273 lb-ft of torque [368.6 N-m] @ 5200 rpm)
Performance Collection, includes (Y42) 18" (45.7 cm) All-Season Tire Performance Package and (Y44) Seating Package
Seating Package, includes leather seating surfaces, (AH8) 10-way power passenger seat, (AL2) 2-way power driver and front passenger lumbar control, (A45) Memory Package, (KA1) heated front seats and (XA7) heated windshield washer fluid
Sunroof, , power UltraView, double-sized, tilt-sliding with express-open and power sunshade
Transmission, , 6-speed automatic for AWD
No accessories selected

$43,385

"I'm not sure now, but I know what I saw"

Not disputing what you saw - just don't understand how any combination of options could add up to that...

I saw one at my dealer for over $50K as well. He's not crazy. Looked at a base model today at around $33K which was still very nice. Blows the new Mercedes c300 away! Still waiting to sit in a G8.....

3.6L Direct Injection MSRP: $35,290.00*

Features shown below are in addition to, or in place of, 1SA features:
Engine: 3.6L Variable Valve Timing V6 SIDI Direct Injection with 304 hp
Transmission: 6-speed automatic


Added options: $15,390.00

18" (45.7 cm) Summer Tire Performance Package, includes (TT6) HID headlamps, (CE4) headlamp washers, (T96) fog lamps, (P63) 18" x 8" (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) aluminum wheels with high-polished finish, (QUR) P235/50ZR18 Y-rated summer only performance blackwall tires, (FE3) performance handling suspension, (G80) limited slip differential, (J55) performance braking system and (V03) Performance Cooling System ([MX0] transmission only).
Audio system, , AM/FM stereo with CD/DVD player, MP3 playback and Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound 10-speaker system, with Radio Data System (RDS), 40GB Hard Drive Device (HDD), USB and audio connectivity and steering wheel controls
Engine block heater
Engine, , 3.6L Variable Valve Timing V6 DI Direct Injection, (304 hp [226.7 kW] @ 6400 rpm, 273 lb-ft of torque [368.6 N-m] @ 5200 rpm)
Luxury Level One Package, includes (UA6) Theft-deterrent alarm system, (U2R) Audio system, (CE1) Rainsense wipers, (TSQ) Accent lighting, and (P62) 17" x 8" machined-faced wheels
Luxury Level Two Package, includes (KB6) heated/ventilated front seats, (AM9) split-folding rear seat, (N38) Power rake wheel and telescopic steering column, (UG1) Universal Home Remote, (UHA) EZ Key passive entry system (automatic transmission version with remote start. Included when equipped with (MX0) or (MX7) transmissions), (UHF) EZ Key passive entry system (manual transmission without remote start. Included when equipped with (MN6) transmission), (UD7) Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
Premium Luxury Collection, includes (Y40) Luxury Level One Package, (Y41) Luxury Level Two Package, (Y44) Seating Package, (UAV) audio system with navigation, (C3U) UltraView sunroof, (B19) Wood Trim Package and (B20) Wood Trim Package
Seating Package, includes leather seating surfaces, (AH8) 10-way power passenger seat, (AL2) 2-way power driver and front passenger lumbar control, (A45) Memory Package, (KA1) heated front seats and (XA7) heated windshield washer fluid
Sunroof, , power UltraView, double-sized, tilt-sliding with express-open and power sunshade
Tire, , compact spare
Transmission, , 6-speed automatic for AWD
Wheels, , 18" x 8" (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) aluminum with high-polished finish
Wood Trim Package, , real Sapele Pommele on the instrument panel, center console and door trim
Wood Trim Package, , real Sapele Pommele on the steering wheel and shift knob
No accessories selected

Vehivle total: $50,680.00

Destination fee: around $800 (I do not think this is included when you build one on the website)

Grand total: $51,480

Total:

Biggest problem for me is still no hand brake in the 2008 CTS 6MT....that is a deal breaker for me...wouldn't even consider it. Why Cadillac doesn't correct this oversight is beyond me...there are hills in the real world! G8 GTP or GXP with 6MT for me...:burnout:

G8 = Less Expensive and probably much more fun. I think the CTS base V6 models price is right around the same price as what a fully loaded G8 GT will be. And while the CTS interior might look nice, I would much rather have my GTO interior over any American built GM car anyday. I'm sure the G8 can't be that far off in terms of quality materials when compared to the GTO.

i couldnt agree more... very well said...

The new caddy is way overpriced for a six cyl car. remember when the first V's came out? they were around 50-51k, and now the CTS can reach that tag with options? give me a ****in break, caddy. if the six is going for 51-52k loaded out, whats the new 600hp CTS-V going to tip the scales at price wise? 62K? ill buy a damn Z06 for that. stick me in a new G8 GXP and Ill be a happy camper. for 40k at most.....

CTS is in a different ballpark than the G8, tough to compare the two. You could get a loaded G8 for the price of a bargain-basement stripped out CTS. And that's one that doesn't even have the DI V6.

