Cadillac CTS Goes Upscale
By Jim Taylor
Cadillac General Manager
Turnaround by design — anyone who has paid any attention to General Motors over the past few years has heard that line.
Well, I am pleased to have had the chance to show people exactly what that phrase means. I had the honor of revealing the redesigned Cadillac CTS on Monday.
If any vehicle demonstrates a turnaround by design, it's this one. The new CTS was inspired by the Cadillac Sixteen concept car that stole the show in Detroit in 2003.
In addition to being inspired by the look and performance characteristics of the Sixteen, the new CTS has taken interior design to a whole new level of luxury. There are a number of hand-crafted interior components, including the upper instrument panel and door trim surfaces, which are hand-cut, sewn and wrapped by expert craftsmen, and the hand-assembled center console.
The CTS seats are improved too, using new "thin-seat" technology for maximum occupant comfort and enhanced rear-seat leg, knee and foot room. We also added clean, white ambient light emitting diode (LED) soft backlighting to the door pulls, foot wells and recessed between the upper and lower instrument panels. The result is a dramatic effect similar to recessed lighting used in contemporary homes.
We are really excited about the new look for the CTS and we believe that it is a great example of the top-notch luxury drivers expect every time they get into a Cadillac.
But this car's not just about looks. We've provided some serious performance options too, including StabiliTrak, an advanced 300-hp direct injection engine, six-speed transmission in either manual or automatic models, and a performance suspension package with 18-inch wheels.
The redesigned CTS is yet another example of GM's renewed emphasis on design. I may be biased, but I think it the best example out there. What do you think?
If you want to check out the full video of the reveal, take a look at this FastLane post from earlier this week at the show.
Flickr galleries for more CTS photos
FYI video with some of the car's designers
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Looks great inside and out but I would’nt get one without a hybrid powertrain.
Nice car this new-gen CTS. I hope you put a V8 (when you will release the Ultra?) and also make a full family, with a coupe (hardtop, please), a convertible (obviously with a retractable rigid roof, as the G6 has or even better) and a wagon (think about the range of versions of MB, BMW and Audi, just to stay in the German standard and also break the taboo that Caddy never had a true SW in its lineup). And to put an end in this post, bring them officially to Brazil! You’re losing an excellent market for your luxury rides, despite our huge poverty and bad wealth distribution. While you are reluctant to bring Cadillac officially to the 5th bigger country in area in the world (Brazil is bigger in continuous extension than USA. Your country is only bigger overall because of Alaska), even Toyota imports small quantities of Lexuses to sell in their dealer network, not to count the bigger luxury sellers here (Mercedes, Audi, Land Rover and BMW). Not to count the good sell numbers of extremely limited production brands as Porsche, Maserati and even Rolls-Royce.
If GM do Brasil feels unable to sell anything more luxurious than an Aussie Omega, why don’t you work side-by-side with guy like the ones of Senna Import, the people that made Audi, completely unknown here in 1994, a respectable nameplate here?
And also, I have to remember you that older people here still remember Caddy as standard of luxury when they were younger. Cadillac is even in our imaginary, being sang by Roberto Carlos in some of his songs, not to mention other deeply rooted manifestations.
Jim,
Saw the terrific intro video and the amazing car. Home run in every way. I am blown away. Look forward to the V version. Job exceptionally well done to all concerned.
B
From what I’ve seen so far the designers are doinga great job. I always felt the current model was a little too edgy, not a lasting design. If the rest of the chassis keeps up with the engine, and if the Getrag diff problems (yes we know about those nasty leaking and self-destructing Kappa and CTS differentials)are behind you, then you will be fighting not the Euopeans and Asians but your own Malibu for 2008 Motor Trend COTY.
When will the specifications and pictures be available on the 2008 CTS?
What is the site?
For such a breathtaking design from Cadillac, people have been mostly quiet about this new design, havenm’t heard hardly a peep from the public; Good, bad or ugly.
But I’ll give kudo’s. G.M. seems to be heading back in the right direction: Leading the auto design industry.
