Currently reading: New York motor show: Cadillac CTS
Cadillac CTS aims to take on the world's best, but there are no plans for right-hand drive or diesel

General Motors claims it has elevated the Cadillac CTS to “challenge the world’s best” executive saloons such as the BMW 5-series with this all-new model that has made its debut at this week’s New York motor show

The rear-drive CTS is based on a larger version of the architecture that underpins the 3-series-sized ATS, which was revealed last year. It will go into production in the US this autumn before going on sale in Europe in early 2014. 

However, Cadillac says there are still no firm plans to make the model in right-hand drive or offer it with a diesel engine, saying only that it “expects the line-up to be expanded within its lifecycle”. 

Cadillac says the new CTS will be the lightest car in its class in North America, weighing around 90kg less than an equivalent US-market BMW 528i at 1640kg. This is in spite of it being some 67mm longer than the 5-series at 4966mm long. The new CTS is also 127mm longer than its predecessor, 30mm of that extra length coming in the wheelbase that extends to 2911mm. 

The look of the CTS is instantly recognisable as a Cadillac, incorporating the latest evolution of its ‘Art & Science’ design theme. The front grille is wider and the angular front-end is flanked on either side by strips of vertical LED lights. 

The engine line-up includes a new 414bhp twin-turbo 3.6-litre V6 petrol mated to Cadillac’s first eight-speed automatic gearbox. This is sold in a CTS Vsport model, which gets a quicker steering rack, upgraded brakes, improved cooling magnetic dampers and an electronic limited-slip diff. A 0-60mph time of 4.6sec is estaiated.

Other engines include a 268bhp turbocharged four-cylinder and a 317bhp 3.6-litre V6. A six-speed auto’ is standard, with the eight-speed optional. All-wheel drive is also offered on all engines.

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Latest Cadillac offers a premium interior and decent driving dynamics, however the CTS can't compete with its German rivals in Europe

Mark Tisshaw

mark-tisshaw-autocar
Title: Editor

Mark is a journalist with more than a decade of top-level experience in the automotive industry. He first joined Autocar in 2009, having previously worked in local newspapers. He has held several roles at Autocar, including news editor, deputy editor, digital editor and his current position of editor, one he has held since 2017.

From this position he oversees all of Autocar’s content across the print magazine, autocar.co.uk website, social media, video, and podcast channels, as well as our recent launch, Autocar Business. Mark regularly interviews the very top global executives in the automotive industry, telling their stories and holding them to account, meeting them at shows and events around the world.

Mark is a Car of the Year juror, a prestigious annual award that Autocar is one of the main sponsors of. He has made media appearances on the likes of the BBC, and contributed to titles including What Car?Move Electric and Pistonheads, and has written a column for The Sun.

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Orangewheels 28 March 2013

E Class Clone

Slight Hint? take that 2nd pic in silver, draw in a second smaller headlight at the front and put in the 3 pointed star in the grille and you're there!

And I thought it was the Chinese that were known for knocking off others styling?

artill 27 March 2013

I too think it looks great,

I too think it looks great, but its somewhat pointless in LHD form

averageman 27 March 2013

Looks smart

I quite like the look of this car.  As Overdrive mentioned, there are hints of Mercedes styling in the nose and other areas but it's not a bad effort, not a bad effort at all.  I do like the interior colour with the brown leather seats and wood inserts.  It seems to work