Right now i would rather have a g8, although the CTS is rather nice. The potential of the engine, from what i read, is going to be awesome. Since the g8 gt will already be tipping my budget, G8 GT > CTS.

I recently went to look at the '08 CTS and was very impressed with it. I need to think practically when buying a car, and know that if I get the G8 I will have to mod it. With the CTS it will be fine the way it is, aside from some window tint. It's a tough choice.

It will, however, be interesting to see what the new CTS-V shows up with :).

CTS and G8? Two different cars for two separate market segments. The CTS is priced far above the G8, but, then, it has all the entry-lux features (alloy suspension bits, hand-sewn leather, upgraded materials, etc.). Pretty clear choice, if you ask me.

The CTS-V? Think BMW M3, Audi RS4, MB C63 AMG and mid-$60s.

what can i say? i'm a loyal g8 driver. but i wouldnt close down on any cts offer.

My wife and I looked at the CTS at an auto show and as she was trying to get in the car, she hit her shin on the dash panel that sticks out (it is quite sharp and left a mark for several days). It earned the quickest "I hate this car" ever :D So, that is out. However, I would get the C350 over the CTS anyway.

The main reason I would get a GM car is the V8s -- which is why I am VERY interested in the G8 since I need the back doors (otherwise, I would wait for the Camaro).

I was waiting on the G8 to come to my local dealership to trade in my 06 QSM GTO. But after seeing the G8 GT at a local car show it was a big disappointment to me in looks factor. Also I noticed there was hardly any traffic around the G8 display. The wife and I went to the Cadillac area and there was a mob around the new CTS. Well to make a long story short I purchased a 08 CTS with the standard engine 263HP and I just love the car. You would not believe how much attention the car draws. Performance/handling has been more than adequate and the NAV/Audio system has been outstanding. I do think the G8 performance will be off the charts but the GTO performance was great also.

I'm looking at a g8, cts and a g35. They're both just a little more than I want to pay. But I love gizmos...

Hard to ignore the reviews of the new cts.

I've never cared about what anyone thinks about my car. As a matter of fact, if no one looks at my car, that's fine with me. The first thing I did when I got my TBSS was take off the SS stickers.

To me, it's more a matter of content than packaging. I'd rather take a semi-dull looking ride and make a sleeper out of it than buy bling. 500 RWHP in a sedan that looks like a mom-and-pop ride is just about right for me.

I was waiting on the G8 to come to my local dealership to trade in my 06 QSM GTO. But after seeing the G8 GT at a local car show it was a big disappointment to me in looks factor. Also I noticed there was hardly any traffic around the G8 display. The wife and I went to the Cadillac area and there was a mob around the new CTS. Well to make a long story short I purchased a 08 CTS with the standard engine 263HP and I just love the car. You would not believe how much attention the car draws. Performance/handling has been more than adequate and the NAV/Audio system has been outstanding. I do think the G8 performance will be off the charts but the GTO performance was great also.

Although, as Mr. Sandog says above, I see no relevance in the # of people standing around any car I might be considering - and this is coming from a Corvette driver - I do sincerely wish you well with the CTS.

If it had a 360 HP motor available, for a reasonable "upcharge", I'd be seriously considering one...
- Ray
Not ** QUITE ** able to swing the expected price of a new CTS-v for 2009....

500 RWHP in a sedan that looks like a mom-and-pop ride is just about right for me.
Right on.

The one thing I couldn't believe was that the G8 is bigger than the CTS. I guess it's a good thing if you're looking to drive a tank, which I actually am for my next car.

I was just giving my observation of the new G8 please drive the car that floats your boat. And I am sure the G8 will appeal to a select group of individuals.

Drive both, if you can still buy the G8 after driving a CTS i'll be impressed LOL I'm just doing it the easy way and getting both; saves the hassle ;)

If it had a 360 HP motor available, for a reasonable "upcharge", I'd be seriously considering one...
- Ray
Not ** QUITE ** able to swing the expected price of a new CTS-v for 2009....

I'm in the exact same boat. CTS doesn't quite have the balls I'm looking for and I would love a cts-v over a g8, but I can't swing it at this point in my young adult life.

I've never cared about what anyone thinks about my car. As a matter of fact, if no one looks at my car, that's fine with me. The first thing I did when I got my TBSS was take off the SS stickers.

To me, it's more a matter of content than packaging. I'd rather take a semi-dull looking ride and make a sleeper out of it than buy bling. 500 RWHP in a sedan that looks like a mom-and-pop ride is just about right for me.

could not have said it any better! i agree 100%. cars look much better when they arent all flashy and "look at me". i like the simple, clean, debadged look as well. leave your big spoilers, body kits and huge chrome wheels at home, just keep it clean.

chrish

could not have said it any better! i agree 100%. cars look much better when they arent all flashy and "look at me". i like the simple, clean, debadged look as well. leave your big spoilers, body kits and huge chrome wheels at home, just keep it clean.

chrish

Monochrome with subdued wheels! The only way to fly!:thumbsup: