GM Press Release: 2014 Cadillac CTS Elevates to Challenge World’s Best

[Rob]

2014 Cadillac CTS Elevates to Challenge World’s Best

2013-03-26
GM Media

• Longer, lower and leaner sedan drives into heart of midsize luxury segment
• Lightweight technologies, including aluminum door structures, contribute to lower curb weight and nearly 50/50 weight balance
• New Vsport model offers new Cadillac Twin-Turbo V-6 and brand’s first eight-speed automatic transmission

NEW YORK – Cadillac today introduced the all-new 2014 CTS sedan, which ascends into the heart of the midsize luxury market with expanded performance, elevated luxury and sophisticated technology.

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 prestigious class of midsize luxury sedans. It will be the segment’s lightest car, enabling the most agile driving dynamics in the class. A range of power-dense powertrains underpin its performance, including the all-new Cadillac Twin-Turbo engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.

Production of the 2014 CTS begins this fall in Lansing, Mich.

“The all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan delivers crafted design, thrilling performance and sophisticated technology,” said Bob Ferguson, vice president, Global Cadillac. “The car that has always been Cadillac’s centerpiece stretches figuratively and literally to challenge the world’s best.”

A longer, lower and more athletic-looking proportion is introduced on Cadillac’s landmark sedan and evolves the brand’s Art & Science design philosophy. While growing five inches (127 mm) in length, including a 1.2-inch longer wheelbase, the roofline and cowl – the base of the windshield – are about an inch lower, dimensions that complement the longer exterior to accentuate the car’s lean aesthetic.

“With Cadillac growing globally, driven by rising product credibility, the new CTS elevates the brand to a new level,” said Ferguson.

While stretched in overall length and wheelbase, the all-new CTS sedan has a lower curb weight than the preceding model and weighs about 200 pounds (90 kg) less than the BMW 528i. Lightweight features, including Cadillac’s first aluminum door structures, contribute to the lower weight and a nearly 50/50 weight balance. And for the first time on CTS, Magnetic Ride Control, Cadillac’s real-time damping system, is available on base models.

Cadillac’s shield grille and signature vertical lighting elements – including LED front signature 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 included on some models, improving aerodynamic performance on the highway to enhance fuel efficiency.

Inside, a roomier, driver-centric cockpit interior with integrated technology and hand-crafted appointments complements the exterior elements and supports the CTS sedan’s driving experience. Eight available interior environments are offered, each trimmed with authentic wood, carbon fiber or aluminum. Leather seating is available, including available full semi-aniline leather, with hand-crafted, cut-and-sewn executions.

CTS Performance

The new Cadillac Twin-Turbo V-6 and eight-speed automatic transmission combination leads the CTS sedan’s powertrain lineup in the new CTS Vsport. It is the first twin-turbocharged engine ever offered by Cadillac and is the brand’s first eight-speed automatic.
The CTS Vsport also features:

• 18-inch aluminum wheels with Pirelli summer-only performance tires (19-inch wheels with all-season tires are available)
• A quicker steering ratio
• Brembo disc brakes with aluminum calipers and high-performance brake pads,
• Heavy-duty track cooling package
• Driver-selectable track mode with specific steering rate and Magnetic Ride Control calibrations for greater track performance
• Electronic limited-slip differential that enhances capability on the track – including optimal acceleration out of turns.

The Cadillac Twin-Turbo is SAE-certified at 420 horsepower (313 kW) and 430 lb.-ft. of torque (583 Nm), making it the most power-dense six-cylinder engine in the segment. A pair of smaller turbochargers helps provide more immediate power on demand, with approximately 90 percent of peak torque available from 2,500rpm to 5,500 rpm. That gives the engine a broad torque curve that customers will feel as strong, willing power in almost all driving conditions – and helps the CTS sedan reach 60 mph in an estimated 4.6 seconds.

The 2014 CTS is also available with a naturally aspirated 3.6L V-6 rated at an estimated 321 horsepower and also matched with the new paddle-shift eight-speed automatic in rear-wheel-drive models (or six-speed automatic with all-wheel drive; and a 2.0L turbocharged engine rated at an estimated 272 horsepower and paired with a six-speed automatic.

Cadillac’s new, paddle-shift eight-speed offers efficiency and performance advantages over a six-speed transmission, including 1.5-percent greater fuel economy.

