Cadillac CTS
Encyclopedia
The Cadillac CTS is a mid-size car manufactured by the Cadillac
marque of General Motors
currently available in three body styles: Sedan, Coupe, and Sport Wagon. It was introduced in 2002 as a sports sedan
, replacing the Cadillac Catera
. The CTS and the supercharged
CTS-V variant have been named to the Car and Driver 10 Best list
for three consecutive years. The 556 horsepower CTS-V variant is the 'Least Fuel Efficient Small Station Wagon' in the North American market.
The car's exterior was designed by Wayne Cherry
and Kip Wasenko, and marked the production debut of the "Art and Science" design language
first seen on the Evoq
concept car.
. It marked a return to RWD cars for the brand, and was the first Cadillac to be offered with a manual transmission
since the 1988 Cimarron
. The CTS was designed as a replacement for the badge-engineered, Opel
-based Catera
. The CTS was nominated for the North American Car of the Year
award for 2002. It cad fully independent suspension.
CTSs are manufactured at GM's Lansing Grand River
plant in Lansing, Michigan
. The CTS was also assembled in China
during 2006, and production was subsequently discontinued.
Originally powered by a 3.2 L LA3
V6 producing 220 hp, the CTS received an updated 3.6 L DOHC V6 with variable valve timing
in 2004, producing 255 hp and 252 lbft of torque. The 3.2 L engine went out of production in 2005, when a new 2.8 L version of the DOHC V6 debuted in an entry-level version of the CTS. In Europe
, the 2.8 L replaces the previous entry-level 2.6 L engine.
The CTS was originally offered with either GM's in-house five-speed 5L40-E
automatic transmission
or a five-speed Getrag
260
manual transmission
. For the 2005 model year, the Getrag was replaced with an Aisin AY-6
six-speed.
interview with Bob Lutz, part of a prototype Cadillac was revealed to audiences. The car featured interior and exterior design influences from the 2003 Cadillac Sixteen
concept car
.
GM revealed the all-new 2008 CTS at the North American International Auto Show
in January 2007. The base model featured a 3.0 L variable valve timing
V6 with 270 hp and 252 lbft of torque. A second engine, a new 3.6 L direct-injection V6 VVT engine with 318 hp and 274 ft.lbf of torque was also offered. The new car came with a six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, with GM's six-speed Hydra-matic 6L50
automatic transmission available as an option on all variants. On-demand all-wheel drive was offered with both engines when equipped with an automatic transmission. Suspension, braking, and steering improvements from the previous generation CTS-V were designed into the new standard CTS.
The second generation was wider and longer than the original, measuring 191.6 inches (4866 mm) long, 72.5 inches (1841 mm) wide and 58 inches (1472 mm) in height. Wheelbase remained unchanged at 113.4 inches (2880 mm), but with a wider front/rear track of 61.8 / 62.0 inches (1575 / 1585 mm), donated by the larger STS
. Other changes included a revamped exterior, with a new, larger grille, slimmer headlights and taillights, side air extractor vents located forward of the front doors, and new nine-spoke 18-inch wheels, surrounding larger high-performance brake calipers and rotors. Available features on the second-gen CTS included a Bose 5.1 surround sound system, GM's Stabilitrak ESC
system, a tire pressure monitoring system, a navigation system with real-time traffic and weather data, an integrated 40 GB
hard drive for music storage, swiveling headlights, and remote starting.
In 2008, the CTS was selected as the car that would re-launch the Cadillac brand in Australia and New Zealand.
During the 2010 model year, the GM badges were dropped, although early 2010 models still had GM badges.
For the 2012 CTS, Cadillac is making a few changes. The front grille is modified with higher quality materials to give a more vertical design, and the Cadillac logo is being subtly changed to give a more vibrant appearance. The biggest change is to the engine. Although it keeps the same 3.6-liter displacement, the V6 will now be able to produce 318 horsepower while dropping weight thanks to some modified engine internals. For 2012, Cadillac is also offering some new technology and option packages with the car.
, General Motors
unveiled a coupe
concept version of the CTS, alongside the new CTS-V performance sedan. The coupe's unveiling surprised the media and general public, stealing a great deal of attention away from the CTS-V. In November 2009, the production version was unveiled in a press release. The coupe went into production in spring 2010 for sale in August 2010 as a 2011 model. The design of the production model is very similar to the concept, with the B-pillars still removed. The standard engine will be a 3.6L direct injected V6 rated at 304 hp. Like the sedan, both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, in either RWD or AWD configurations, will be available. A CTS-V Coupe has also been confirmed, and was shown at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The CTS Coupe will be Cadillac's first coupe since the Eldorado
, which was discontinued in 2002.
