Press Release
True luxury sports sedan with a European driving feel
The boldly styled CTS model represents a true luxury sports sedan with a European driving feel, a car representing the global brand that Cadillac has become. A clear sign of that commitment was General Motors' engineering and development team testing the CTS's rigid, durable chassis and sophisticated suspension system on the most challenging race circuit in the world, Germany's famed Nürburgring.Styled in a modern interpretation of the cars that made Cadillac famous, the Cadillac CTS is offered with the choice of two smooth-running six-cylinder engines. The new 2.8-liter CTS sedan develops 158 kW (215 horsepower) and is complemented by an all new 3.6 liter V6 with 189 kW (257 hp), linked to a six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic. The CTS is every inch a true Cadillac; a fusion of design and technology - what other car could be the star of the Hollywood blockbuster movie Matrix Reloaded?
Overview
The CTS builds on Cadillac's century-long tradition of technology and design innovation, and is a modern interpretation of the cars that made Cadillac famous. Characteristic cues include vertical headlamps and tail lamps, a refinement of a Cadillac tradition that first appeared in 1965. The integrated headlamps convey the high-tech image of optical instruments and high-end camera lenses.Thin and tall, they create space for the large, louvered grille that tapers into the classic Cadillac grille with the prominent wreath and crest logo and a dramatic, rising shoulder line that refracts the light. It splits the car into a light upper and dark lower section, adding to the perceived length of the vehicle. The body's stature is accentuated by strong wheel arches, defined by a precise undercut in the metal - a feature that makes the standard 16-inch or optional 17-inch aluminium wheels seem even larger.
The two modern V6 engines boast high levels of performance and refinement. Mounted longitudinally in an especially compact arrangement, common features include aluminium cylinder heads, four valves per cylinder, four overhead cams and electronically controlled "drive-by-wire" throttle, assuring sensitive engine response to driver input.
The 2.8L V-6 VVT is the second-produced variant of GM's new global V-6 engine family, an all-aluminium 60-degree dual overhead cam, four-valve-per-cylinder design, developing 158 kW (215 hp) at 7000 rpm and 262 Nm of torque at 3300 rpm. The engine employs a wide range of advanced technologies, including fully variable valve timing of the intake and exhaust valves and a dual-stage variable intake manifold to deliver outstanding flexibility, fuel economy and emissions control.
The 3.6L V-6 VVT is an all-aluminium, 60-degree dual overhead cam, four-valves-per-cylinder design, with fully variable valve timing and a dual-stage variable intake manifold, developing 189 kW (257 hp) at 6200 rpm and 340 Nm of torque at 3200 rpm. Externally it is distinguished from its smaller stablemate by the use of dual, rather than a single exhaust.
The CTS' Sigma architecture is the first usage of ultra high-strength steel at GM and the first time the steel has been incorporated as a welded member of the structure. In the past, ultra high-strength steel was limited to applications such as bumpers, where bolts were used for attachment. Ultra high-strength steel permits the use of thinner, lighter steel, which reduces mass yet still allows proper energy absorption and reduces intrusion into the passenger compartment in an accident.
The distinctive form vocabulary of the Cadillac CTS is also reflected in the interior design, with a new instrument cluster which includes strikingly designed dials reminiscent of stop watches and a three-spoke steering wheel with V-shaped airbag cover. The center console features displays for the sound system, climate control and the optional navigation unit, all ergonomically arranged within the driver's view. A range of leather interiors are available, including a particularly elegant two-tone version featuring contrasting colors for the well designed and comfortable seats. A cloth interior is standard on Comfort and Elegance.
The Cadillac CTS is distinguished by generous interior space for a performance sedan, comfortably accommodating five people. The cabin measures a generous 1075 by 940 mm, while front shoulder room is also exemplary at 1438 mm. The trunk has a VDA cargo rating of 420 liters while fold-down 60/40-split rear seats means the cargo capacity can be further increased with ease.
Standard equipment
Standard equipment includes six next-generation airbags. The two dual-stage front airbags inflate according to crash severity to avoid unnecessary injuries during minor collisions. Side-on impacts trigger front-seat-mounted side bags and roof-mounted curtain bags which inflate between the A- and C-pillars to ensure that all outboard occupants are protected. Because they inflate over a large area, the air cushions also protect the heads of smaller passengers.A European way of driving with sporty, agile handling, was the guiding principle for the CTS designers, who created a sophisticated rear-wheel-drive chassis with near-perfectly balanced weight distribution - 53 % front, 47 % rear.
The front suspension features a double A-arm design with coil springs. The rear wheels are mounted on a five-link rear axle, isolated from the body by four rubber mounts. The front upper and lower control arms are made of aluminium, which is also used on the rear axle for the upper control arm and the suspension knuckles. Specially designed for European requirements, the suspension guarantees good ride comfort, even on poor-quality surfaces and with the car fully loaded.