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 greater feelings of 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 and optimal brake sizes are expected to give it braking performance that is among the best in the segment, with standard Brembo brakes.

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
• Available Magnetic Ride Control real-time damping system
• Choice of 17-, 18- and 19-inch aluminum wheels.

A number of aluminum components are used with 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 balance and contributing to less noise and vibration.

CTS technology and safety

The CTS sedan seamlessly blends comfort, convenience and safety technologies with the interior’s hand-crafted appointments and flowing design. Active safety features provide alerts and intervene when necessary to help avoid crashes.

At the core of the car’s intuitive technologies is CUE, Cadillac’s infotainment system that 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 natural voice recognition is standard with CUE, along with USB and SD card ports.

An available 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 first 20-way adjustable front seats
• Motorized cup holder lid in the center console
• Heated and cooled (ventilated) front seats and heated steering wheel
• Electronically locking glove box
• Electronic park brake
• Adaptive remote start feature that also activates the climate control system
• Standard Bose eleven-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 rear park assist is standard.

Ultrasonic sensors, as well as radar and cameras, support the CTS’s advanced safety features to help prevent crashes. Among the most sophisticated is Fr ont and Rear Automatic Braking , which relies on short-range radar technology and ultrasonic sensors to help the driver prevent front and rear low-speed collisions 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 available safety features include:

• Full Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control
• Panic 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 (in global regions where required).

The new CTS sedan also features 10 standard air bags, 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.
Additionally, OnStar is standard for one year. It can use GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of a crash. OnStar service also includes myCadillac and OnStar myCadillac mobile apps, whichoffer vehicle information, controls and OnStar services via the customer’s iPhone or Android smart phone.

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. More information on Cadillac can be found at media.cadillac.com.

2014 CADILLAC CTS PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

Overview | Engines | Transmission | Chassis/Suspension | Brakes | Wheels/Tires | Dimensions | Capacities
Overview

Model:	2014 Cadillac CTS Sedan
Body style / driveline:	four-door luxury sport luxury sedan, RWD/AWD
Construction:

<tbody>
[TD="width: 372"]unitized welded steel body with direct-mounted front cradle and rubber-isolated, multi-link independent rear suspension[/TD]

[TD="width: 168"]EPA vehicle class:[/TD]
[TD="width: 372"]midsize car[/TD]

[TD="width: 168"]Manufacturing location:[/TD]
[TD="width: 372"]Lansing Grand River Assembly, Lansing, Mich.[/TD]

</tbody>

Engines

	2.0L Turbo DI VVT	3.6L V-6 DI VVT	3.6L V-6 Twin-Turbo DI VVT
Displacement (cu in / cc):

<tbody>
[TD="width: 126"]122 / 1998[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]217 / 3564[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]217 / 3564[/TD]

[TD="width: 159"]Bore & stroke (in / mm):[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]3.39 x 3.39 / 86 x 86[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]3.70 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]3.70 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6[/TD]

[TD="width: 159"]Block material:[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]cast aluminum[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]cast aluminum[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]cast aluminum[/TD]

[TD="width: 159"]Cylinder head material:[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]cast aluminum[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]cast aluminum[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]cast aluminum[/TD]

[TD="width: 159"]Valvetrain:[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]DOHC, four-valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]DOHC, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]DOHC, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing[/TD]

[TD="width: 159"]Fuel delivery:[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]direct high-pressure fuel injection[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]direct high-pressure fuel injection[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]direct high-pressure fuel injection[/TD]

[TD="width: 159"]Compression ratio:[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]9.5:1[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]11.5:1[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]10.2:1[/TD]

[TD="width: 159"]Horsepower
(hp / kW @ rpm):[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]272 / 203 @ 5500[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]321 / 239 @ 6800*
(gas)[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]420 / 313 @ 5750 (SAE-certified)[/TD]

[TD="width: 159"]Torque
(lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]295 / 400 @ 1700-5500[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]275 / 373 @ 4800* (gas)[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]430 / 583 @ 3500-4500 (SAE-certified)[/TD]

[TD="width: 159"]Recommended fuel:[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]premium recommended but not required[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]regular unleaded[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]premium required[/TD]

[TD="width: 159"]Maximum engine speed (rpm):[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]7000[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]7200[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]6500[/TD]