, Cadillac presented the 2010 CTS Sport Wagon
. The wagon became available in late 2009. The car is the first non-hearse
Cadillac station wagon to be sold in the U.S. market.
The CTS Sport Wagon is available in either rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive layouts, and is powered by either a 3.0-liter DOHC V6 engine, or a 3.6-liter V6 with variable valve timing
. The 3.0-liter engine produces 270 horsepower and the 3.6-liter produces 304. The wagon is available with only a six-speed automatic. (except the CTS-V wagon, which is available with a manual transmission)
The car is made for primarily the European market, where in some countries, wagons are preferred to sedans.
award.
The 2008 CTS won the Motor Trend
Car of the Year
award, and was selected to Car and Driver
's 10Best Cars
list.
In 2009, the CTS became the first Cadillac to be named to the Car and Driver 10Best list for a second consecutive year.
It returned in 2010 with the headline "Maybe the best American car ever made". The CTS-V made the list again in 2011
.
. The producers of the film were seeking a car to use for a chase scene in the film, and sought a car that would complement the film's atmosphere. General Motors suggested the then-unreleased CTS to the filmmakers, who accepted; ten prototypes damaged to different extents were used to represent the film's star car, a silver CTS. The Escalade EXT was also featured prominently in the film.
producing 556 hp and 551 ft.lbf of torque. Coinciding with the release of General Motors' Viability Plan, the automaker has disbanded its High Performance Vehicle Operations team, the crew responsible for the line V-series Cadillacs, the Chevrolet Cobalt SS, HHR SS and the V8 version of the Colorado.
Cadillac
Cadillac is an American luxury vehicle marque owned by General Motors . Cadillac vehicles are sold in over 50 countries and territories, but mostly in North America. Cadillac is currently the second oldest American automobile manufacturer behind fellow GM marque Buick and is among the oldest...
marque of General Motors
General Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
currently available in three body styles: Sedan, Coupe, and Sport Wagon. It was introduced in 2002 as a sports sedan
Sports sedan
A sports sedan or a sports saloon is a descriptive term applied to a sedan automobile that is designed to look and feel "sporty", offering the motorist more connection with the driving experience, while providing the comfort and amenities expected of a luxury sedan. A wider definition that includes...
, replacing the Cadillac Catera
Cadillac Catera
The Cadillac Catera is a mid-sized automobile manufactured in Rüsselsheim, Germany, as a rebadged variant of the Opel Omega—and marketed by Cadillac in North America as an entry-level model, with approximately 95,000 examples manufactured from 1997–2001.A Sport model was offered beginning in...
. The CTS and the supercharged
Supercharger
A supercharger is an air compressor used for forced induction of an internal combustion engine.The greater mass flow-rate provides more oxygen to support combustion than would be available in a naturally aspirated engine, which allows more fuel to be burned and more work to be done per cycle,...
CTS-V variant have been named to the Car and Driver 10 Best list
Car and Driver Ten Best
Car and Driver magazine annually nominates a list of what it considers the Ten Best cars and Five Best trucks.All production vehicles for sale in that calendar year are considered with these restrictions:# The vehicle must be on sale by January...
for three consecutive years. The 556 horsepower CTS-V variant is the 'Least Fuel Efficient Small Station Wagon' in the North American market.
The car's exterior was designed by Wayne Cherry
Wayne Cherry
Wayne K Cherry is a noted American car designer is responsible for the conversion of Opel-style lines into the British Vauxhall or American counterparts for General Motors...
and Kip Wasenko, and marked the production debut of the "Art and Science" design language
Design language
A design language or design vocabulary is an overarching scheme or style that guides the design of a complement of products or architectural settings...
first seen on the Evoq
Cadillac Evoq
The Cadillac Evoq was a concept car designed by Cadillac and unveiled at the 1999 Detroit Auto Show. Many of the Evoq's design features were incorporated into the Cadillac XLR. The vehicle was a project begun under the-then General Manager of Cadillac, John Smith. Intended as a "Statement of Brand...
concept car.
