Posted on Sunday 20 January 2008
The coupe version of the Cadillac CTS, shown as a concept car at the recent NAIAS, has been confirmed to start production in June 2009. At the time it goes for sale as a 2010 model, the price tag should be lower than the current XLR roadster’s price tag, making it the cheapest two-door in Caddy’s lineup. The most logical nameplate for the car is CTC, but anything like CTS Coupe, CTS-C or even the CT name of the concept may end up glued on the decklid.
Fortunately, the basic fastback shape and sharp lines of the concept are said to remain unchanged, so the front end, fenders, exhaust and rear spoiler will only get minor revisions in the final production model. As Cadillac is one of the few GM brands with a single design theme, fans of the Detroit steel around the world will be certainly glad of this reincarnation of the personal luxury car.
It’s still unknown whether the model will feature any powerful (and thirsty) V8 gasoline engines as GM is looking to dump its luxury V8 program. However, we can expect the CTS-V’s and Corvette’s 6.2L unit in a similarly styled V-Series edition. Direct injection and E85 technologies would be needed to help GM comply with the new CAFE regulations, and there are even plans for a six-cylinder diesel unit as well. Very little sports cars dare do so, but more European sports cars are receiving oil-burners under the hood - for instance, the BMW 6 Series is offered with a twin-turbo 3.0L turbodiesel and we’ve also been teased with the Audi R8 V12 TDI prototype.
Guys, i saw this on saturday and let me tell you, the pictures just dont do it justice. the CTS is a gorgeous car… even for a sedan. but this car is legitimately hot. I’m extremely excited that GM is going to go ahead with this, and i dont even like GM.
Can’t wait. This vehicle may cause me to buy my first GM product ever. I’ll be looking for it on the auto show circuit.