[TD="width: 159"]Fuel economy
(GM-estimated city / hwy):[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]19 / 30 RWD
18 / 28 AWD[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]19 / 28 RWD
18 / 27 AWD[/TD]
[TD="width: 126"]17 / 25[/TD]

</tbody>

Transmissions

Type:	Paddle-shift six-speed, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive with torque converter clutch	Paddle-shift eight-speed, electronically controlled automatic overdrive with torque converter clutch
Gear ratios 1):

<tbody>
[TD="width: 192"][/TD]

[TD="width: 159"]First:[/TD]
[TD="width: 186"]4.06[/TD]
[TD="width: 192"]4.60[/TD]

[TD="width: 159"]Second:[/TD]
[TD="width: 186"]2.37[/TD]
[TD="width: 192"]2.72[/TD]

[TD="width: 159"]Third:[/TD]
[TD="width: 186"]1.55[/TD]
[TD="width: 192"]1.86[/TD]

[TD="width: 159"]Fourth:[/TD]
[TD="width: 186"]1.16[/TD]
[TD="width: 192"]1.46[/TD]

[TD="width: 159"]Fifth:[/TD]
[TD="width: 186"]0.85[/TD]
[TD="width: 192"]1.23[/TD]

[TD="width: 159"]Sixth:[/TD]
[TD="width: 186"]0.67[/TD]
[TD="width: 192"]1.00[/TD]

[TD="width: 159"]Seventh:[/TD]
[TD="width: 186"]--[/TD]
[TD="width: 192"]0.82[/TD]

[TD="width: 159"]Eighth:[/TD]
[TD="width: 186"]--[/TD]
[TD="width: 192"]0.69[/TD]

[TD="width: 159"]Reverse:[/TD]
[TD="width: 186"]3.20[/TD]
[TD="width: 192"]4.06[/TD]

[TD="width: 159"]Final drive ratio:[/TD]
[TD="width: 186"]3.45 (RWD)
3.27 (AWD)[/TD]
[TD="width: 192"]2.85[/TD]

</tbody>

Chassis/Suspension

Configuration:	rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
Differential:	Open differential (RWD/AWD) or optional electronic limited-slip (FE3/V sport)
Front:

<tbody>
[TD="width: 372"]FE2: MacPherson-type with dual lower ball joints, twin-tube struts and direct-acting stabilizer bar or uplevel optional Magnetic Ride Control with monotube inverted struts
FE3: MacPherson-type with dual lower ball joints, direct-acting stabilizer bar and Magnetic Ride Control with monotube inverted struts[/TD]

[TD="width: 163"]Rear:[/TD]
[TD="width: 372"]FE2: independent five-link with twin-tube shock absorbers or uplevel optional Magnetic Ride Control with monotube shocks
FE3: independent five-link with Magnetic Ride Control with monotube shocks[/TD]

[TD="width: 163"]Steering type:[/TD]
[TD="width: 372"]ZF rack-mounted electric, power-assisted and variable assist[/TD]

[TD="width: 163"]Steering ratio:[/TD]
[TD="width: 372"]FE2 RWD: 15.5
FE2 AWD: 16.17
FE3 RWD: 15.4[/TD]

[TD="width: 163"]Steering turns, lock-to-lock:[/TD]
[TD="width: 372"]FE2 RWD: 2.6
FE2 AWD: 2.8
FE3 RWD: 2.5[/TD]

[TD="width: 163"]Turn circle (ft / m):[/TD]
[TD="width: 372"]FE2 RWD: 37.47 / 11.42
FE2 AWD: 38.98 / 11.88
FE3 RWD: 36.75 / 11.20[/TD]

[TD="width: 163"]Chassis control:[/TD]
[TD="width: 372"]four-channel StabiliTrak w/ brake assist and traction control[/TD]

</tbody>

Brakes

Type:

four-wheel disc with sliding calipers on base; four-channel ABS/TCS w/ DRP; Brembo brakes with fixed calipers on Luxury, Performance and Premium collections;

Rotor type and thickness (in / mm):

Standard front: 12.6 / 321 vented, with Ferritic Nitro Carburized process for corrosion resistance; aluminum dual-piston calipers Standard rear: 12.4 / 315 vented, with Ferritic Nitro Carburized process for corrosion resistance; aluminum single-piston calipers Uplevel front: 13.6 / 345 vented, with Ferritic Nitro Carburized process for corrosion resistance; aluminum dual-piston calipers Uplevel rear: 12.4 / 315 vented, with Ferritic Nitro Carburized process for corrosion resistance; aluminum single-piston calipers

