Platinum interior upgrade?

[adhir@qx.net]

We own a '08 Esalade ESV with the platinum package. The aniline leather used for the 1st and 2nd row seats is a worthwhile upgrade to the standard "Nuance" leather, IMO. Any plans to bring a similar package to the CTS-V, or at least allow us to specify aniline leather? I am considering ordering a 2010 model, but would really like to ditch the suede inserts and get some better leather, especially on the Recaros. TIA.

[digital1021]

To the the best of my knowledge, there are no plans to offer a Platinum edition CTS or CTS-V. I would assume this is maily becuase the CTS/CTS-V already have the had cut and sewn leather dash and doors that are a big part of the Platinum upgrade. I realize that with the Platinum editions you also get upgraded leather, headliner (suede), and wood trim (decorative inlays) that are not offered in the CTS.

What might be of some help though is a little known fact that Cadillac will customize any of there cars for the customer to their specs. I am not completely sure how to go about it, but for a price, you can get any Cadillac equipped the way you want it. You have to pay a premium for it, and I am not sure how the current GM situation will effect ordering one. I would think that going through this process would add at least 4 weeks to your build time, as the car has to be custom made. I am not sure if Tony or Scott, both Cadillac sale people, know any more about this than I do, but you might inquire with Cadillac directly via phone. The last car I know of that they built, not to say there aren't others, was a 2007 XLR-V with White Diamond Paint upgraded Leather, and I believe the 468hp version of the Northstar. Note the standard XLR-V had the 443hp Northstar, and was not offered with any other colors besides Red, Black, and Silver.

I hope this is of some help.

~ Matt.

[adhir@qx.net]

Thanks, Matt. I own a '97 Porsche 993 TT (purchased by me in 2000) which was ordered by the original owner with a custom interior - leather on literally every knob and surface (even the a/c vent blades), and real carbon fiber trim everywhere. It's held up beautifully over its 12-year life. I never thought that Cadillac might do this. I'll put in a call to them. Honestly, I love the basic styling of the CTS-V interior, but would like aniline (Tehama) leather, no suede inserts, and maybe real carbon fiber trim. It might be prohibitive financially, but I did pony up about $6,000 extra to buy a used Platinum ESV in white, so some additional expenditure is acceptable and expected. Appreciate the input very much. AD

[commander112]

I'm sure a dealer could find an interior shop to do this in your area. Good interior shops can do amazing things. Personally, I like the suade inserts as they give more grip than leather which is exactly why it is there.

[adhir@qx.net]

I'm sure that aftermarket could be great, but I prefer factory / original whenever possible. The GT3 recaro seats in my 993TT are full leather, and provide amazing grip even at Road America, Mid Ohio, VIR, etc. I don't think suede, or actually pigment dyed leather (e.g. GM Nuance) wears as well as true aniline, and I tend to own my cars for many years. So, I'm looking for longevity. I think it will get harder and harder to find a sports sedan with a manual transmission in the future, so I'm looking at the CTS-V as a keeper.