2014 Cadillac CTS unveiled

With its vertical headlights, wide grille and taut surfacing, the all-new 2014 CTS saloon is unmistakeably a Cadillac. At first glance the styling might seem a gentle evolution, but there are noticeable changes. The lines are softer, for instance, and the proportions are sleeker thanks to an extra five inches between the bumpers and a lower roofline. The result is a very elegant car.

Based on the same ‘GM Alpha’ platform that underpins the smaller ATS, Cadillac says the 2014 CTS offers more interior space than its predecessor. What’s more, it’s claimed to be lighter than any of its competitors due to various weight-saving measures, including the use of aluminium for the front suspension and door structures. One side effect of the diet is a near 50/50 weight distribution, something that should in turn benefit the balance and handling.

The 2014 Cadillac CTS. Scroll down for more images.

Until the arrival of a CTS-V variant, the quickest member of the range is going to be the Vsport. It’s powered by a 420 bhp (313 kW / 425 PS) 3.6 litre V6 engine which, for the first time ever on a Cadillac, boasts twin turbochargers and comes connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

An estimated 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of just 4.6 seconds suggests brisk performance. To help ensure the Vsport’s full potential can be realised, its specification also features a quicker steering rack, upgraded Brembo disc brakes, 18” alloy wheels, an electronic limited slip differential and a ‘track’ driving mode.

As expected, the list of available equipment for the 2014 CTS is extensive. Among the items being offered are an automatic parallel-parking assist function, 20-way power adjusted front seats, various camera- and radar-based safety systems, adaptive cruise control and (unbelievably) a motorised lid for the centre console cup holder.

Production of the 2014 Cadillac CTS begins this autumn. Pricing has yet to be announced.

2014 Cadillac CTS Sedan - Preliminary Technical Specifications
Body
Type	Four-door luxury sports saloon
EPA vehicle class	Mid-size car
Construction	Unitary steel body with direct-mounted front cradle and rubber-isolated, multi-link independent rear suspension
Drivetrain	Rear- or all-wheel drive
Engines
Configuration	2.0 Turbo DI VVT	3.6 V6 DI VVT	3.6 V6 Twin-Turbo DI VVT
Displacement	1,998 cc (122 cu. in.)	3,564 cc (217 cu. in.)
Bore and stroke	86 x 86 mm (3.39 x 3.39 in.)	94 x 85.6 mm (3.70 x 3.37 in.)
Block material	Cast aluminium
Cylinder head material	Cast aluminium
Valvegear	DOHC, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing
Fuel	Unleaded petrol
Fuel type	Premium recommended	Regular	Premium required
Fuel delivery	Direct high-pressure fuel injection
Compression ratio	9.5:1	11.5:1	10.2:1
Power	272 bhp (203 kW / 275 PS) @ 5,500 rpm	321 bhp (239 kW / 325 PS) @ 6,800 rpm	420 bhp (313 kW / 425 PS) @ 5,750 rpm
Torque	400 Nm (295 lb/ft) @ 1,700 - 5,500 rpm	373 Nm (275 lb/ft) @ 4,800 rpm	583 Nm (430 lb/ft) @ 3,500 - 4,500 rpm
Estimated fuel economy
RWD city	19 mpg US (22.8 mpg imp. / 12.4 l/100km)	19 mpg US (22.8 mpg imp. / 12.4 l/100km)	17 mpg US (20.4 mpg imp. / 13.8 l/100km)
RWD highway	30 mpg US (36.0 mpg imp. / 7.8 l/100km)	28 mpg US (33.6 mpg imp. / 8.4 l/100km)	25 mpg US (30.0 mpg imp. / 9.4 l/100km)
AWD city	18 mpg US (21.6 mpg imp. / 13.1 l/100km)	18 mpg US (21.6 mpg imp. / 13.1 l/100km)	N/A
AWD highway	28 mpg US (33.6 mpg imp. / 8.4 l/100km)	27 mpg US (32.4 mpg imp. / 8.7 l/100km)	N/A
Transmission
Type	Six-speed automatic	Six-speed automatic (AWD) / eight-speed automatic (RWD)	Eight-speed automatic
Differential	Open differential		Electronic limited-slip
Chassis
Front suspension	MacPherson-type with dual lower ball joints, twin-tube struts and direct-acting stabilizer bar; optional Magnetic Ride Control with monotube inverted struts (standard on Vsport)
Rear suspension	Independent five-link with twin-tube shock absorbers; optional Magnetic Ride Control with monotube shocks (standard on Vsport)
Steering	ZF rack, electric variable power-assisted
Traction control	Four-channel StabiliTrak with brake assist
Brakes	Four-wheel Brembo vented discs with four-channel ABS
Exterior dimensions
Wheelbase	2,911 mm (114.6 in.)
Length	4,966 mm (195.5 in.)
Height	1,454 mm (57.2 in.)
Width	1,833 mm (72.2 in.)
Track	Front 1,560 mm (61.4 in.); rear 1,568 mm (61.7 in.)
Curb weight	3,616 kg (1,640 lbs)
Weight distribution	50.3% front / 48.7% rear
Interior dimensions
Seating capacity	2 front / 3 rear
Legroom	Front 1,081 mm (42.6 in.); rear 899 mm (35.4 in.)
Headroom	Front 995 mm (39.2 in.); rear 952 mm (37.5 in.)
Shoulder room	Front 1,446 mm (56.9 in.); rear 1,392 mm (54.8 in.)
Hip room	Front 1,366 mm (53.8 in.); rear 1,353 mm (53.3 in.)
Capacities
EPA passenger volume	2,746 litres (97 cu. ft.)
EPA trunk volume	388 litres (13.7 cu. ft.)

Related posts:
2014 Cadillac ELR unveiled
2013 NACTOY winners
2013 Cadillac ATS revealed

Images © General Motors.