2004 Cadillac CTS

What makes a good car better? More power never hurts. The all-new 3.6-liter V-6 found in the '04 CTS is the first variant of GM's global V-6 family to come to market. It's larger than the engine it replaces, offers more sophisticated hardware such as variable valve timing, and packs more punch. The 3.2-liter unit in last year's CTS made 220 horsepower. The new 3600 V-6 makes a provisional 255 at 6200 rpm. Provisional means GM has yet to arrive at a final rating and is looking for a few more ponies before certification is complete.

Also noteworthy is that this engine generates 32 more lb-ft of torque. That's both welcome and necessary, since this same all-alloy DOHC V-6 is slated to appear as the base engine in the heavier Cadillac SRX crossover and the rear-drive '05 Seville.

Our early impression is a positive one. Although the new 3600 is said to be inherently quieter, some of that perceived cabin calm may be due to the addition of sound-attenuation materials, plus other tweaks, aimed at reducing noise, vibration, and harshness, that the CTS enjoys for '04. The 3600 feels and sounds more polished than its predecessor, but doesn't yet match the standards set by Infiniti's more powerful 3.5-liter V-6 or BMW's silken inline-sixes.

At the test track, we shaved a half second off the previous car's 0-60 time (6.4 versus the '03 CTS's 6.9-second performance). On the road, useable thrust is sharper and stronger, even when paired with an automatic transmission. This is important, since that's the only way you'll be able to get the new engine in a CTS for a while.

Unfortunately, the current 3.2 remains the only engine available with the five-speed manual until June 2004, when this more potent 3.6 will be mated to a new six-speed manual. That's another combination we look forward to.