Automotive

2014 Cadillac CTS loses weight, increases bam factor

2014 Cadillac CTS loses weight, increases bam factor
CTS roofline, hoodline are roughly an inch lower giving an even more aggressive stance
CTS roofline, hoodline are roughly an inch lower giving an even more aggressive stance
View 94 Images
Twin-Turbo delivers power to the tune of 420 horsepower (313 kW) and 430 lb.ft. of torque (583 Nm)
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Twin-Turbo delivers power to the tune of 420 horsepower (313 kW) and 430 lb.ft. of torque (583 Nm)
Headlights incorporate crystalline LED light guides, flow up and over the hoodline
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Headlights incorporate crystalline LED light guides, flow up and over the hoodline
Short overhangs upfront combined with one of the cars more signature design treatments give it that Transformer-esque appeal
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Short overhangs upfront combined with one of the cars more signature design treatments give it that Transformer-esque appeal
V6 twin-turbo configuration helps the CTS reach 60 mph (100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds
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V6 twin-turbo configuration helps the CTS reach 60 mph (100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds
Wheelbase increase of 1.2 inches (30.5 mm) and body increase of 5 inches (127 mm) makes for a longer and lower CTS
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Wheelbase increase of 1.2 inches (30.5 mm) and body increase of 5 inches (127 mm) makes for a longer and lower CTS
Signature Cadillac design elements appear throughout the new CTS
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Signature Cadillac design elements appear throughout the new CTS
Interior is designed around the driver but does include one very important detail: the motorized cup holder lid in the center console
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Interior is designed around the driver but does include one very important detail: the motorized cup holder lid in the center console
Cadillac’s shield grille and lighting are revised for 2014 while the grille is wider, with a more detailed texture
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Cadillac’s shield grille and lighting are revised for 2014 while the grille is wider, with a more detailed texture
CTS cuts nearly 480 lbs. (218 kg) from the 2013 model, down to 3,616 lbs (1640 kg)
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CTS cuts nearly 480 lbs. (218 kg) from the 2013 model, down to 3,616 lbs (1640 kg)
CTS roofline, hoodline are roughly an inch lower giving an even more aggressive stance
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CTS roofline, hoodline are roughly an inch lower giving an even more aggressive stance
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View gallery - 94 images

We’ve seen what the Brits can do with the launch of the new XJR and James Bond endorsed Range Rover Sport, now it’s Detroit's turn at the wheel. First out of the American gate at the New York Auto Show comes the lighter, redesigned 2014 Cadillac CTS.

Unlike the flowing old-world sculptural nature of the Wiesmann, the new Caddy continues with its love affair of angular, cutting lines. With a wheelbase increase of 1.2 inches (30.5 mm) and overall body increase of 5 inches (127 mm), the new CTS is now longer and lower with a more aggressive, athletic demeanor.

The Caddy’s roofline and hoodline are roughly an inch lower, again reinforcing the cars newly contemporized look. Short overhangs upfront combined with one of the car's more signature design treatments give it that Transformer-esque appeal. From a forward three-quarter view, pinched sculpted lines work to draw the eye from the lowered front haunches all the way to the finishing tail treatment. Not bad Cadillac, not bad.

V6 twin-turbo configuration helps the CTS reach 60 mph (100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds
V6 twin-turbo configuration helps the CTS reach 60 mph (100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds

Cadillac’s shield grille and vertical lighting elements are revised for 2014. The grille is wider, with a more detailed texture, while the headlights – incorporating crystalline LED light guides – flow back with the hood line.

But the news here isn’t all aesthetic. This CTS has been to the gym, and hot yoga, and given up baked goods. Cutting the weight of roughly two linebackers, or 480 lbs (218 kg) from its frame, the new Caddy is down to 3,616 lbs (1,640 kg), a significant drop from its former 4,096 lbs (1,858 kg). Aluminum door structures and other fat-cutting measures are part of the weight loss trickery.

Wheelbase increase of 1.2 inches (30.5 mm) and body increase of 5 inches (127 mm) makes for a longer and lower CTS
Wheelbase increase of 1.2 inches (30.5 mm) and body increase of 5 inches (127 mm) makes for a longer and lower CTS

Inside the new CTS, a more spacious interior awaits. With eight available interior environments, trimmed in either wood, carbon fiber or aluminum, plus leather seating or full semi-aniline leather, the interior still works to retain Cadillac’s luxury status. Handcrafted elements key off the car's exterior design stylings while ensuring the driver’s space is given priority.

CUE, Cadillac’s infotainment system, uses smartphone and tablet-like controls and commands to access information and entertainment data. An 8-inch, high-resolution color touch screen with haptic feedback allows users to swipe and drag in an iPad-like fashion. Bluetooth connectivity with natural voice recognition is standard with CUE, along with USB and SD card ports.

But most important to the American Cadillac buyer – the motorized cup holder lid. Located in the center console, this genius bit of Americano Latte Frappe Vente Nescafe goodness ensures your morning cup of joe is secure in its surroundings. And there’s heated seats and steering wheel as standard.

