Powertrain details
The DTS is equipped with the technologically advanced Northstar 4.6L V-8 engine and mated to the Hydra-Matic 4T80 four-speed automatic transmission – a proven combination that assures powerful, sophisticated performance.
The Northstar 4.6L V-8 develops 275-horsepower.
Refined chassis and Magnetic Ride Control
The DTS chassis combines performance and luxury capabilities to a degree never before reached on a full-size Cadillac sedan. Chassis tuning on the four-wheel independent suspension system achieves a smooth, quiet, refined ride. The DTS features a front cradle design, with the engine mounted to the cradle, and the cradle mounted to the body rails.
Integrated chassis control technologies include four-channel anti-lock brakes and traction control, four-channel StabiliTrak with Brake Assist, and Magnetic Ride Control (MRC). It is the world’s fastest reacting suspension, controlling body motions to a precise degree.
MRC provides electronically controlled, magnetic-fluid based real-time damping. It uses four wheel-to-body displacement sensors to measure wheel motion over the road surface and responds by adjusting the shock damping at speeds approaching one millisecond.
The system’s secret is the magneto-rheological fluid contained in its dampers, replacing traditional mechanical valves. Suspended in this fluid are tiny iron particles that respond to an electromagnetic charge. A revised piston profile introduced in 2008 improves damping capability and decreases shock temperatures, resulting in improved ride and handling.
Comfort, convenience and security features
The DTS is loaded with a broad range of helpful feature that enhance comfort, convenience and security. The features included:
- Heated and cooled front seats
- Heated rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Standard dual-zone climate control on base packages and standard tri-zone climate control on uplevel packages
- Factory-installed Adaptive Remote Start with personalization
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Power folding outside rearview mirrors
- Front and rear ultrasonic park assist
- IntelliBeam automatic high-beam headlamps
- In-dash six-CD changer and MP3 player
- DVD navigation system
Safety features
The DTS is equipped with a host of safety and security features, beginning with its body frame integral (BFI) construction; strategically engineered crumple zones in front and rear; and comprehensive use of high-strength steel. The vehicle’s crashworthiness is enhanced with structural foam and nylon structural inserts strategically placed in areas of the vehicle’s structure.
The DTS has six standard air bags, including an industry-first dual depth front passenger air bag and GM’s passenger sensing system. The GM co-patented technology deploys either a small or large air bag depending upon crash severity, seat belt usage and seat position. Additional standard features include a dual-stage driver frontal air bag, roof-rail curtain air bags, and front-seat side-impact thorax air bags.