The Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept

This car is absolutely stunning, I really am at a loss for words....Just Incredible!

I sure hope this is offered as a V model, just to get a striking kick out of the m3. Using the V-series GM has introduced itself to the performance factory class just like Mercedes with its AMG and M from bmw.

Its time to push the V outward to other classes that do not have a v8 pushrod engine and put that LS3 everywhere a performance oriented vehicle is sought out. Thank you GM.. make this as a CTS-V Coupe and you have an M3 Murderer!

How about basing a performance Corvette in Cadillac Shape? Same chassis/engine/rear transmission configuration in a Cadillac Output and upscale?

That is an amazing looking car. I hope GM can get the details right. If someone were to ask me what that means here's what I would tell them:

Optional 400 HP Turbo V6 (the idea of sequential turbos and the sound is awesome and would be worth the price, and 400 HP in that car would probably be plenty).

a 300-400 HP diesel (why not have the power and the economy)

OPtional AWD with the a revised shifting 6 speed auto and optional manual. Also make a performance handling package available with the AWD.

A larger hard drive for music (160 GB??) the ability to directly link to iPods and other MP3 players with USB hookups.

Optional digital gauges (sorry I'm not a fan of the analog, I miss the 1990 Olds Cutlas Supreme style gauges).

Optional Digital clock (rather then the analog one that the sedan has).

No hard plastics in the interior without some type of sound deadening... when tapped on the plastics shouldn't thud or sound hollow.

Optional HUD to display speed, range and road conditions.

Radar cruise control and braking (or something like it) for long high speed drives in traffic.

Better marketing and customer presentation of the stability management systems.

Performance Auto shifter (with H pattern and clutch pedal) rather then the now industry standard cross between manual and auto.

At least 29-30 MPG highway.

Bluetooth cell phone interface.

There are a few other things that I'd love to see, I'll add them as I think of them.

I think of GM took a serious look at the list which are things I personnally was disapointed with in the CTS, They could get very close to any of their competition. I think the Diesel and the Radar cruise are the most important to me since I spend a lot of time driving long trips.

Keep up the good work, I can only hope that this platform gets brough to market very quicily. I'd love to see a M3 killer and a sub version of it with a high output diesel for those of us that want moderatly high performance (I'm thinking 5.5 s 0-60 times) AND great fuel mileage.

Absolutely spectacular.

If you'll pardon a cliché, GM's design studios are firing on all cylinders these days. Every concept and every production model unveiled for the last couple of years seem to be out-of-the-park home runs.

If GM can bring this CTS coupe to market in a form very closely resembling this concept, i can see a lot of BMW 3-series and Infiniti G-series coupe owners taking a serious look.

What an impressively bold styled coupe you have shown here. I'm extremely impressed with the bold rear styling, and chiseled
rear tale lights that extend above the trunk are unique. This is a bold styling statement that says, " I'm American and proud of it."

Looks very nice. A couple of inches shorter than the sedan is a plus. Would be nice if it could weigh at least 200lbs less than the sedan. How about a magnetic ride control option?

I Love It!!!

GM's lineup is seriously lacking 2 door cars. Other then the small cars, and the overly expensive there's nothing in the middle since the Monte Carlo died. There's those of us in the marketplace who don't need a 4 door, love the sportiness of a 2 door, yet need something we can drive year round.

I loved the new (and old) CTS but the 4 door had been a turnoff. A 2 door version would be perfect.

Beautiful design. To me, this model would do two things: First, it would flush out the Cadillac model lineup with an aggresive, high-luxury coupe on par with the Mercedes SL. The difference would be that in my opinion, Most European Luxury sedans these days look rather bland and stodgy with not enough aggressiveness in the exterior designs.

With a Cadillac using such bold and edgy design, this would be a truly fantastic alternative. This design to me says serious business. While I personally do not have the finances to buy such a car, I believe the cultured masses would love it. Build it!

Wow - this CTS coupe concept is jaw dropping beautiful. Please make AWD, DI AND the 6 speed manual available together as a combination and I will beg borrow or steal to make this my next car. (and if you keep the price reasonable, I won't have to steal!!).

I sure hope the production version captures most (if not all) of the design cues.

Again, very nicely done - congrats to team Cadillac for the vision to pen this stunning beauty.