Cadillac’s shield grille and lighting are revised for 2014 while the grille is wider, with a more detailed texture
Cadillac’s shield grille and lighting are revised for 2014 while the grille is wider, with a more detailed texture

Powering the new CTS is a new twin-turbo V6. No stinking V8 here people, this here is the 21st century. The Twin-Turbo reports power outage to the tune of 420 horsepower (313 kW) and 430 lb.ft. of torque (583 Nm). Tiny turbo screws mean quicker dial up, which means quicker power accessibility. Cadillac reports approximately 90 percent of peak torque is available between 2,500 and 5,500 rpm. This configuration helps the CTS reach 60 mph (96.5 km/h) in roughly 4.6 seconds.

Not interested in the big power? Then why not go for the much more polite, naturally aspirated 3.6L V-6. With 321 hp (239 kW), the non-turbo version doesn’t completely sell out. The new paddle-shifted 8-speed automatic in rear-wheel-drive models makes sure you’re not left out. Need all-wheel drive? Cadillac has that, but with a 6-speed automatic. Still not enough to choose from? Then how about a tiny 2.0 L turbocharged option that puts out 272 hp (203 kW) with the six-speed automatic? Personally, I’m going with the Big Mac meal and the twin-turbo influencers.

The CTS V Sport also comes standard with 18-inch aluminum wheels with Pirelli performance tires, a quicker steering ratio, Brembo disc brakes with aluminum calipers and high-performance pads, and a heavy-duty track cooling package. A Driver-select track mode with specific steering rate and Magnetic Ride Control calibrations is also included for a better time on the track.

Thanks to the CTS’s big weight loss, things like unsprung weight and heavier suspension parts are now up for re-consideration. The suspension and handling conversation is the responsibility of a Multi-link MacPherson strut suspension with a dual-pivot design. Five-link independent rear suspension manages the hind quarters, whilst an electric, variable-assist power steering gear from ZF Steering Systems deals with the crazy Ivans (turning).

The result is a near perfect weight balance of 50/50 front to back. One of Cadillac’s cooler engineering toys is its Magnetic Ride Control real-time damping system. It uses real magnets! On the corners, holding the rubber in place, drivers have an option of 17-, 18- or 19-inch aluminum wheels.

On the safety front, in addition to 10 air bags, the CTS comes standard with a myriad of helpful devices. Panic Brake Assist for when you’re too freaked out to brake on your own? Forward Collision Alert, pretty self explanatory … you’re going to hit that car in front of you now. Followed closely by "Automatic Collision Preparation" (with brake prefill) … see above. One of my personal faves, Lane Departure Warning ie. you are now leaving the road or veering into oncoming traffic.

Other helpful bits of technology include such things as Side Blind Zone Alert, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which come in handy for those drivers still unsure how to monitor their surroundings. A Rear Vision Camera With Dynamic Guidelines helps put the CTS safely between obstacles, while, for select markets, there's also a thing called the "Active Pedestrian Protection System," of which details are scant but which is likely to alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians that pose a collision hazard rather than moving unwanted persons from the hood area and gently placing them safely on the sidewalk.

Pricing and availability is yet to be announced, but production of the 2014 CTS begins this Northern Hemisphere autumn in Lansing, Michigan.

Source: Cadillac

View gallery - 94 images
6 comments
6 comments
Dave Maxfield
Hmm, its okay but still too big looking. Like something my grandfather would drive and as I'm 63 that means its way behind the times. The high waistline and sharp edges may have been contemprary half-a-dozen years ago but now make it look dated. And they really need to get rid of that "cheezy" grill.
If I were able to buy a luxury GT car it would still be European.
ptodd1969
It's beautiful but at first quick glance I thought I was looking at a Mercedes E-class. Sure the front and rear graphics are different, but the proportion of the cabin to the car and it's rear-bias placement are visually identical to the E-class. I'm not sure what could make it more uniquely Cadillac. To me, the current generation has a more unique look from the competitor's field than this one.
As much as I love the new life Cadillac has breathed into it's lineup, I still love the bloated days of chrome and fins - and I'm only in my 40's.
Jay Finke
How the plastic lenses will look in a few years all faded and yellow. 100 bucks say's there not glass. looks to me, another high dollar low mile throw away car. And the lights on top of the fender, that will work great for lighting up the fog or rain .. Hold on Martha I can't see. I call this the built in texting feature !
bsmi021
Well Dave as you said "If you could afford it" says a lot, and it is nowhere big like caddie was of old; Now for ptodd1969 there is a reason it has those lines "like an e-class" a lot of car today look very similar as there is just so much to do with so little real estate, Now for JAY, it is very obvious you have not paid attention to much of late, when was the last time you had a head light lens turn yellow? I have own a 5 GM car and trucks since 1999 and not one of them has yellowed, But I am sure you will not agree with me!!
Marvin McConoughey
The "Multi-link MacPherson strut suspension with a dual-pivot design" may weigh less, but it is also a less desirable engineering solution from the standpoint of ride and handling potential.
Darrell Adolphus
i still think the top of the line 2014 cts should get a version of the c7 corvette zr-1 v8