Jim,
I am a huge fan of GM over the years, and really appreciate that you give us a chance to write to you. We currently have 8 GM vehicles ranging from 1961 to 2007, and have been looking at a small fuel efficient vehicle to add to the stable (the best milage we get is the 18 in the 02 suburban. We just test drove the 07 CTS and are rather dissapointed in the interior of this otherwise nice vehicle. I do hope you have corrected the poor design of the cabin. We really wanted to like this little car, and we don’t. The glove box is a mean joke, the center armrest area is not up to the standards we have grown to expect from higher end GM vehicles, and the great big blank area in the center stack was not attractive at all. The steering wheel is unusual, with afterthought switches, and I was absolutely upset to find that the passenger seat is manually controlled in both vehicles we drove. While the 5 speed automatic with the 3.6 was entertaining, I can get a better trans in the G6, for $10k less. Please go take a look at the interior of the GMC 2500HD Crewcab SLT. That is my daily driver, and I would expect every Cadillac to exceed this standard. I look forward to seeing the 08 CTS, but will most likely buy the 9-3 or G6 before that hits the market. SOrry to be so negative, but I was extremely dissapointed that my wife had to drive the 07 CTS at all, we expected much better from Cadillac.
Wow, I was so impressed with the looks of the exterior and interior of the new CTS. Huge improvement over the current model. However, I can’t believe the silly “pump to set” emergency brake from the current model continues on a car offered with a manual transmission…apparently someone didn’t sweat ALL the details…
“Goes upscale”
“Goes?”
Is this an admission that Cadillac has been anything BUT upscale?
When I was a kid, Cadillac was a term used for the best of anything, the cream of the crop. Today GM finally figured out that Cadillac needs to GO upscale.
Mr. Taylor: The new CTS is a major improvement over the previous model. The front styling is more elegant and conveys the luxury image Cadillac once had.
Will the manual transmission be available with the 300 HP V6?
Will the CTS-V have an automatic transmission option?
What V-8 will be used in the CTS-V, hopefully the 6.2L or 7.0L from the Corvette. Love the torque these engines put out and would rather have a NA engine since I can add my own supercharger or Turbo.
The AWD option should help sales in the northeast and mountain west.
Any chance of an Estate version?
When will the Coupe version be available?
Great to see a new GM product that has over 95% of the details correct on the first try.
Keep it up and do something with the SRX rear styling – this is a great vehicle but that back end has to go.
Would like to see the 5.3 AFM engine from the Tahoe on the SRX along with the Twin Mode Hybrid system.
Make the next STS as good as this and sales will pick up.
I can’t wait to see the new CTS. I am in the market for a new car, and had eliminated the current generation CTS from my search. Maybe I’ll try to stretch my current car another year and see if this next gen CTS is everything it is supposed to be. I had eliminated the current CTS based upon the engine, suspension, and the interior, so it is good to hear that these are all areas that were heavily reworked and addressed. Too bad the direct injection V-6 isn’t the base engine, with a turbocharged version good for 360hp as the upscale engine choice. Then you could seriously make the CTS V 425hp and give the M3, S4, and C55 or 63 a run for their money.
Well, thats good news that GM is really paying attention when it comes in making new vehicles, specially the design, auto body parts and quality since its very important; hope that car buyers will surely love this.
Jim,
While I think the new CTS is a good step forward for GM and destined to be a great success I feel disappointed with several important details which should never have been missed by a luxury marque.
Firstly, the interior. The press photos released by Cadillac of the new CTS’s interior shocked me. The driver’s side door-to-instrument panel gap looks like its almost half an inch and very un-even!
Who ever let that image go to press should be fired!!
The interior looks good but some of the details are sub-standard. The steering wheel is to blocky and is not in harmony with the interior theme, the screen on the centre stack looks like a small monochrome screen that belongs in an Aveo.
The way the wood spears on the console terminate on the instrument panel looks wrong and the way the vents cut into the radio face also looks plain wrong and unrefined!
Now to the exterior styling. I was disappointed with this in several areas. Firstly, the front end graphic is too heavy handed and looks almost obscene.
Some of the launch photos showing the car in a true front view are really confrontational…and dare i say it – ugly.
The body-side disappointed me too, the strong crease line of the previous model is gone, replaced by a soft side with none of the sharp edge attitude that is so overdone on the front!
Also on the body-side, is a strange groove section which looks like an after-thought.
You say you have a strong grasp of detail and have been reducing gaps and improving quality… but what i’ve seen here is not good enough for Cadillac.
My standards are high because I believe Cadillac should be known as the best car in the world. Thats all.
These are welcome improvements to the CTS. It should do well against its competition. I was suprised it doesn’t have, as an option at least, Magnetic Ride Control. That would have further separated it from its competition. Maybe this can be offered when the CTS Coupe comes out.