Brilliant design, the first car I actually want to own brand new, instead of waiting a year to let someone else take a depriciation hit. If, and thats a big if, GM keeps the seat inserts, offers options of suede, and color combos, and does not dumb down the design, then they have this lawyer lining up for a car, that I hated while growing up as a teenager..bravo cadillac!

This is a work of art! It is beautiful as is, no need to make any changes to it. GM, listen to me, just build it and build it quick. The longer you wait, the more money you'll be losing to your competitors. If you got it right from the get-go, just go with it!

Stunning, just perfect.

Now let me explain to you what you did here. There was a milestone past several months ago, there are more adults living single that those married. For a single guy, this is not the first Cadillac we love, that started with the STS. But it is the first Cadillac that many singles would consider (forgoing the $100,000 XLR).

The amount of people this will appeal to is just going to shock you. The popularity of this vehicle, if rendered and sold in the visually stunning package that it is in now, this vehicle is going to introduce Cadillac to a whole new generation of buyers accustomed to BMW and Mercedes wide range of compacts for the single set. Or, of course, the mid-life crisis thing set.

After two drop dead gorgeous concepts from Cadillac I am anxiously awaiting the wagon version.

Note now the Toyota Venza and it's interpretation of the Avalon wagon. You see here the wagon is not a wagon at all, but it's very much another crossover in height, look, feel, and appeal. I am wondering if GM is moving in this direction with ALL FUTURE WAGONS. No more wagons but but the execution of the wagon must be rendered in the crossover form. The Toyota Venza is the perfect example of the type of package GM should be eying to take the CTS wagon.

If that is indeed the direction you are taking the CTS wagon, more of a crossover package in the Toyota Venza vein, then you will truly have three solid hits from the CTS. And three solid concepts for Cadillac.

oh my god! this car is so sexy! i'm saving my money to get this one. just make sure it's a mild hybrid with regenerative braking and cylinder deactivation! ;)

A winner!! I'm glad Cadillac has come out with a coupe (and on the car that is already a winner).

It would be cool to see more coupes in other divisions as well.

Beautiful car, although it has a large, uplifting posterior. The decklid seems to be a bit high for the proportions. If only the designer who penned the 1980 Seville could have given the rear such a lift.

AS an Aussie who actually likes the Caddy design language of the moment, this concept is awesome. Style, Proportions, Angles are all spot on. The fin tail light design looks the goods too.

I can't help but to think of the holden monaro (gto) which was born out of an after hours design and later developed to full production with minimal changes from the concept.. Lets hope Caddy can do the same!

Is this concept a fixed rear glass, or hatchback? I think one area GM has missed out on over the years is the hatchback / notchback market, especially in Europe. A lot of people frown on hatchbacks in North America, but they can be very cleverly designed to give a traditional sedan or coupe appearance, with the added convenience of a hatch. I know I would not consider any coupe that's not a hatchback - then again I wouldn't buy a 3 box sedan either.

Christian,

Just my opinion but I don't think throwing a V8 is the way to compete with AMG and M. A lot of people view the pushrod V8 GM's last ditch effort to compete, and they think it is a hack. While I know the pushrod V8 is one of the best engines out there, I think there is a bit of truth to the argument. My opinion is that people who buy the M3 or AMG want a high tech car.. I think GM should put a turbo charged V6 DI in the car and get 400+ HP from it.

I also personally dont' like the XLR. If GM is going to offer a high end Corvette it needs a nicer body. I don't think a Caddy rework of the vette will cut it.

Just my opinion.

edvard,

I like the CTS, but given the choice in body styles I'd take curves over the edges of Caddy. I cant' wait to see the new Buick Riviera its a sculpture on wheels.

I just found these pictures, and I think its increadible, only a few suggestions:

http://www.cadillacfaq.com/gi/images/ctc/12.jpg

On the CTS interior, I like the black it kind of has a "Knight Rider' gone evil look. Its awesome... I think there should be an optional performance gauge package with more gauges, or maybe digital gauges (I hate the old needle style). Also The analog clock needs to go, and the backlighting should be in Pontiac red.

Add AWD and a powerful engine (or diese) and this is a car on my buy list. I just wish the warranty were a bit better.

I forgot one more thing I'd love to see GM do. Offer a custom option where the customer picks the interior leather colors (whatever they want them to be) and the car can be shipped in primer to have custom painted at a body shop of choice. There are some really neat colors that could be used on that car, like a deep blue color shift to red-purple. Just my opinion.