First generation (2003–2007)
Introduced in 2002 as a 2003 model, the CTS was built on GM's new rear-wheel drive Sigma platformGM Sigma platform
Sigma is General Motors' mid-size rear-wheel drive automobile platform. The architecture debuted in 2002 with the 2003 Cadillac CTS and is adaptable for all-wheel drive and extended wheelbase versions...
. It marked a return to RWD cars for the brand, and was the first Cadillac to be offered with a manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
since the 1988 Cimarron
Cadillac Cimarron
The Cadillac Cimarron was a compact car built by Cadillac based on the GM J platform. It was first introduced in 1981 for the 1982 model year, and sold through 1988. During its seven-year model run, 132,499 Cimarrons were built.-Development:...
. The CTS was designed as a replacement for the badge-engineered, Opel
Opel
Adam Opel AG, generally shortened to Opel, is a German automobile company founded by Adam Opel in 1862. Opel has been building automobiles since 1899, and became an Aktiengesellschaft in 1929...
-based Catera
Cadillac Catera
The Cadillac Catera is a mid-sized automobile manufactured in Rüsselsheim, Germany, as a rebadged variant of the Opel Omega—and marketed by Cadillac in North America as an entry-level model, with approximately 95,000 examples manufactured from 1997–2001.A Sport model was offered beginning in...
. The CTS was nominated for the North American Car of the Year
North American Car of the Year
The North American Car of the Year is an automobile award voted annually in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The jury consists of no more than 50 automotive journalists.-Example:-Pre-1994:-1994-1999:-2000-2009:...
award for 2002. It cad fully independent suspension.
CTSs are manufactured at GM's Lansing Grand River
Lansing Grand River
Lansing Grand River Assembly is a modern automobile factory in Lansing, Michigan. Opened in 2001 by General Motors, the plant produces vehicles on the company's Sigma platform. It is the main plant for Cadillac...
plant in Lansing, Michigan
Lansing, Michigan
Lansing is the capital of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is located mostly in Ingham County, although small portions of the city extend into Eaton County. The 2010 Census places the city's population at 114,297, making it the fifth largest city in Michigan...
. The CTS was also assembled in China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
during 2006, and production was subsequently discontinued.
Originally powered by a 3.2 L LA3
GM 54-Degree V6 engine
General Motors' Opel subsidiary in Europe designed a compact V6 engine with an odd 54° vee angle. It was an iron block/aluminum head DOHC design with 4 valves per cylinder. All 54° engines were assembled at Ellesmere Port in England....
V6 producing 220 hp, the CTS received an updated 3.6 L DOHC V6 with variable valve timing
Variable valve timing
In internal combustion engines, variable valve timing , also known as Variable valve actuation , is a generalized term used to describe any mechanism or method that can alter the shape or timing of a valve lift event within an internal combustion engine...
in 2004, producing 255 hp and 252 lbft of torque. The 3.2 L engine went out of production in 2005, when a new 2.8 L version of the DOHC V6 debuted in an entry-level version of the CTS. In Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, the 2.8 L replaces the previous entry-level 2.6 L engine.
The CTS was originally offered with either GM's in-house five-speed 5L40-E
GM 5L40-E transmission
The 5L40-E are a series of automatic transmissions from General Motors. Designed for longitudinal engine configurations, the series includes 5 forward gears and is used in the GM Sigma platform vehicles from Cadillac, as well as the Pontiac Solstice and Holden Commodore.The electronically...
automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
or a five-speed Getrag
Getrag
Getrag is a leading manufacturer of automobile manual transmissions. The company was founded on 1 May 1935, in Ludwigsburg, Germany, by Hermann Hagenmeyer; as the Getriebe und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG...
260
Getrag 260 transmission
The Getrag 260 was a 5-speed manual transmission incorporated in BMW, General Motors, Holden and Cadillac vehicles between 1984 and 2005.- Gear ratios with various engines :-Applications:* 1984-1991 BMW E30* 1988-1995 BMW E34...
manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
. For the 2005 model year, the Getrag was replaced with an Aisin AY-6
Aisin AY transmission
The AY-6 is a 6-speed manual transmission manufactured by Aisin. It is designed for longitudinal engine applications and can handle up to 345 ft·lbf of torque.General Motors used the AY-6 as RPO MV1, MV5, and MV7.Gear ratios:...
six-speed.