Jim:
Congratulations to you and the whole Cadillac team, the CTS looks very impressive. Cadillac should have a CTS coupe, retractable hardtop, and maybe a wagon similar to the way Mercedes-Benz and BMW have variants off their platforms. Also, the STS needs to be reworked in a similar way to what Cadillac has done with the CTS, making it noticeably larger than the 5-Series BMW and E Class Mercedes-Benz. American luxury cars should be a little bit bigger than their European counterparts.
Respectfully,
Eric Matthew Vest
Well Done!
I’ve been waiting for a few years for Cadillac to build a car for me. This could be it. I’m currently and Audi driver but a long time GM fan.
I think the car looks great and finally has AWD. One request though – please make sure that all of the powertrain combinations are available. I currently have a twin-turbo engine with AWD and a manual transmision. So if I can get the CTS with a manual, AWD and the 300hp engine I’d be sold. All too often it seems that manufacturers (other than audi and subaru) assume that if you want awd you have no interest in hp or a manual.
Let me say once more – Well Done!
Glenn
I can hardly wait to see the new CTS in person. My only thought is what is Cadillac going to do with the STS now that the CTS looks so much better, inside and out? I have driven both the CTS and CTS-V and while I truly loved the V it was just too small. The STS just doesn’t have the visual impact that the 08 CTS does.
Cadillac should be proud and congratulated for what has occurred over the last few years with their resurgence in the marketplace. But for those of us who are WAY above average in height and prefer to drive cars vs. SUVs, I am truly hoping an updated/lengthened STS or STS-V is in the pipeline for the very near future. I would love to give my import driving friends a real shock in a beautifully styled LWB STS soon.
It is a real beauty. One more reason why BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes owners should take a second look at Cadillac.
Now if we can get GM to build the Cadillac Sixteen, all would be right with the world.
I like the idea of a high-output V-6 for a rear-wheel-drive Caddy. I’d rather have a 400 hp V-8 coupe, of course. The shot of the Sixteen breaks my heart. I found the Sixteen to be the most beautiful luxury sedan since the coachbuilt cruisers of the 1930s. I’m glad to see some of it still alive in the next generation of Cadillacs.
The interior is stunningly gorgeous, and the exterior is bold in a very good way.
This car should be a huge success for you.
One suggestion: Personally I like hood ornaments on cars. The new Buicks & Cadillacs don’t have them.
Jim,
I’ll have to say I’m very impressed with the new CTS. It just looks the way a luxury car should, and most of the details are spot on. The front end is a bit overdone, and the lower grill area looks a bit bloated from some angles. Maybe it will look better in person. The interior is beautiful, but I would prefer more wood instead of the aluminum. Look at the China SLS interior, the way the wood wraps down from the IP onto the center console around the shifter. Just my preference.
Please don’t get greedy pricing the car – if you want new younger customers to come in droves to Cadillac, price it reasonably. You still have a ways to go to PROVE the re-sale value, long term reliability and customer satisfaction. There are many fine contenders out there and you will severely limit your sales (like what has happened with the STS) if you price it above what it is worth. You’ll have new customers for life if you price it right and offer people MORE features and value than the competition, and much more than they’ve come to expect from GM. Remember, a very fine G35 can be had in the mid-30’s.
Think about it this way – if you had $35K to spend on a car, and were going to keep it for at least 5 years, then what would you buy? Why would you buy Cadillac? Make my decision easier and I will buy a Cadillac CTS as my next car.
This is a gorgeous car. Finally, a contemporary GM car I would be proud to own. I hope I can own a new 2008 CTS someday. Can’t wait to see it in person, and drive it. It’s drop dead gorgeous, sexy, sophisticated, and luxurious. Everything this 39 year old is looking for in a car… Hey BMW, Audi, Lexus, Mercedes: no apologies needed. I hope it makes them sweat a little, for a change! Go GM! Go Cadillac! THANK YOU!!
