2008 Cadillac STS V-6 - Short Take Road Test - Car and Driver (blog)
With its revamped V-6 engine now making 302 horsepower, Cadillac seems to be making the case that the optional V-8 is no longer necessary. Significant among its attributes is direct fuel injection, which squirts the fuel into the combustion chamber rather than the intake track. The compression ratio for this GM V-6, which is only in the 2008 STS for now, is 11. 3:1 (compared with 10. 2:1 in last year's V-6). With variable intake- and exhaust-valve timing, power surges to 302 horsepower from 254 and the torque is 272... It'll take a finely calibrated backside to feel the difference between the new STS V-6 and the optional 320-hp V-8 model, which last year came bundled with several features and as a result cost about $9500 more. With this punchier V-6, Cadillac has seen fit to offer the performance handling package that used to be available only with the V-8. It includes a stiffer suspension, Brembo brakes, special wheels with summer tires, and retuned steering gear. The handling package should cost about $1600. Unless you want the four-wheel-drive STS, which doesn't offer the handling package, don't skip this option-equipped with it, the STS absorbs potholes and frost heaves with the right level of firmness,... Source: www.caranddriver.com
