The all-new 2008 Cadillac CTS luxury sedan arrives late in 2007 in Cadillac showrooms. The first CTS helped change the perception of the brand when it made its debut in 2002.  The new model arrives with new and enhanced engines and transmissions and dramatic new styling, inside and out.

CTS Performance

More power while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions is a daunting engineering challenge, and the new Cadillac CTS delivers via direct-injection technology. The top-level power option of the CTS is GM’s new, 3.6L direct-injection V-6 VVT engine, which delivers 311 hp (229 kW) and 374 Nm of torque at 5200 rpm.  

The standard engine is a 2.8L V-6, with a rating of 211 hp (155 kW) and 246 Nm of torque at 3600 rpm.  In addition, a 3.6L V-6 VVT engine, which produces 266 hp (196 kW)* and 343 Nm of torque at 3100 rpm, is available in some global regions. 

The technology in the 3.6L direct-injection V-6 VVT engine allows fuel to be delivered directly to the combustion chamber, creating a more complete burn of the air/fuel mixture. The application of direct-injection technology on the 3.6L VVT engine contributes greatly to a 15-percent increase in power; an 8-percent increase in torque; and a 3-percent improvement in brake-specific fuel consumption. Additionally, the application of direct injection reduces cold-start hydrocarbon emissions by 25 percent.

A state-of-the-art, direct-injected turbo-diesel engine will be available in calendar year 2009.  The V-6 diesel will have a displacement of 2.9 liters, an output of 250 hp (184 kW) and a torque of 550 Nm beginning at 2000 rpm.

For the first time, the Cadillac CTS will be available in both rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. The transmission lineup offers six-speed units exclusively, either manual or automatic.

The suspension, braking and steering systems provide responsiveness, premium “feel” and performance in spirited driving conditions. The front suspension features a new tower-to-tower brace that adds cross-car stiffness and enhances the overall steering feel. This innovation, transferred from the high-performance CTS-V model, has been applied for use in all new CTS models.

The standard suspension is tuned for both comfort and handling. This comes with all 2.8L versions and the 3.6L AWD. The suspension on the 3.6L rear-wheel drive versions is more performance tuned and has an automatic rear load-leveling system.

Exterior Design

The new Cadillac CTS has an athletic form that reflects a combination of luxury and sport.  Sculpted fenders emphasize the car’s wide track and enhanced chassis dynamics. The front fenders feature side air extractors that recall a styling element from Cadillac’s Sixteen concept that also appear on the STS and Escalade. This CTS has a “faster” and coupe-like profile, owing to both its increased performance potential and more evolved styling theme. The optional Ultra View sunroof covers more than 70 percent of the roof, giving both front- and rear-seat passengers a sky view.

Aiming for the highest levels of quietness and appearance, Cadillac engineers lavished attention on sights and sounds of the body construction.  An innovative laser brazing technique affixes the roof panels more cleanly.  The windshield glass is free from visible rubber seals and joints, and the hood and door panels have improved sealing for added noise control. 

The new Cadillac CTS measures 4,860 mm in length, 1,842 mm in width and 1,464 mm in height. The wheelbase is 2,880 mm, with a front/rear track of 1,569/1,575 mm. The track is approximately 50 millimeters wider than the outgoing model, giving a more planted, well-grounded appearance, in addition to accommodating the optional all-wheel drive configuration. The wider stance also enables more tumblehome, with the vehicle sides sculpted inwards to give a more dynamic appearance and a lower roof line, without compromising headroom or the spacious interior.

Nine-spoke, 18-inch wheels highlight larger high-performance brake calipers and rotors. These alloy wheels with 235/50R18 tires are offered with a premium multicoat or high-polish finish.

Craftsmanship Interior

The CTS interior represents an evolution for Cadillac interiors. Advances in surface development, technology, materials and construction combine to emphasize technical precision with elegant, hand-crafted details and precise tailoring. For example, several interior surfaces are hand-cut, sewn and wrapped by expert craftsmen. Two trim levels are available for Europe. The Elegance trim level can be combined with the 2.8L V-6 engine and rear-wheel drive. The Sport Luxury will be available with both V-6 engines and rear- and all-wheel drive. 

“Cadillac has engineered an historic renaissance, with a completely new product portfolio, driven in large part by the original CTS,” said general manager Jim Taylor. “The CTS has built a strong record of success on many levels. It exceeded our goals for sales volume, set new design trends, won championships in racing, and earned awards for quality and customer satisfaction. The next chapter promises to be even more dramatic.”

“The all-new Cadillac CTS embodies a contemporary revival of two of the brand’s great traditions: innovative technology and precise craftsmanship,” said Taylor. “In the CTS they come wrapped in a new overall shape that gives an edgy and contemporary character, with an injection of elegance.”

Safety

The 2008 CTS is designed to enhance Cadillac’s reputation for providing safe occupant environments in luxury vehicles. Details include:

• Pedestrian Protection for models sold in Europeand Japan
• Dual-stage driver’s front air bag
• Dual-depth front passenger air bag
• Driver and front passenger side seat-mounted pelvic/thorax side air bags
• Roof-rail side curtain air bags, covers front and rear seating rows
• Front safety belt pretensioners
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Body structure with strategically placed high-strength steel

The Pedestrian Protection system for 2008 CTS models sold in Europeand Japansenses a collision with a pedestrian along the front bumper and activates a mechanism that lifts the hood to create additional clearance to the engine compartment and reduce the impact to the pedestrian's head. The vehicle system complies with all European Union safety regulations and is designed to sense and discriminate collisions with a pedestrian at vehicle speeds ranging from 27km/hr to 45 km/hr.