<tbody>
</tbody>

Wheels/Tires

Wheel size and type:	17 x 8.5-inch aluminum 18 x 8.5-inch aluminum 18 x 9.5-inch aluminum (rear wheels on Vsport) 19 x 8.5-inch aluminum

<tbody>
[TD="width: 163"]Tire size:[/TD]
[TD="width: 372"]245/45R17
245/40R18
275/35R18 (rear tires on Vsport)
255/35R19[/TD]

</tbody>

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):	114.6 / 2911
Length (in / mm):	195.5 / 4966
Height (in / mm):

<tbody>
[TD="width: 318"]57.2 / 1454[/TD]

[TD="width: 216"]Width (in / mm):[/TD]
[TD="width: 318"]72.2 / 1833[/TD]

[TD="width: 216"]Track (in / mm):[/TD]
[TD="width: 318"]front: 61.4 / 1560
rear: 61.7 / 1568[/TD]

[TD="width: 216"]Base curb weight (lb / kg):[/TD]
[TD="width: 318"]3616 / 1640[/TD]

[TD="width: 216"]Weight distribution
(% front / rear):[/TD]
[TD="width: 318"]50.3 / 48.7[/TD]

</tbody>

Interior

Legroom (in / mm):	front: 42.6 / 1081 rear: 35.4 / 899

<tbody>
[TD="width: 216"]Headroom (in / mm):[/TD]
[TD="width: 318"]front: 39.2 / 995
rear: 37.5 / 952[/TD]

[TD="width: 216"]Shoulder room (in / mm):[/TD]
[TD="width: 318"]front: 56.9 / 1446
rear: 54.8 / 1392[/TD]

[TD="width: 216"]Hip room (in / mm):[/TD]
[TD="width: 318"]front: 53.8 / 1366
rear: 53.3 / 1353[/TD]

</tbody>

Capacities

Seating capacity (front / rear):	2 / 3
EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L):	97 / 2746
EPA trunk volume (cu ft / L):

<tbody>
[TD="width: 318"]13.7 / 388[/TD]

[TD="width: 216"]Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg):[/TD]
[TD="width: 318"]1000 / 454 (3.6L)[/TD]

[TD="width: 216"]Fuel tank (gal / L):[/TD]
[TD="width: 318"]19 / 72[/TD]

[TD="width: 216"]Engine oil (qt / L):[/TD]
[TD="width: 318"]2.0L Turbo: 5 / 4.7 (RWD); 6 / 5.7 (AWD)
3.6L: 6 / 5.7 (RWD & AWD)
3.6L Twin-Turbo: 7 / 6.6[/TD]

[TD="width: 216"]Cooling system (qt / L):[/TD]
[TD="width: 318"]2.0L Turbo: 9 / 8.5
3.6L: 11.9 / 11.3
3.6L Twin-Turbo engine: 11.9 / 11.3
3.6L Twin-Turbo charge cooler: 1.7 / 1.6[/TD]

</tbody>

Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.

 

[Tuna]

By calling the TT V6 version the "VSport", does that mean that a "V-series" version is not coming?

I would have preferred that they use a different name for this TT version as I think "VSport" takes away something from the "V-series" cars.

 

[Rob]

By calling the TT V6 version the "VSport", does that mean that a "V-series" version is not coming?

I would have preferred that they use a different name for this TT version as I think "VSport" takes away something from the "V-series" cars.

No. I think Cadillac is going after BMW's lineup.

Recently, in the last year or two, BMW has announced an M-Sport version of the BMW - it's basically a model that fits between the base and the high performance model and uses some bits (usually exterior design and suspension bits) from the high performance model.

I believe Cadillac is trying to pursue the same type of model with the VSport.

 

[Tuna]

No. I think Cadillac is going after BMW's lineup.

Recently, in the last year or two, BMW has announced an M-Sport version of the BMW - it's basically a model that fits between the base and the high performance model and uses some bits (usually exterior design and suspension bits) from the high performance model.

I believe Cadillac is trying to pursue the same type of model with the VSport.

That would make sense - when Caddy releases a V3 next year. Wonder if it will have an LSA in it or a supercharged version of the new LT1.