This will sell. GM needs to have this ready by 2010.

GM needs to have it shipping yesturday. I just hope they read this blog and take things like warranty, paint, interior and diesls more seriously in the US.

BUILD IT!!!! ...and they will come. I'm coming just to look at it! ...STUNNING. ...I'm so proud of the new GM - My next car.

Great looking car. Great tail end, looks like the mix of an AMX and the Cien.

I honestly have to say I really like the front end of this one:

http://www.photoshopjunkie.com/funstuff/gallery/images/6b.jpg

In any-rate, I figure I'll give GM some positive feedback on the interior.

I'm referencing this picture here:

http://www.cadillacfaq.com/gi/images/ctc/12.jpg

The black interior with tan trim is really nice. I think they could even offer a few variations on it. I noticed the sedan doesn't really have much of an interior color selection. I think as a member of the younger audience, I wish there were more selections.

I really like the way they got rid of the plastic look of the steering wheel and other interior parts from the sedan. I think they should backlight the nav system and gauges in a somewhat evil looking color like red, yellow, or even a purple color.

I am a little concerned about the width of the brake and accelerator pedal. My experience tells me that GM typically places them to far apart (manual cars). For a young person's car the brake pedal should be close to the accelerator, with the accelerator being in front of the brake pedal. I have driven a Subaru WRX (2004) and liked the feel they had.

In the past and when I saw the 2008 CTS at a car show. I felt the window controls felt a bit cheap, the panel they mount to felt hollow, and the spring tension and contact of the micro-switches felt a bit on the cheap side.

I really hope they add the white LED ambient map light that are always on, just like the HHR has.

The rear of the car looks phenominal, the only suggestions I have are, make sure there are reading lights and maybe ceiling air vents, and floor heating vents. Additionally I've never seen a car with optional rear heated seats, that would be a very nice touch.
Make sure the rear of the car has at least one 12V power jack, and the front has at least 2 of them, one permanently on the other wired to the ignition).

I think the Cadillac logo on the rear seats should be stitched in the color of the trim stitching. Also the option for other colored seat inserts would be really nice (similar to the GTO options).

Another area I would be a bit curious about is the side of the dash panel that is covered when the door is closed. On the CTS this panel felt and sounded hollow when I knocked on it, additionally its texture felt a bit rubbery, which made me think it was cheap plastic. Some type of sound deadening there would do a lot for it.

I think a control could also be placed on the center console (near the shifter) to remotely control the nav system, unless the steering wheel already has them. I also think there should be an optional gauge pack. Something that almost looks after-market but not quite, to give the car a bit of a performance feel.

Another nice feature would be an auto mirror tilt when backing up, to help see the curb.

The hood profile begs the question of whether the engine is force fed or not.

As I've mentioned in other posts, GM needs to seriously think about offering a Maintenence program with the car to match a few of the other companies. This goes a great deal to appealing to the crowd of the competition.

Additionally a Diesel would be awesome in the US on these cars, as would a CTSV with either a turbo or a V8, and of course AWD. This would appeal to a huge crowd. Offer it with many exterior and interior color and feature combinations and I think GM has a real winner on their hands.

Another comment I forgot to add for GM.

The steering wheel and shifter are two of the most important parts of the car. On a car geared toward the younger luxury-sport crowd the steering wheel and shifter can make or break things.

I have driven a 2004 WRX and the steering wheel had a very distinct racing feel, it had tightly wrapped leather and was still slightly squishy (for lack of better terms). The shifter was the same way. I think the CTS sedan lacks that with the wood trim etc... The coupe though needs to have a race inspired steering wheel and shifter. Couple that with the black dash and I think its a real winner. Another suggestion I would make is to also ship the Auto with an H pattern shifter rather then the now popular half auto half manual. Have one of your engineers e-mail me and I'll detail exactly what I mean.

It's a great looking car and I think it's about time GM made an upper-level coupe that can accomodate more than 2 people. With no B pillar, I imagine the car would look and feel great with the windows down. And the Ricaro seats look awesome! I do hope this car is faster than the 3.6 DI CTS sedan (14.5 quarter mile is okay but the G37, IS 350, and 335-i are running sub-14s). I will say that the large C-pillars give the car somewhat of a hatch-back profile in the rear. Smaller C-pillars would look better but I guess they're large in response to the lack of B-pillars. All that being said, this looks like a sweet ride and if I could spare $40k I'd definitely buy one. GM needs to build this car and I need to ask my boss for a raise!

