Scoop: Cadillac CTS coupé

This is the new Cadillac CTS coupé, seen first in concept form at the Detroit show earlier this year. The sharply styled two-door, seen here in the most revealing shots yet, will be closely based on the concept, keeping the same steeply raked rear roofline and central tailpipe. The doors are rumoured to use touch-sensitive pads instead of conventional handles. Inside, the coupé uses the CTS dashboard and has two proper seats in the back with enough legroom for adult passengers, making the car a true four-seater. That means it will offer a practical rival for the likes of the Audi A5. Cadillac has committed to building the forthcoming coupé version of the CTS in right-hand drive, meaning that it will definitely be sold in the UK when it is launched next year. GM product boss Bob Lutz confirmed the plans at the recent New York motor show, saying, “We’re very happy with the reception given to the CTS. It has changed perceptions of the brand in a positive way. The next step is the CTS coupé, which will be built in right-hand drive and sold around the world.” Development work on the coupé is advanced as GM attempts to expand the Cadillac range into new niches, including a CTS estate next year. Cadillac is also considering producing a 542bhp, V8-powered ‘V’ version of the coupé, but this more extreme model is unlikely to be available in right-hand drive form. The CTS’s engine bay, steering and exhaust need to be re-engineered to accommodate the bigger engine, and Cadillac sales in the UK and other right-hand drive markets are too low to justify the development costs. Cadillac is also working on a new, smaller car that will slot into the range below the CTS. Its line-up could include a coupé, a saloon and a cabriolet.

Dan Stevens