The revised 2008 Cadillac STS topped the list of updated GM cars that made their debut in New York. First seen on the Sixteen concept, the STS receives a new grille design that is added to both the Escalade and the new 2008 CTS.

Other revisions include vertical headlights with large dual lenses are now enclosed in aluminized single-piece bezels, side air extractors, a new lower front fascia and narrower side market lights.

Standard is a 298-horsepower direct-injection 3.6-liter V6 engine that is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Available for the first time on the V6 version are Intellibeam headlights that automatically switch gradually from high beam to low beam when another vehicle is approaching or the car is approaching taillights. 

The 2008 Cadillac STS will offer a new performance handling package, enhanced variable-effort steering with StabiliTrak on V8 versions, new lane departure warning and blind spot alerts. The performance handling package includes 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, chrome-plated wheels, 255/45R18 Michelin Pilot Sport summer performance tires and Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers.

The new version of StabiliTrak adds active front steering to turn the front wheels into the skid when the rear wheels lose traction. The system includes a new steering motor assembly combined with computer-driven electronic controls that measure wheel slippage at all four wheels independently during acceleration, braking and adverse road conditions.

The lane departure system utilizes cameras mounted in the outside rear view mirrors to read the lines in the road and alert the driver with audible and visual signals when the car moves to another lane. The blind spot alert system is radar-based and will provide a visual alert in the outside mirror when a vehicle is in a certain zone relative to the car.

The 2008 STS is expected to go on sale by the middle of the summer 2007 and pricing will be announced at a later time.

New Buick Models

The 2008 Buick LaCrosse Super and the 2008 Buick Lucerne Super debuted at the New York Auto Show and marked the return of the “Super” name to identify premium Buick models.

“We’re bringing back the Super badge to represent our most premium models,” announced Steve Shannon, Buick general manager. “Our Supers are not just about increase horsepower; they represent an elevation in design, premium content and ride-characteristics that are exclusive to the Super badge.”

Engineered for Buick by the GM Performance Division, the LaCrosse Super is powered by a 300-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 with GM’s Active Fuel Management technology and the chassis has been sport-tuned for more responsive handling characteristics.

The Lucerne Super is powered by a 292-horsepower version of the Northstar V8 engine with a sport-tuned version of Lucerne’s Magnetic Ride Control system.

The LaCrosse Super received a new grille, hood and front fascia with a lower grille opening with chrome trim and chrome fog light bezels. New portholes in the fenders, new rocker moldings, a rear fascia with integrated park assist sensors, 3.5-inch dual chrome exhaust tips, and a rear decklid spoiler are also added.

Inside the Lacrosse Super features new woven-embossed leather seats, additional front seat bolstering, and a unique woodgrain appearance for the dash, console, door trim and shift knob. The instrument graphics are unique to the Super, as well as a silver finish for the center stack and new front sill plates.

The Lucerne Super receives a new chrome waterfall grille, front and rear fascias, integrated dual exhaust tips, new rocker panels and a new wheel design finished in bright silver paint. Inside, the upper instrument panel is covered in leather with French-seam stitching, the center stack has a unique finish, leather seats with perforated suede fabric inserts and suede door trim.

Standard equipment includes Driver Confidence package, Luxury package, Comfort & Convenience package, OnStar Directions & Connections with Turn-by-Turn voice-guided navigation, XM Satellite Radio and Harman Kardon audio system.

The Lucerne Super goes on sale in the spring of 2007 and the LaCrosse Super follows in the summer of 2007.

2008 Hummer H2 and H3

Also debuting in New York, the 2008 Hummer H2 and 2008 Hummer H3 receive styling and power upgrades. The Hummer H2 adds an all-new interior with premium appointments, an all-new instrument panel, more comfortable seats and a full third row of seats.

Exterior changes include larger openings for the seven-slot grille, a larger lower grille opening for increased cooling and the lower bumper is now painted silver.

Standard safety feature for the 2008 H2 include electronic stability control with rollover mitigation technology, panic brake assist and roof rail head curtain side airbags with rollover sensing system.

The new 6.2-liter engine delivers 393 horsepower, a 20 percent increase over the previous engine, combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission. According to GM the new engine with variable valve timing and the new transmission with a wide range of ratios combine to give the H2 both improved performance and improved efficiency. Towing capacity increases to 8,000 pounds.

The changes also apply to the Hummer H2 SUT and both the H2 and the H2 SUT go on sale later this year.

For 2008, GM adds the H3 Alpha to the Hummer H3 lineup, powered by a 295-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 engine with 317 lb-ft of torque, combined with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity increase to 6,000 pounds.

The H3 Alpha includes the Luxury equipment package, Chrome Appearance package, 16-inch chrome wheels, a 4.10 rear axle ratio, and Alpha identification including a tailgate badge, steering wheel horn pad badge and the Alpha insignia embroidered on the front headrests.

The 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha goes on sale in the summer of 2007.