Well if this car is released in 2010, and they don't change the good things, they fix a few of the issues I commented about, I'd buy one in a second. Be the first new GM I've bought in my life.

I suspect that 2010 is to late a release date, especially if this car is in response to the G37 and similar cars. GM can't sit to long on something like this because its nice to look at but people want one yesterday.

Just build it, my gosh that thing is going to really expand your customer base, just damn is that a nice job!

Great looking concept. I hope the production model is faithful to the concept. After visiting Europe and experiancing their turbo diesel / manual transmission drivetrains,
the 2.9l turbo diesel / 6 spd manual needs to be reality here.

Please build and sell this as a production car.

Basically, please build this car.

I am guessing this will be the Caddy targeting for the younger crowd. In regards to that, please keep the starting price in the low 30s. I've recently priced the Infiniti G35 against the new CTS, they were similarly equipped. The G35 was 4k less than the CTS. I love the CTS Coupe, but for it to compete, it must be at least in the same price range.

Ed Welburn is doing something that should have been done at GM decades ago; building cars with designs that car consumers will buy.

Mr Lutz has missed the boat. As Director of Development, he is sadly talking about what GM has COMING in terms of green vehicles. I am currently driving a Nissan hybrid, but wanted to buy a GM. The comparable GM vehicles were junk compared.

Frankly as a former Marine pilot myself and current Director of Development, I am saddened to see Mr. Lutz allow a crown jewell of American industry fade like it is now.

Mr. Lutz allows references to his career as a fighter pilot at every chance, well now is the time to start acting like one again for real.

I liked the car. I said some time ago for you to make a hardtop coupe and you did very well.
Some things people said here and you can do very easily. Put the LSA in the engine bay and voilà, you have something to outrun M-badged Bimmers. About the performance plus economy package, you just have to look more carefully to the new 4.5 Duramax. If it fits in every bay in which a smallblock fits, so it must fit into under the CTS hood.
It'd be great against the Euro competition to have a CTS coupe powered by a very modern diesel V8, not to mention the huge advantage against the Japanese, since they didn't develop any bigger oil-burner to power luxury cars.

And also, this coupe leaves us thinking about what would be a CL-fighter. As you're developing a car to replace both STS and DTS, develop also a coupe. And maybe breaking the name convention by christening as a new Eldorado. Also don't forgete to make a four-seat convertible...

Brilliant! Make it! Interior an all!

Steve,

Personally I think the CTS price is OK, I'd rather have the latest and greatest on the high end of the car and pay a bit more for it. Then again I'm comparing against BMWs offerings.

Ben,

Right on, GM has missed the boat. The consistently are 2 years late to market with competitive products, by this time other manufacturers are already ahead of them with their current products.

Respectfully I don't think GM has been the crown jewel of American industry since WWII, America is good at producing mediocre low cost products. I'll be impressed the day I see GM ahead of their competition and able to stay there. Until then GM is simply the Walmart of the auto industry. They offer a wide variety of products but none of them are that note worthy except maybe the corvette... but then again there's that * next to it with the text "for the price". GM missed the idea of a flag ship product. They need a show off car that is there to simply wow everyone.

Andre,

Personally I'd rather a small twin turbo V6 then the LSA engines. I know the LSAs are a better engine. But what GM needs is some bragging rights, and twin turbos lets them compete directly with BMW. I guess they could offer 2-3 trims of the gas engines, a stock V6 (260 to 300 HP), a twin turbo V6 (400 HP) and then the M eater with 550 HP with an LSA engine. They still need to offer a 250-300 HP diesel in this car. I'd love it with a diesel.

....

As I've mentioned in previous posts, GM needs to really try to have options that appeal to true Luxury buyers, like zero ownership cost warranty, extremely high tech electronics, and the latest in engine technology (diesels and all). I'm not saying they need to get rid of the entry versions of the car, but they defiantly need to offer a few premium editions that will be like no other car (and services) that GM has offered in the past.

With GM's aim at a stellar product, this is a perfect drop in model. The styling is beautiful, and what blue blood wouldn't buy this one, even set next to, say, a BMW 335ci? Or...stuff in a DI version of the DOHC Ultra V8s? Hey, they could call it 'Eldorado'.......

