The all-new 2009 right-hand drive Cadillac CTS sport saloon, which makes its public debut at the British International Motorshow, goes on sale at Cadillac retailers from September 1 priced at £26,995 for the 211PS 2.8-litre V6 VVT model and £32,995 for the 311PS 3.6-litre VVT direct injection V6.

Both models will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a floor selector, the larger engine coming with paddle shift controls.  The model range will be joined by an advanced 2.9-litre V6 diesel engine in 2009.

“The launch of the right-hand drive CTS marks a major step forward for the Cadillac brand in the UK,” said Jonathan Nash, director in charge, Cadillac UK. “We believe the focus on dramatic design, craftsmanship and the class leading technologies will ensure the CTS is a desirable, exclusive alternative in today’s premium car market.”

Both rear-wheel drive sport saloon models come with traction control and a limited slip differential, and feature a single premium ‘Sport Luxury’ trim level with a class-leading amount of standard equipment.

The high level of specification means that the options list will consist of only three items: metallic or premium metallic exterior paint finish, electric sunroof and ‘Sapele Pommele’ wood interior trim finish.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Exterior

The new CTS has an athletic form that reflects its combination of luxury and performance.  The evolved styling theme has produced a faster, coupe-like profile, while the more sculpted bumpers, flared wheel arches and 18-inch alloy wheels emphasise the car’s wider track and enhanced chassis dynamics.

Inspired by Cadillac’s landmark Sixteen concept car, the CTS’s frontal appearance is immediately recognisable.  The large, chrome grille with the centre-positioned wreath and crest logo is perfectly balanced with vertically stacked headlamps housing bi-xenon high-intensity headlights with Adaptive Forward Lighting.

The quality of the exterior finish is further enhanced by cutting edge manufacturing techniques.  An innovative laser-brazing technique affixes the roof panel more crisply, and means the exterior roof surface is uninterrupted, free of the obvious joints that are common on other vehicles.

Innovations continue through to the front and rear windscreens which come with exposed edge glass, free from visible rubber seals and joints.  This technique is coupled with Automatic “RainSense” windscreen wipers with heated windscreen wash system.  Rear park assist also comes as standard.

Interior

The luxurious cabin features an exquisite hand-cut and sewn leather-wrapped dashboard / door trim which perfectly complements the full leather seating.  The heated front seats offer eight-way power adjustment controls with the driving position also benefiting from a two position memory function.

Interior comfort is further assured with dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control and electric push-button hand brake, whilst a touch of sophistication is added with the introduction of the new recessed ambient interior lighting.

Music / Entertainment

The CTS’s class-leading infotainment system includes a fully retractable multi-function eight-inch touch-screen VGA display.  This is combined with a 300 watt 10-speaker Bose® 5.1 Cabin Surround® sound system which not only offers full iPod integration (developed in conjunction with Apple engineers) but also includes a 40-gigabyte hard drive and CD player with MP3 file compatibility.  A DVD player and TV tuner provide further viewing pleasure for occupants when the vehicle is parked.

Navigation

The hard disk drive (HDD) navigation system uses the latest advances from the industry, creating a more informative package resulting in 30 per cent quicker route calculations.

From its sleek and dramatic exterior to its handcrafted and tailored interior, the 2009 CTS extends Cadillac’s legendary design lineage and creates a dynamic new presence in the world of luxury saloons.