Overview

What's New
DTS is a new nameplate for 2006, replacing the previous Deville moniker. Fresh new styling gives DTS a more modern rendition of the Cadillac "family face," while four-channel Stabilitrak with Brake Assist and Magnetic Ride Control are available on some models. The interior, which has been totally redesigned, now features a 6-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 player as well as six standard air bags, including an industry-first dual-depth front-passenger air bag system that deploys either a small or large air bag, depending on crash severity, seat belt usage, and seat position.

Overview
While DTS is a new name, the basic dimensions and mechanical layout were introduced in 2000, when this car was called the Deville. The DTS (and its chassis platform-mate, the Buick Lucerne) can boast that it is the only front-wheel-drive, full-size luxury car still built, and that it is among a handful of front-drive cars whose power output approaches or exceeds 300 hp. DTS also has the distinction of being the only front-drive Cadillac that remains in the lineup.

Cadillac's legendary all-aluminum Northstar V-8 engine, rated at 275 standard (or 291 optional) hp and connected to a four-speed automatic transmission, lives under the hood of every DTS. Other standard equipment includes a cabin air filtration system; four express-down windows with express-up on the front windows; dual-firmness front seats; an eight-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary jack and MP3 capability; a comprehensive Driver Information Center that measures everything from average and instant gas mileage to transmission fluid life; a Memory Package that remembers your favorite seating positions and audio settings; and a power trunk release with valet lockout.

There is only one model of the DTS. Rather than having different trim levels, Cadillac offers option packages that build on one another in the DTS. The basic DTS comes with the Luxury I package. Stepping into the Luxury II package adds XM Satellite Radio, Memory Package for two drivers, a heated steering wheel with genuine wood trim, heated and cooled front seats, heated outboard rear seats, StabiliTrak with brake assist, and Ultrasonic front and rear parking assist. Luxury III adds a host of upgrades, including a Bose AM/FM stereo with eight speakers and a 6-disc in-dash CD changer. The top-of-the-line Performance package adds the 291-hp Northstar engine, along with Magnetic Ride Control, and nine-spoke 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with H-rated all-season tires.

The Competition
The Cadillac DTS competes in the Large Premium segment with nine other high-dollar, high-feature luxury sedans. Some of the highest-quality, most appealing vehicles on the market compete in this segment.

The Lincoln Town Car leads this segment in sales, with 47,122 units sold in calendar year 2005, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report.^SM The Lexus LS 430, with 26,043 unit sales in 2005, comes in second, closely followed by the DTS (23,322 units in 2005). But look for the DTS to challenge the Town Car for sales volume in 2006, as combined DTS and (outgoing) Deville sales totaled 61,983 in 2005. Other players in the segment include the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS 430, Lincoln Town Car, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and Volkswagen Phaeton.