New Cadillac CTS Unveiled in New York | Cadillac

Cadillac CTS

New Cadillac CTS Unveiled in New York

2013 New York International Auto ShowOn the eve of the CTS, Cadillac announced the third generation of its luxury sedan.

Text by SAKURAI Kenichi

Refined Design and Safety Evolve in the Third Generation

Cadillac unveiled the third-generation new Cadillac CTS at a pre-show event for the 2013 New York International Auto Show, which began on Wednesday, March 27. The event was simultaneously live-streamed worldwide via the internet, attracting considerable attention.

The new CTS, like its predecessors, is a sports sedan that symbolizes the current Cadillac lineup, utilizing an FR platform. Similar to the compact sedan "ATS" unveiled last year, the exterior design further evolves Cadillac's "Art & Science" design language, featuring sharp, edgy lines and a substantial presence that are unmistakably Cadillac.

The new front grille, vertical headlights, and rear combination lights create a more striking form. The body's overall length has been extended by 127mm and the wheelbase by 30.48mm, while the roofline and hood have been lowered by approximately 25mm, further emphasizing a wide and low stance.

Furthermore, the adoption of aluminum doors, a first for Cadillac, contributes to weight reduction and brings the weight distribution closer to an ideal 50:50 balance. Cadillac states that this curb weight is approximately 90kg lighter than its rival, the "

BMW 528i".

The interior features Cadillac's new generation infotainment system, "CUE," which allows for intuitive operation of audio, climate control, and hands-free calling via a 12.3-inch display, akin to using a smartphone. True to its luxury brand status, genuine materials such as carbon fiber, leather, and aluminum trim are used for touchable surfaces. The integration of advanced devices and the meticulous attention to texture and design are also key characteristics.

The powertrain options are noteworthy, led by a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 420 horsepower, paired with Cadillac's first 8-speed automatic transmission. This is complemented by a 3.6-liter V6 engine delivering 321 horsepower, and a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbocharged engine with 272 horsepower, inherited from the "ATS" (both engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission).

Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with virtually all currently available safety features, including full-speed adaptive cruise control, panic brake assist, forward collision warning, automatic collision preparation (including automatic stopping at speeds up to approximately 30 km/h), lane departure warning system, and side blind zone alert. The generous incorporation of advanced safety devices is another defining characteristic of this third-generation CTS.

General Motors Japan has officially announced the introduction of this new CTS to the Japanese market. While the release date has not yet been disclosed, it is anticipated to disrupt the established order within the luxury E-segment, a market currently dominated by European brands.