Jim,
As a young buyer considering the new Infiniti G35 , Lexus IS350, and BMW 3 series, the new CTS really struck a chord with me. The styling… is incredible. It truly makes other cars look anonymous. The proportions are great, the interior looks top notch, and the engine choices are superb. When I first saw the pictures, I pulled out the info packet on my previous top choice for the new car, the Infinti G35, and could not believe how boring it looked in comparison. You have completely changed my opinion of Cadillac, which no longer identifies in my mind with land barges and the geriatric, but with powerful, luxurious, and muscular looking cars. Keep it up. If you can make me a believer, someone who had lost all faith in American automakers as recently as two years ago, then certainly you can change the minds of all those who had written off American cars. I’m happy to say I’ll be looking for a black ‘08 CTS when they show up at dealers this year. If you can make under 30-year-olds like myself go out and buy Cadillacs, then the turnaround of this brand is nearly complete. I wish you the best.
Jim,
I just wanted to say “job well done” to GM’s design & engineering teams who were involved in the redesign of the Cadillac CTS. The 2008 CTS looks great, in every respect.
I’ve watched the reveal video of the CTS at NAIAS/Cobo, and was impressed with how it was all put together. The concept of having team members talk about the various aspects of the car’s design was an excellent one.
From what I’ve seen and read about the upcoming 2008 CTS I believe the car will be a bigger hit than was the first CTS, with the redesign looking to generate huge doses of the normally elusive “gotta have it” factor.
Prior to the reveal I was not considering GM in my decision-making process for a new vehicle in Q2 of 2007, with my mind having been set on either the latest Infiniti G35 or the BMW 3 Series cars.
You will be happy to know I have now postponed my purchase decision until the release of the 2008 CTS. This represents a sacrifice on my part, as I was rather looking forward to driving a new car throughout the summer, not from the time summer is almost over!
With everything I’ve read so far about the 2008 CTS, I have only a few concerns with respect to the non-availability of particular options/features when the car is introduced in August. The first concern is that AWD will apparently not be available with the 300 hp engine; another concern is the apparent non-availability of Bluetooth for the first few months of vehicle production. Lastly, I noticed in a close-up photo taken at Cobo that the wheels/tires on the reveal vehicle were of the 19 inch variety. The press releases for the car have been mentioning optional 18 inch wheels with the performance suspension, not 19 inch wheels. 19 inch wheels would be desired by many.
It is my hope that all of these items will have been addressed by the time vehicle production begins.
I’m extremely pleased that GM is finally turning the corner, with vehicle offerings such as the 2008 CTS. This was a super effort.
Thanks, and keep up the great work!
I have two words Mr. Taylor: “Map pockets”
That was a very glaring error.
Find some worthy of the interior–or you will hear about it to no end.
Even vinyl or canvas will do.
Matt Keegan,
I personally asked Bob Lutz about building the Sixteen. He said that he would be more than willing to build them for anyone willing to put up the THREE MILLION DOLLARS as a down payment. Maybe it would be mor prudent to wait for the next DTS!!!
The new CTS design is exciting. Glad to see comfort and feel are back in focus.
Dear Jim,
Congratulations and well done on the new CTS! I’m not part of the typical Cadillac demographic and not too long ago I would have said that I’d never consider owning one. I still wouldn’t consider owning a base CTS, but the fact that I bought a new 2005 CTS-V and have been loving it ever since speaks volumes about the strides that the Cadillac division has made in a relatively short period of time.
As you’re no doubt aware, the typical new CTS-V buyer is a reasonably well-heeled enthusiast: comfort and luxury are important to us but are way down the list behind power, driving experience, reliability, and modifiability using aftermarket parts and accessories. (Modifying this car is both the most fun and the most expensive hobby I’ve ever had.) Most of us want to be able to beat anything out there, especially any M-series BMW, AMG Mercedes, or Audi. In other words: “MORE POWER!” By 2009, 500+ hp will be the bare minimum entry fee to join in the horsepower wars.
The rumors are that you plan to offer both a 500-ish hp normally aspirated engine and a 550 to 600-ish hp blown engine in the new CTS-V, and to offer both a six-speed manual and some form of automatic shifter. If true, this is great news. A lot of current owners want the base price of the new CTS-V to stay near the current price point, and a less expensive N/A engine with a stick would help to meet that requirement. Others of us will pay more for the meanest powerplant you can fit into the engine bay. And while the majority of current owners won’t buy another new CTS-V unless it has a manual transmission, others of us (especially those who drive on major metropolitan freeways) would buy the optional automatic. Of course, an automatic transmission offering would also open up CTS-V sales to a much broader group of potential buyers.
I’m including the results of a “What will you want in your new CTS-V?” poll of current CTS-V owners, conducted on the Cadillac Owners forum. I realize that you’re in the end stages of CTS-V plans and designs, but in case you still have trade-off decisions to make or are wondering what goodies to offer as standard V add-ons / options, here’s what your installed base wants.
