I'm gonna see if I can find a 3.6DI, 6spd manual, FE2 or FE3 equipped model to drive. Definitely interested (and they didn't bring the damn thing to the Washington Auto Show in Feb! so this will be my first viewing).

 

The automatic trans is a $1300 option on the 3.6 non-DI model. The window sticker should have reflected this.

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2008/cadi...on=1&x=58&y=17

 

I see. Yes it did say $1300 for the auto as an option.

So are there any other differences between the DI and non DI model? It appears if both have auto transmissions then it's a $1000 difference between the two.

 

As far as I can tell the cars appear to be identical other than the trans. The 1k difference when equipped with the same trans appears to be the additional cost for the D.I. engine.

 

I think that you can get the FE2 with magnetic ride control, which allows you to approximate FE3 mode when you want it, and have a smoother ride the rest of the time.

Assuming I'm remembering correctly, I think that's the version I'd pick.

 

FE2 is the best all around, but the FE3 gets you the biggest brakes biggest suspension with different rear shocks, i belive its the Sachs Niviomat(sp?) leveling suspension.
FE3 also gets Mich Pilot Sport 2's, which should give you one hell of a stickey tire....

I saw my first CTS today on the road, (right after I saw a convertable DTS too...)
The CTS was black and beautiful!! It was going the other way, but wow what an eye catcher. Such a killer looking car.

 

In short , all the suspension options should change this cars driving characteristics dramatically .

 

I don't even see the FE1/FE2/FE3 options mentioned on the options list at edmunds.com and Cadillac.com has pretty much no info on the new CTS... just a flashy marketing site with some pictures. What is the cost of FE2 and FE3 and are they packaged with anything else?

Also I don't think there's such a thing as a convertible DTS. Maybe you mean XLR or maybe you meant it had one of those ugly covers over the roof to make it kinda look like a convertible (but not really)?

 

No...I mean DTS Convertable. Must have been custom. I know the difference, and this one was a convertable...cause the top was down. And I took pics with my cell phone.
MotorTrend.com has a whole break down of what the FE1, 2 and 3 have.

FE1. Available with RWD or AWD, and PFI engine only. Bilstein shocks; 24mm front, 18mm rear stabilizer bars (33mm front and 19mm rear on AWD); open diff(s); 17.4:1 steering ratio. 8.0 x 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/55R17 Michelin MXV4 all-season tires standard.
FE2. Available with RWD or AWD, and PFI or DI engine. Same spring rate as FE1, but stiffer-rate Bilstein shocks. 29mm front, 20mm rear stabilizer bars; faster16.1:1 steering ratio; limited slip diff(s). Larger, wider 8.5 x 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/50R18 Michelin MXV4 all-season tires. RWD gets FE1 brake package (12.4-in front rotors with aluminum calipers); AWD gets larger diameter FE3 brakes.
FE3. RWD and DI engine only. Same steering, springs and bars as FE2, but uprated shocks (Bilstein front and Sachs Nivomat load leveling at the rear). Wheels are same as FE2, but standard tire is 235/50R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 2, and standard brake package includes 13.6-in front rotors with cast iron calipers.

 

So based on the wording in that info, the DI-equipped CTS should be an FE2 by default, if not for an FE3, right? So maybe that extra $1000 gets you the DI plus FE2, which isn't necessarily an upgrade from the sound of it - just a different 'tune'. Magneride suspension would definitely be an upgrade but it doesn't sound like that's available on the CTS in any capacity. 18" wheels could definitely be considered an extra value inclusion, though.

 

My info varies slightly from what Big Al has posted above. The FE1 is standard on both cars and the D.I. car can be upgraded to FE2 or FE3 as part of the (Y42) 18" All-Season Tire Performance Package or the (Y43) 18" Summer Tire Performance Package respectively. The PFI car can only be upgraded to the FE2 (Y42).

 

Larger wheels and tires, and larger brakes (AWD only) all seem like upgrades to me.

 

Which is what I said in the last sentence of my post that you snipped off.

Well, I didn't mention the brakes but that's because I've only been discussing the RWD model.

 

FE3 has upgraded brakes from FE2 on the RWD cars .

 

Ha, I totally missed that.

We were discussing the differences between FE1 and FE2.