All CTS models are factory-fitted with the Nivomat self-leveling rear suspension system from the German company Sachs Automotive. The StabiliTrak stability control system is fitted as standard. It increases driving safety in high speed swerves or sudden avoidance manoeuvres, restabilizing the car through precise application of the brakes on individual wheels and if necessary retards the engine timing. Adapted from the driving dynamics system in the Corvette, the system is highly responsive and can adjust braking at any of the four wheels to maintain vehicle control.
The Cadillac CTS is built at the General Motors Lansing Grand River (LGR) assembly plant in Lansing, Michigan, alongside the CTS-V, all-new SRX luxury utility vehicle and STS luxury sedan. The plant is one of the most advanced, state-of-the-art assembly plants in the world. It was awarded the prestigious prestigious Gold Plant Award as a leader in initial vehicle quality among luxury nameplates, following the 2004 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study.
Trend-setting design sets CTS apart from the luxury crowd
The 2003 Cadillac CTS sedan was the first production car to fully embody the division's Art and Science design philosophy, first introduced on the 1999 Evoq concept roadster. The dramatic exterior form of the new sedan immediately states the arrival of Art and Science on the road. The boldly chiseled CTS, with its sheer forms, sharp edges and crisp intersecting lines, at once honors Cadillac's history and points toward its bright future."Cadillac at its peak was known for bold, trend-setting design and innovative, ground-breaking technology-it was indeed the standard of the world," said Wayne K. Cherry, General Motors vice president of Design. "At its best, its styling was overt and dramatic. CTS is certainly dramatic, yet also refined. It builds on this heritage in a bold, new way."
Cadillac's Art and Science design form vocabulary borrows the sharp forms, angular shapes and crisp edges of stealth aircraft technology, among other American, high-tech geometric influences. The risk-taking design that results is marked by a taut, lean body that's long from dash to axle, with short overhangs.
The CTS exterior design team, led by Thomas Kearns, had two objectives for the profile view: Use the feature line as the dominant theme with an emphasis on vertical ends, and accentuate the stance of the vehicle. The rear track of CTS is a fixed design point, as is the fender flare. The vehicle sides were tucked in slightly to enhance that flare for a more tapered look. The sail panel also enhances the fast, formal look, giving CTS a sportier appearance. Simple but dramatic, the hood kicks up into the fender line for a sweeping, dynamic look. An example of the efforts of CTS designers to formulate technical precision in details is the beltline; it extends through to the distinctive rear as well as to the front in a subtle fender line.
Traditional design cues, including the grille and exterior lighting have been brought right up to date on the CTS. Cadillac's keynote vertical headlights and taillights first appeared in 1965. CTS carries on and refines the tradition with integrated headlights that convey the high-tech image of optical instruments and high-end camera lenses.
Thin and tall, they create space for the large, louvered egg-crate grille � another Cadillac staple, this one dating back to the 1930s. The shield-shaped grille prominently houses the new Cadillac wreath and crest emblem. A tungsten halogen headlamp system is standard on the CTS, with a high-intensity discharge (HID) system as an option, standard on up-level models. In response to customers who disliked the intense blue light from some HID headlights, the light from the HID lamps of the CTS has been toned down, with illumination that is more white than blue.
Both halogen and HID forward lamps incorporate automatic dynamic headlamp leveling systems to keep the light beams focused on the road under all conditions. This key CTS safety feature provides better vision for the driver and reduces glare for oncoming traffic. Rear fog lamps, position lamps, tail lamps, headlamp optics and side repeater lamps are all unique to meet specific European legal requirements.
The rear view complements the front, with a full-color wreath and crest integrated into the center line and a wide V-shaped center high-mounted stop light (CHMSL). The center high-mounted stop light of the CTS is illuminated by neon, providing long bulb life, a smooth light pattern and almost-instant illumination enabling quicker response time for braking for drivers in vehicles travelling behind the CTS.
Cool, comfort and convenience in an inviting interior
The Art and Science design philosophy evident in the exterior of the Cadillac CTS continues throughout to the interior of the vehicle. The interior provides all the amenities that luxury customers have come to expect, with the emphasis on comfort and convenience. It uses warm, rich materials to contrast with the cool, computer-like, high-tech cockpit appearance, balancing the contemporary feel with touches of traditional luxury. Wooden surfaces are used sparingly, only in areas with which the customer comes in contact, such as on the shifter knob, top of the steering wheel and door pulls.American computer influence inspires the form vocabulary and content of the inviting interior of the new Cadillac CTS, particularly in the instrument panel and door treatments. The center stack especially borrows from the look of a personal computer, and climate control air vents are reminiscent of computer vents. Strong vertical elements throughout the interior reinforce the vertical design themes established on the exterior.
The CTS steering wheel is a sporty three-spoke design, with the center of the wheel sporting the Cadillac shield shape and wearing the wreath and crest. The wheel also features a diamond cut center spline and a distinctive "mouse button" to control the audio system volume and source.
