Bowser Cadillac
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2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon Review
2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon - Driving Impressions
Cadillac proves that 'station wagon' and 'style' aren't mutually exclusive terms.
By John Lamm "Road and Track" Magazine/ Photos by the Author
November 3, 2009
Want to give the heebie-jeebies to most car marketing managers? Say "station wagon." These once-proud suburban land yachts fell into disrepute decades ago, many having become overweight and under built. They were still lovable, like fat comedians, but became irrelevant to most buyers.
Though not to all, as there are unashamed wagon fans among us. Not that many - just check sales of BMW's 535xi Sports Wagon - but we have a new possibility and it's a good one: Cadillac's CTS Sport Wagon.
Cadillac morphed its CTS sedan into a wagon with 25.0 cu. ft. of cargo space with rear seats up, 53.4 seats folded. The extended body looks so good the issue of minimal rearward vision for the driver is minor.
Unlike some wagons and crossovers, you won't open the CTS's power tailgate, see intruding structure and wonder, "Where did the interior go?" Liftover height is reasonable, the space is quite usable and the seat-folding sequence is quick and simple.
What was Caddy's aim with the Sport Wagon? Remember that this machine was once meant to be sold in Europe and then overlay its exterior dimensions with those of the BMW 535xi Sports Wagon. Wheelbase, overall length, width and height plus the tracks are all within 0.2-0.5 in., and Mercedes' E-Class wagon plays in the same ballpark too.
BMW fits the 535xi Sports Wagon with a 300-bhp, 300-lb.-ft. 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 with 6-speed manual or auto gearboxes and all-wheel drive. Cadillac offers two direct-injected non-turbo V-6s, a 3.0-liter at 270 bhp and 223 lb.-ft., or a 3.6 with 304 bhp and 273 lb.-ft. Six-speed autos only here, but with the option of rear- or all-wheel drive.
Naturally, both wagons have independent suspension front and rear. There was a time when we'd assume a BMW would be more fun to drive than a Cadillac. Not now...this one is close to a draw.
Neither wagon is cheap. The CTS line starts a hair under $40,000 and tops out at $53,620, coming up on where the 535xi Sports Wagon models begin.
It's easy to find stories, sound bites or blogs that denigrate the new GM for a variety of reasons. Cadillac's CTS Sport Wagon is not one of them. This is a properly designed, thoughtfully developed, well-built automobile.
Period.
What's Hot:
- Slick CTS styling
- 304 bhp and all-wheel drive
- Thoughtful interior package
What's Not:
- Station wagon stigma
- Driver's rearward vision
Cars to Compare:
To Our Loyal Customers
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To Our Loyal Customers.
On behalf of the entire Power of Bowser team, I am pleased to inform you that we have been identified by General Motors as one of its key dealers in all of Western Pennsylvania for the Buick, GMC Truck and Cadillac brands.
What this means is that we will be actively participating in the exciting reinvention of a New GM into a leaner, greener, stronger & smarter company - competing in this challenging market with greater efficiencies, better fuel savings and new technologies. There's no denying that in recent days the automobile industry in this country has undergone a dramatic transition, but we believe this transition will ultimately present all of us with exciting new opportunities and products. I'd like to thank you for your loyalty and support, and I want to assure you that we at the Power of Bowser will continue to move forward as we have for more than 25 years - with a commitment to value & service. Sincerely,
 Gary K Bowser Sr President / Owner |
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BOWSER CADILLAC WAS RECENTLY RATED AS ONE OF PITTSBURGH HIGHEST RATED WOMAN & FAMILY FRIENDLY DEALERSHIPS BY
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