Inside and out, the third-generation CTS sedan grows, ascending into the heart of the upper midsize premium market, with an all-new design that is longer, lower and leaner. The new CTS is not only 127 mm longer, expanding interior space, but 110 kilograms lighter than the previous model, making it among the lightest in the segment. The third-generation CTS sedan is based on the high-performing rear-drive architecture of the award-winning ATS sport sedan, moving Cadillac into the heart of the prestigious class of upper midsize premium sedans.
Longer, lower and more athletic-looking proportions are introduced on Cadillac’s landmark sedan and evolve the brand’s Art & Science design philosophy. While growing 127 mm in length, including a 30 mm longer wheelbase, the roofline and cowl – the base of the windshield – are about 25 mm lower, dimensions that complement the longer exterior to accentuate the car’s lean aesthetic. While stretched in overall length and wheelbase, the all-new CTS sedan has a lower curb weight compared with the preceding model. Lightweight features, including Cadillac’s first aluminum door structures, contribute to a near perfect 50/50 weight balance. For the first time on CTS, Magnetic Ride Control, Cadillac’s real-time damping system, is available even on standard models. Cadillac’s shield grille and signature vertical lighting elements – including LED front lighting detail – evolve on the CTS. The grille is wider with a more detailed texture, while the headlamps flow up with the hood line, incorporating crystalline LED light guides for a technologically advanced appearance with more uniform illumination. Active grille shutters are available on some models, improving aerodynamic performance at high speed to enhance fuel efficiency.
Inside, a roomier driver-centric cockpit with integrated technology and hand-crafted appointments complements the exterior elements and supports the CTS sedan’s driving experience. Six interior environments are offered, each trimmed with authentic wood, carbon fiber or aluminum. Leather seating is standard on all trim levels in Europe, including full semi-aniline leather, with hand-crafted, cut-and-sewn execution.
The 2014 CTS is available in Europe with a 2.0L turbocharged engine paired with a six-speed automatic with an estimated 276 hp
Excellent power-to-weight ratios and racetrack-honed suspension geometries established with the development of the ATS enabled engineers to advance CTS’s performance with improved feedback, control and response. The comparatively low curb weight helps make the most of the driving experience by allowing the use of lighter-weight chassis components, which reduces unsprung weight to enable more precise handling without compromising ride quality. The CTS sedan’s low mass, standard Brembo breaks and optimal brake sizes are expected to give it braking performance that is among the best in the segment.
Suspension and driver control highlights also include:
- Multi-link MacPherson strut suspension with a double-pivot design
- Five-link independent rear suspension
- Available all-wheel-drive
- Premium electric, variable-assist power steering gear from ZF Steering Systems
- Magnetic Ride Control real-time damping system
A number of aluminum components are used in the suspension system, while the rear suspension is mostly steel. That helps offset the weight of the engine and transmission at the front of the vehicle, helping the CTS deliver its near-perfect weight distribution and contributing to less noise and vibration.
CTS technology and safety
The CTS sedan seamlessly blends comfort, convenience and safety technologies with the interior hand-crafted appointments and flowing design. Active safety features provide alerts and intervene when necessary to help avoid crashes. The Cadillac User Experience (CUE) lies at the core of the car’s intuitive technologies. Cadillac’s infotainment system uses smartphone- and tablet-influenced controls and commands to access information and entertainment data. An eight-inch, high-resolution color touch screen with haptic feedback allows users to swipe and drag preferences. Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition is standard with CUE, along with USB and SD card ports. A 12.3-inch high-resolution, configurable LCD instrument cluster display complements the CUE display and supports the active safety features. It offers drivers four layouts – from basic to performance-oriented – each delivering bold, crisp graphics tailored to the level of vehicle information desired. A full-color, configurable head-up display is also available.
CTS technologies also include:
- Cadillac’s new record 20-way adjustable power front seats
- Motorized cup holder lid in the center console
- Heated and cooled (ventilated) front seats and heated steering wheel
- Electrically locking glove box
- Electric park brake
- Standard Bose 11-speaker sound system and available Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound system with 13 speakers
The new CTS sedan is the first Cadillac to offer Automatic Parking Assist, which enables the car to park itself in parallel spaces. It uses ultrasonic sensors to locate a suitable space and maneuver the car into the space, with the driver only required to engage reverse and apply the accelerator and brake pedals. Ultrasonic sensors, as well as radar and cameras, support the CTS’s advanced safety features to help prevent accidents. The highly sophisticated Front and Rear Automatic Braking system relies on short-range radar technology and ultrasonic sensors to help the driver prevent front and rear low-speed collisions. This is done via a progression of alerts that extend to complete braking, if necessary. A Driver Awareness Package includes Cadillac’s patented Safety Alert Seat technology. It uses vibrating pulses in the driver’s seat to alert the driver to an imminent collision or to vehicles in the car’s blind spot. The seat vibrates on the left or right side, or both sides simultaneously, depending on the direction of the risk. GM’s first application of automatic safety belt tightening is offered in the new CTS. It automatically takes slack out of the safety belts when buckled and offers real-time, active adjustments during driving to ensure optimal tension and comfort.
Additional optional safety features include:
- Brake Assist
- Forward Collision Alert
- Automatic Collision Preparation (with brake prefill)
- Lane Departure Warning
- Side Blind Zone Alert
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Rear Vision Camera With Dynamic Guidelines
- Adaptive Forward Lighting
- Active pedestrian protection system
The new CTS sedan features 10 air bags as standard, including front-passenger dual-stage low-risk deployment, which makes the most of the air bag trajectory and inflation rate based on the occupant’s size, position and severity of the crash.
Prices of the generously equipped Elegance version start at € 49’900.
Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology. Its European line-up includes the award-winning ATS sport sedan, the CTS and CTS-V sedan, coupe and sport wagon, the SRX crossover and the Escalade, a full-size SUV. In 2014, Cadillac will be introducing the new CTS premium sedan, the ELR – the world’s first luxury coupe with extended range technology – as well as the next generation Escalade.
More information on Cadillac can be found at: http://www.cadillac.com