GM, Cadillac is really leading the way. Please keep it up with the styling that isn't afraid of being feminine. Masculine cars aren't sexy -- most American brands (including other GM brands) seem ignorant to this fact.

What a beaut! can't wait, but here in Orange County, Cal; who will feel good about going to 1970's dealership to purchase one? they need to moderize and get with the times lexus did and you can't tell me lexus is better than Cadillac!

The New York Times ran a story over the weekend on the CTS Coupe showing a close view of the read end. That photo makes the CTS Coupe look like the "Son of Aztek." Did any of the designers who worked on the Pontiac Aztek design team transfer over to Cadillac?

Rear view of CTS Coupe

Two comments on that view:

Regards,

Gary Dikkers

Earlier this millennium i was promised a flying car, Gm has finally delivered.

Quality, Quality, Quality Quality Quality Quality Quality. ..GM is often like a 5yo child ,u got to tell em the same thing over and over again cus they will soon forget it.

GM has never had a problem in the design studio , Just dont build a piece of shit on the production floor.

Dont call it the CTC , it was sold as the CTS Coupe leave it as the CTS Coupe

Do ADD V8 and NOT the Push Rod kind, the V-Series can have the oil burner [aka LSA (or LS9)]. The Platinum Edition(aka signature series) has to have 32V Northstar on the trunk lid).

Caddy = V8(Northstar) Duh its simple math people

this aint ur Granny's Caddy .....THESE CARS ARE MEASURED IN CHROME ...do it right do it tight

QUALITY QUALITY QUALITY QUALITY QUALITY QUALITY GM forgot again.

hehe, peace

It is beautiful... My 06' CTS lease is up in June and I will opt for a one year lease on a new CTS DI FE3 Sedan so I will be ready to get the coupe when it is released... Thank you Cadillac!!

This concept is breathtaking!

Offering a six speed CTS diesel sedan variant with the same interior and rim styling as the concept would put this at the top of my shopping list!

Zeno385,

I don't think the Northstar is the right engine for this car. The LS series is far more developed and a far better engine at this point for a variety of good reasons. The Northstar is just a technology showcase, but not nearly as good as the LS series.

If GM wanted a real technology show case in the car they'd add a 400 HP Turbo V6 Direct Injected, AND they'd still offer the LS in the CTC-V.

Take a serious look at those three engines and tell me which are the most advanced and which are the best. I'm talking weight, torque curve shape, HP curve shape, cost, reliability and fuel usage. I'll bet the V6 and LS engine come out on top. I certainly don't want to be stuck with a Northstar unless its only 3.5 liters and has a turbo or super charger. Just something fun about boost, or the mighty LS engine.

...........

As to the badge, I think CTS Coupe is more clear, however I think in the long run the CTC badge will be better, its very clear that its a coupe hence the C, and the sedan has the S. Though I'd like to see CTS-S, CTS-L, CTS-SL, and CTS-V as the trim level model names, same with the CTC name... CTC-S, CTC-L, CTC-SL

Just my opinions

Sleeping at the wheel?
This is great looking car.
What are you waiting for?
Produce this car!
Why follow when you can lead.
It seems like GM lost its balls.
They killed the Camaro and Firebird, then they wait for other auto companies to put their models out first. Well they have your buying consumer sold on on their products.
Make four seater convertible for Caddy.
Wakeup and smell the coffee.

That CTS coupe is my dream car. A dream car would really be a Nomad built on the Alpha to share my garage with my new Solstice GXP.

I understand that the big news for Cadillac during the North American Auto show was of course the new CTS-V.

It isn't to take away from the CTS-V, especially as potent as the next generation will be; but, I'm sick of uninspired super sedans. I long for beatifully shaped coupe. The design or protoype you show here is very much what I'd expect from Art & Science design, now get to producing it, and forget all the muddying junk concerning the drivetrain. Don't worry about power, or drivetrains, or even NVH levels.

GM sold millions of camaro's that didn't drive, turn, stop, or provide a great deal of comfort effectively; however, they were beautiful and that sometimes is all that matters.

Mr Welburn,

When will the CTS convertible be here?

Regards,

Gary Dikkers

I have check in hand - speaking metaphorically, of course - for a CTC-V six-speed.

Could we get regular updates on the CTS Coupe progress? Anything would be appreciated.