FE2 AWD has the FE3 brakes.
I dont get why the FE2 RWD gets aluminum calipers, and the FE3's larger brakes get cast iron? You would think to reduce unsprung weight, that you would use a light weight aluminum caliper, not to mention disapate heat?

 

my bad

 

Calipers play practically no part in heat dissipation. A cast iron caliper would be stronger and therefore less prone to deflection when you're heavy on the pedal.

 

Ehhh...calipers get hot man, and that makes brake fluid get hot. Hot fluid is not fun. Cast iron would be stronger, but I have not seen a problem with OE or Aftermarket brake set ups, using large brake calipers made of aluminum.

 

Only from heat that bleeds in through the pads. Agreed that hot fluid is bad, but a good set of rotors is a better way to manage brake heat.

 

As a former mechanic I can vouch that calipers get WAY hot.

BTW you can only get the DI 3.6 with the auto right?

 

This is getting off topic quickly. Both rotors and calipers play their part in heat dissipation, and I doubt that typical drivers of a CTS are going to notice any of the changes in brake options mentioned so far. Most cars aren't pushed hard enough for it to matter in typical use.

I'm glad to hear that the new CTS is a real beauty. I'm looking forward to seeing one in person.

Dan

 

Its not a matter if the driver will notice a feel in braking during a few laps at GingerMan, Willow Springs, or Lime Rock, but the added unsprung weight of a cast iron caliper will effect the ride of the car vs a car equiped with aluminum replacements.

 

FYI, I noticed no difference in unsprung weight going from my stock cast iron front calipers to the aluminum Z06 C5 calipers I have now. (The weight increase from the larger rotor size offset the gain of the aluminum caliper). I'm guessing this might also be the case for the CTS.

Can we please stop talking about brakes? I want to hear others impressions of the car. How do you fit in the seat? How is the view, any big blind spots? Any good places to rest your elbows? Legroom for front and rear passengers?

Dan

 

The 3.6 DI is not default with an automatic transmission, the 3.6 DI is a $2,3XX.XX option alone. CTSs with the 3.6 DI have special badging on the trunk.

 

www.cadillac.com is down. WTF?

I wanted to build and price. If it runs 43+k, I guess I'm back to the 335i.

 

What does the badging say? That's interesting.

Dan

 

GM is learning! If you can tell the difference between a ZL1 Copo and a base model X44 Camaro by the dog dish rims, that means youre really into cars.

If you can tell the difference between a Vette and a Z06 that just means you have the gift of sight.

 

Its just a small emblem on the bottom left side of the trunk lid.

 

I just tryed the site and its up, but you can't build a 2008 CTS, everything is still 2007 models.