Second generation (2008–present)
On April 2, 2006, in a 60 Minutes60 Minutes
60 Minutes is an American television news magazine, which has run on CBS since 1968. The program was created by producer Don Hewitt who set it apart by using a unique style of reporter-centered investigation....
interview with Bob Lutz, part of a prototype Cadillac was revealed to audiences. The car featured interior and exterior design influences from the 2003 Cadillac Sixteen
Cadillac Sixteen
The Cadillac Sixteen was a prototype of a stylish and high performance automobile first presented by Cadillac in 2003.The vehicle was equipped with a 32-valve V16 concept engine displacing 13.6 liters and was mated to a four-speed, electronically controlled, automatic transmission driving the rear...
concept car
Concept car
A concept vehicle or show vehicle is a car made to showcase new styling and or new technology. They are often shown at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or may not have a chance of being produced....
.
GM revealed the all-new 2008 CTS at the North American International Auto Show
North American International Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan at Cobo Center, usually in January. It is among the largest auto shows in North America.-History:...
in January 2007. The base model featured a 3.0 L variable valve timing
Variable valve timing
In internal combustion engines, variable valve timing , also known as Variable valve actuation , is a generalized term used to describe any mechanism or method that can alter the shape or timing of a valve lift event within an internal combustion engine...
V6 with 270 hp and 252 lbft of torque. A second engine, a new 3.6 L direct-injection V6 VVT engine with 318 hp and 274 ft.lbf of torque was also offered. The new car came with a six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, with GM's six-speed Hydra-matic 6L50
GM 6L50 transmission
The 6L50 is a 6-speed longitudinally-mounted automatic transmission produced by General Motors. It is very similar in design to the larger 6L80/6L90, and is produced at the GM Powertrain plant in Strasbourg, France. It features clutch to clutch shifting, eliminating the bands used on older...
automatic transmission available as an option on all variants. On-demand all-wheel drive was offered with both engines when equipped with an automatic transmission. Suspension, braking, and steering improvements from the previous generation CTS-V were designed into the new standard CTS.
The second generation was wider and longer than the original, measuring 191.6 inches (4866 mm) long, 72.5 inches (1841 mm) wide and 58 inches (1472 mm) in height. Wheelbase remained unchanged at 113.4 inches (2880 mm), but with a wider front/rear track of 61.8 / 62.0 inches (1575 / 1585 mm), donated by the larger STS
Cadillac STS
The STS is a mid-size luxury sports sedan / executive car manufactured and sold by Cadillac. It is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with performance algorithm shifting and driver shift control.- Origins :...
. Other changes included a revamped exterior, with a new, larger grille, slimmer headlights and taillights, side air extractor vents located forward of the front doors, and new nine-spoke 18-inch wheels, surrounding larger high-performance brake calipers and rotors. Available features on the second-gen CTS included a Bose 5.1 surround sound system, GM's Stabilitrak ESC
Electronic stability control
Electronic stability control is a computerized technology that may potentially improve the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go...
system, a tire pressure monitoring system, a navigation system with real-time traffic and weather data, an integrated 40 GB
Gigabyte
The gigabyte is a multiple of the unit byte for digital information storage. The prefix giga means 109 in the International System of Units , therefore 1 gigabyte is...
hard drive for music storage, swiveling headlights, and remote starting.
In 2008, the CTS was selected as the car that would re-launch the Cadillac brand in Australia and New Zealand.
During the 2010 model year, the GM badges were dropped, although early 2010 models still had GM badges.
For the 2012 CTS, Cadillac is making a few changes. The front grille is modified with higher quality materials to give a more vertical design, and the Cadillac logo is being subtly changed to give a more vibrant appearance. The biggest change is to the engine. Although it keeps the same 3.6-liter displacement, the V6 will now be able to produce 318 horsepower while dropping weight thanks to some modified engine internals. For 2012, Cadillac is also offering some new technology and option packages with the car.
Coupe
At the 2008 North American International Auto ShowNorth American International Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan at Cobo Center, usually in January. It is among the largest auto shows in North America.-History:...
, General Motors
General Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
unveiled a coupe
Coupé
A coupé or coupe is a closed car body style , the precise definition of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and over time...
concept version of the CTS, alongside the new CTS-V performance sedan. The coupe's unveiling surprised the media and general public, stealing a great deal of attention away from the CTS-V. In November 2009, the production version was unveiled in a press release. The coupe went into production in spring 2010 for sale in August 2010 as a 2011 model. The design of the production model is very similar to the concept, with the B-pillars still removed. The standard engine will be a 3.6L direct injected V6 rated at 304 hp. Like the sedan, both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, in either RWD or AWD configurations, will be available. A CTS-V Coupe has also been confirmed, and was shown at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The CTS Coupe will be Cadillac's first coupe since the Eldorado
Cadillac Eldorado
The 1953 Eldorado was a special-bodied, low-production convertible . It was the production version of the 1952 El Dorado "Golden Anniversary" concept car, and borrowed bumper bullets from the 1951 GM Le Sabre show car...