GOTTA HAVE, OR ELSE…
—————————————————
Keep the base V around the same price point. DEFINITELY under $65K.
500 hp or better.
Manual transmission as standard equipment. (Tighter and shorter throws compared to our T56, please…)
A reliable and clunk-free powertrain. (I’m on my third differential, and I don’t drive crazy.)
Much less wheel hop.
REALLY, REALLY WANT
—————————————————
600 hp or better as an option.
Pushrod engine (Gen IV+, e.g. LS7, LS9… anything but a N*).
An optional automatic transmission. (Paddles on the steering wheel, please…)
Parking brake lever on center console.
5-lug wheels.
Head-up display.
Classier interior.
Backup assist.
Infinitely variable tilting/telescoping steering wheel.
NICE TO HAVE, AND/OR ASHAMED NOT TO HAVE
—————————————————
Bluetooth integration.
Some new colors.
Better sound system (more power; better speakers).
iPod integration.
Auxiliary audio input.
Touch screen nav.
Voice commands.
Cup holders that still let us shift.
Auto-up rear windows.
Key fob that works from a greater distance.
Lighted glove box, locking glove box.
More power plugs.
More supportive front seats; bigger bolsters.
Smaller diameter steering wheel.
Nav controls on steering wheel.
Audio controls on steering wheel.
Radio controls on steering wheel.
Radar cruise control.
Straight air intake (a la C6).
19″ wheels.
Wider tires, front & rear.
Adjustable shocks.
Optional non-leveling shocks.
An option for a full size spare with jack.
Keyless ignition.
Night vision.
Cooled seats option.
Massaging lumbar.
Rain sensing wipers.
Personally inspect the ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION of jobs 1-50 on these cars to make sure PERFECTION IS ACHIEVED.
Hell, make that a standard practice for ALL YOUR PRODUCTS!
Drive and study Lexus and Audi exstensively YOURSELF, don’t let someone else do it!
The exterior of the new CTS looks exciting. The dashboard looks comparable to other luxury brands, but doesn’t go so far as to surpass any. (The center traditional analog clock seems a waste of prime space and dashboard designers could learn a thing or two from Apple.)
Given that Cadillac intends to position this vehicle as a luxury brand, I am surprised at so many features that are “available” and no standard in order to better compete. BMW and Mercedes have the name recognition to be #1 and #2. Lexus, Audi, Infiniti and Acura are seeking out a slightly lower tier each using different strategies (ie. Acura uses ‘all inclusive’ pricing to position against competitors’ base models). Is Caddy going after the top two or the top six, and which position is it really wanting?
I’m stil left with the question, “Why Cadillac?” or more specifically “Why the 2008 CTS given the competitors?” Because of that I’d recommend that in Caddy’s ads, the company take on their competitors directly and answer that question.
Jim:
This car is a slam dunk. The exterior designers nailed the front and rear fascias. The chrome touches on the side panels are tastefull. I love the interior design as well. I like the long, narrow climate control diffusers. I love the power of the 3.6L V6 and the direct-injection technology. I’ll piggyback on other responders and tell you that the CTS needs a hybrid powertrain option and active fuel management for the V6. Also, Cadillac must build this car to be reliable. I’ve been trying to talk my dad into a Cadillac. The only reason he won’t buy one is because his friends tell him stories about Cadillac unreliability and poor resale.
As a current 2006 Cadillac CTS owner, all I have to say is wow!!!! I want to upgrade to the new one. I have 22,000 miles on it, with no problems, but love the new looks.
Jim
The new concept looks great but I can tell you that I purchased a 2003 CTS and it has been nothing but trouble mechanically. Regardless of the new styling I will never but a new Cadillac again. I do not buy Japanese luxury cars but I will now buy a German or other American car. In addition, I am telling everyone that I know not to buy a Cadillac regardless of the styling due to the extra money that I have had to spend and the hassle to get the car fixed
Fantastic job, Cadillac. I’m 36, have noticed a few Cadillacs since the late ’90s renaissance of the brand (and really admire the current CTS-V), but none really grabbed me until the ‘08 CTS–and the fact that the base price isn’t far over $30K makes it reachable, not a mere daydream.
OK, you’ve hooked me. Make mine the direct-injection V6 with the 6-speed manual…black, please…