A new six-speed automatic transmission and the option of all-wheel drive are among the enhancements offered on the latest models of the Cadillac STS, the flagship sedan of the Cadillac portfolio. The STS is the product of unwavering attention to detail, resulting in refined performance, sophisticated luxury, overall harmony and purposeful innovation.

Its overall shape brings a faster profile and more rake than its CTS sibling, in a context of elegance and grace. The exterior fit and finish achieves a high level of refinement and illustrates the attention to detail evident throughout the vehicle.

The interior features premium materials and fabrics, including dual-firmness Tuscany all-leather seats, available heated and ventilated, that have been specially tanned for a softer feel. Spray-skinned urethane/natural grained surfaces on the door and instrument panel ensure an inviting, tactile touch, as do the headliner and interior pillars, which are soft-backed and covered with a Monaco woven fabric.

New for 2007 is the 6L50 Hydra-Matic six-speed transmission that provides increased performance. The transmission, first introduced on Cadillac’s acclaimed STS-V and XLR-V in 2006, is standard on AWD and RWD V-8-equipped models. The new transmission features a generous 6.04:1 overall ratio that delivers strong launch acceleration yet provides “tall” overdrive ratios that decrease engine rpm and reduce noise levels while cruising at highway speeds.

The STS offers the 254 horsepower (189 kW) 3.6L V-6 in rear- and all-wheel drive configurations, or the 320 horsepower (239 kW) 4.6L Northstar V-8 in rear- and all-wheel drive. Both engines feature variable valve timing (VVT) for precise fuel management and exceptional power at all rpm levels.

Driver shift control, which provides clutchless manual shifting, is standard on the 6L50 transmission.

Final drive ratios for V-8-equipped STS models include 2.73:1, 3.23:1 and 3.42:1 for rear-drive configurations. All-wheel drive V-8s are available with the 3.23:1 rear ratio.

The 3.6L V-6 VVT is the standard rear-wheel drive powertrain. The all-aluminum, 60-degree V-6 features four camshafts, 24 valves and fully variable valve timing of both intake and exhaust valves, a dual-stage intake manifold, electronic throttle control, multi-port fuel injection and a forged steel crankshaft for durability.

Coupled to the engine is a standard five-speed, fully automatic transmission. The 5L50 features an innovative dual-plate torque converter and a separate, highly refined transmission control module with extended power and memory. It also includes driver shift control, engine braking and downgrade protection with brake assist.

Rear-wheel drive models are equipped with a 3.42:1 final drive ratio and all-wheel drive models are equipped with 3.23:1 final drive aspect.

While the STS remains true to Cadillac’s performance-oriented roots, a host of chassis refinements ensure refined ride and handling, resulting in a ride that keeps drivers fresh and comfortable without sacrificing the driving experience.

Road impacts and other harsh inputs are effectively absorbed and dissipated through ride-tuned tires, dampers, suspension components and bushings, as well as improved structure in body-to-chassis interfaces and additional refinements in the engine mounts.

Integrated chassis control technologies include a two-mode Magnetic Ride Control offering performance or touring selections, four-channel StabiliTrak and an available high-precision ZF steering gear.

Wheel and tire combinations include standard 17 x 7-inch cast aluminum wheels mated to Michelin V-rated 235/50R17 and 255/45R17 (front/rear) tires or available Michelin 235/50R17 ALS tires for six-cylinder models.

The standard wheel/tire combination for the V-8 model includes 17 x 7.5/8.0-inch (split size aluminum wheels with Michelin V-rated 235/50R17/25545R17 tires. Available 18 x 8-inch, flow-formed aluminum wheels are available with Michelin W-rated 235/50R18 and 255/45R18 tires. Additionally, 255/45R18 Michelin Pilot Sport tires are available.

Technological appointments are plentiful, purposeful and driver oriented, including an Easy Key system; Adaptive Remote Start system (not available in Europe or Russia ); Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Intellibeam; reconfigurable, four-color head-up display (HUD); heated and ventilated seats and heated steering wheel.

An available uplevel infotainment system includes one of the industry’s first OEM-installed surround-sound audio systems. The cabin is immersed with 15 Bose speakers. The 5.1 Bose system also has an integrated six-disc CD/DVD changer and plays formats including DVD-A, CD, and MP3. It includes an eight-inch VGA quality touch screen and advanced navigation. In addition, the system has Bluetooth phone capability, advanced voice recognition and OnStar.

For 2007, OnStar-equipped STS models will feature a new service called OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation, the first factory-installed, fully integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar. Turn-by-Turn allows consumers to talk to a live advisor, who in turn sends complete step-by-step directions to customers' vehicles through their OnStar system. These audio directions automatically play through the vehicle’s stereo as needed, triggered by the OnStar system’s GPS capabilities. This enables drivers to be led to their destination while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. For more information about OnStar, see the OnStar Overview in the Product Information Guide corporate book.

The STS is built at GM’s state-of-the-art Lansing Grand River assembly center in Lansing , Mich. Last year, Cadillac began selling STS in Europe, Japan , Russia , Middle East , South Korea , Taiwan and Israel .