, which was discontinued in 2002.
Sport Wagon
At the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d'ElegancePebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is an automotive charitable event held each year on the Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California, considered the most prestigious event of its kind. It is the finale of a week long festival of classic cars events in the Monterey area every year...
, Cadillac presented the 2010 CTS Sport Wagon
Station wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
. The wagon became available in late 2009. The car is the first non-hearse
Hearse
A hearse is a funerary vehicle used to carry a coffin from a church or funeral home to a cemetery. In the funeral trade, hearses are often called funeral coaches.-History:...
Cadillac station wagon to be sold in the U.S. market.
The CTS Sport Wagon is available in either rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive layouts, and is powered by either a 3.0-liter DOHC V6 engine, or a 3.6-liter V6 with variable valve timing
Variable valve timing
In internal combustion engines, variable valve timing , also known as Variable valve actuation , is a generalized term used to describe any mechanism or method that can alter the shape or timing of a valve lift event within an internal combustion engine...
. The 3.0-liter engine produces 270 horsepower and the 3.6-liter produces 304. The wagon is available with only a six-speed automatic. (except the CTS-V wagon, which is available with a manual transmission)
The car is made for primarily the European market, where in some countries, wagons are preferred to sedans.
Awards
In its first year of production, the CTS received the 2002 North American Car of the YearNorth American Car of the Year
The North American Car of the Year is an automobile award voted annually in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The jury consists of no more than 50 automotive journalists.-Example:-Pre-1994:-1994-1999:-2000-2009:...
award.
The 2008 CTS won the Motor Trend
Motor Trend
Motor Trend is an American automobile magazine. It first appeared in September 1949, issued by Petersen Publishing Company in Los Angeles, and bearing the tag line "The Magazine for a Motoring World". Petersen Publishing was sold to British publisher EMAP in 1998, who sold the former Petersen...
Car of the Year
Car of the Year
Car of the Year is a phrase usually considered to have been invented by Motor Trend magazine in the 1950s for their annual award for best American automobile...
award, and was selected to Car and Driver
Car and Driver
Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. Its total circulation is 1.31 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011...
's 10Best Cars
Car and Driver Ten Best
Car and Driver magazine annually nominates a list of what it considers the Ten Best cars and Five Best trucks.All production vehicles for sale in that calendar year are considered with these restrictions:# The vehicle must be on sale by January...
list.
In 2009, the CTS became the first Cadillac to be named to the Car and Driver 10Best list for a second consecutive year.
It returned in 2010 with the headline "Maybe the best American car ever made". The CTS-V made the list again in 2011
.
Marketing
The success of the CTS has been attributed in part to the car's placement in the 2003 sci-fi action thriller The Matrix ReloadedThe Matrix Reloaded
The Matrix Reloaded is a 2003 American science fiction film and the second installment in The Matrix trilogy, written and directed by the Wachowskis. It premiered on May 7, 2003, in Westwood, Los Angeles, California, and went on general release by Warner Bros. in North American theaters on May 15,...
. The producers of the film were seeking a car to use for a chase scene in the film, and sought a car that would complement the film's atmosphere. General Motors suggested the then-unreleased CTS to the filmmakers, who accepted; ten prototypes damaged to different extents were used to represent the film's star car, a silver CTS. The Escalade EXT was also featured prominently in the film.
CTS-V
The Cadillac CTS-V is a high-performance version of the standard CTS. The current model features a 6.2L LSA V8 engineV8 engine
A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft....
producing 556 hp and 551 ft.lbf of torque. Coinciding with the release of General Motors' Viability Plan, the automaker has disbanded its High Performance Vehicle Operations team, the crew responsible for the line V-series Cadillacs, the Chevrolet Cobalt SS, HHR SS and the V8 version of the Colorado.
Sales
| Calendar year | United States |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 37,976 |
| 2003 | 49,392 |
| 2004 | 57,211 |
| 2005 | 61,512 |
| 2006 | 54,846 |
| 2007 | 57,029 |
| 2008 | 58,774 |
| 2009 | 38,817 |
| 2010 | 45,656 |