2007 Cadillac CTS-V

The 2007 Cadillac CTS-V is a performance variant of the regular CTS entry-level luxury sedan. The 2007 Cadillac CTS-V comes solely as a four-door sedan with one trim level. Virtually all of the regular CTS's features come standard on the CTS-V.

Highlights include HID headlights, 18-inch wheels with 245/45WR18 Goodyear tires, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, aggressively bolstered sport seats, a premium Bose audio system with an in-dash six-CD changer, a navigation system and a power sunroof. Emphasizing the CTS-V's sporty personality, Cadillac has made a six-speed manual the only transmission choice.

Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers and ABS are standard on the 2007 Cadillac CTS-V, as are front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a driver-adjustable stability control system (StabiliTrak). In NHTSA crash testing, the regular CTS scored four out of five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts, while side-impact tests resulted in a four-star rating for front passengers and a five-star rating for rear passengers.

The engine’s lightweight aluminum construction – including its cylinder heads and block – delivers an excellent power-to-weight ratio (1:9.6) and good chassis balance (53 percent front / 47 percent rear).

To help develop and manage its higher horsepower and torque output, and to reduce noise, vibration and harshness, the CTS-V features several modifications, including:
High-strength pistons help improve engine durability, particularly under high-performance operating conditions
Revised valves and stiffer valve springs better accommodate valve operation with the high-lift cam
Enhanced induction system enables enhanced engine breathing, helping to increase horsepower output
High-flow fuel injectors deliver fuel at the faster rate needed due to increased intake airflow
Dual exhaust constructed of 2.5-inch (159-mm) diameter stainless steel pipe to help minimize back pressure, increase horsepower and ensure proper exhaust tone.

CTS-V chassis refinements include revised front engine cradle to handle the high horsepower and torque from the V-8 engine. The front stabilizer bar was increased from a 23-mm hollow bar to 26.6-mm hollow bar.

Shock diameter was increased from 36 to 46 mm and valving refined to suit the vehicle’s high-performance driving characteristics. A Brembo brake system with 355 x 32 mm front and 365mm x 28 mm rear rotors is incorporated in the Cadillac CTS-V

2007 Nissan Quest

The 2007 Nissan Quest gets a midcycle refresh. The Quest's controversial pillar-style center stack has been retired, with its gauges and controls finding a somewhat more traditional home on the minivan's instrument panel. Nissan has also improved the center-stack design, expanded storage capability and added auto-folding headrests to the third-row seat. Overall, the changes to the 2007 Nissan Quest are welcome.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2007 Nissan Quest minivan is available in four trims: 3.5 base, 3.5 S, 3.5 SL and 3.5 SE. The top-of-the-line 3.5 SE trim includes 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, power-sliding doors on both sides, a sunroof, heated leather seats, a power front-passenger seat, a backup camera, and an upgraded 265-watt, 10-speaker Bose audio system. Major options, depending on the trim level, include a Seat Package with a third-row flat-folding third-row bench seat and second-row captain's chairs; a fixed front-row center console; satellite radio; Bluetooth connectivity; a navigation system; and a rear DVD entertainment system.

Standard on all Quest minivans are front-seat active head restraints, side curtain airbags for all three rows, traction control, a tire-pressure monitor and antilock brakes with brake assist.

Driving Impressions
The 2007 Nissan Quest is an enthusiast-oriented option in the minivan category; the van is acquiescent around corners and offers sharp steering.