We know the CTS-V has gone over well with even the most anti-American critical European journalists, like Jeremy Clarkson. Now, imagine a car with many of the CTS-V's sporting upgrades, but with a lower price, just as much torque, and much better fuel efficiency. They've been going crazy over BMW turbo diesels in Europe for years, so a Duramax CTS could finally be Cadillac's big push across the pond. But who knows, maybe the it'll never happen. [MotorTrend]

Climbing into the CTS-V in New York’s northern suburbs, I was on a high. Just one week previously, I’d spent the day lapping GM’s Milford Proving Grounds in the best car ever made, the 2009 Corvette ZR1. The CTS-V promised to be more of the same; it uses a similar 6.2-liter supercharged engine, but here making a not-quite-as-ridiculous 551 lb-ft and 556 HP (to the ZR1’s 604 LB-FT and 638 HP). Also present are similar electromagnetically controlled shocks, promising both a smooth ride and, more importantly, mind-bending handling. Those numbers lead to a 0-60 time of just 3.9 seconds, that 191 MPH top speed for the manual transmission version (the only model I drove) and combine with that suspension to deliver a ‘Ring time of 7:59.32, making it the fastest production sedan in the world.

My ability to restrain my inner demons lasted all the way from White Plains across the Tappan Zee Bridge, a notoriously poorly assembled pile of broken concrete and steel plates that masquerades as the main route over the Hudson north of the city. Cruising down the right lane of the congested highway during rush hour, trying hard to preserve both my license and my life while dicing with trucks and crazy bitches from New Jersey, there’s little to indicate the CTS-V’s potential. The engine is quiet, the Tremec six-speed is smooth and the dual-plate clutch (similar to the ZR1’s) is light. The ride’s also seriously impressive; I prefer the controlled-but-firm nature of European performance car suspensions over the soft and squishy nature of most American cars. And the CTS-V satisfies my Euro snobbery not just with its suspension, but in the interior too. In V trim it gains glossy piano-black highlights, supportive and comfy suede Recaros, a suede steering wheel and a suede gear lever. Know how awkward most current BMW interiors are and how cheap most current Mercedes feel? The CTS-V is better. Seriously. I never thought I’d say that about a Cadillac.

Of course, all this only remains a factor if you’re driving slowly. Shift down a gear, switch the suspension into Sport mode, turn off the traction control and switch Stability to “Competitive mode” and you’re ready to drive fast. There aren't many passing opportunities along Route 9 West, but with ridiculous amounts of power and torque everywhere, that rapidly ceases to be a problem. Views of the Hudson over my right shoulder disappear as speed focuses my vision into a tunnel. Driving the CTS-V fast, on the road, you rapidly forget that you’re driving a big luxury car. Its movements are precise, yet untroubled by cracked pavement or pot holes. Hit one at speed while cornering and it scarcely upsets the car, never once punting it sideways. That I can say this about a car that will light the rear tires up merely by flooring the throttle in fourth gear is kind of mind-boggling.

Later in the day, out on the track, the rev limiter ceases to be an issue. Here, free to concentrate on your own driving instead of others’, it’s easier to keep the big engine in the middle of its torque curve, which peaks at just 3,800 RPM. The power becomes almost secondary to the cornering, which at high speed is controlled and grippy, while slower corners move the balance over to sideways. Compared to the ZR1, The CTS-V has to carry 836 LB more through the corners on narrower versions of the Michelin PS2s. Prone to initial understeer, it only takes some right foot to step the tail out into a controllable slide, so the experience is somewhat less controlled than driving a ZR1, and a fair bit slower, but equally fun in its own unique way. Cadillac had to order me out of the CTS-V at the end of the day, after four hours of continuous lapping.

By now, you’ve probably guessed that I really, really enjoyed driving the Cadillac CTS-V. It offers a new level of capability for performance sedans on the track, but especially on the road. In both environments it’s amazing fast, but also exploitable. Think of it as a ZR1 that you can drive people around in, that looks way classier and that you’ll actually be able to push to its limits, and you won’t be far off. Cadillac inevitably compares it to cars like the BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG, but starting at “around $60,000” it’s considerably cheaper; with a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds it’s considerably faster and it’s also considerably more involving. I’d compare it to the more closely priced BMW M3 Sedan, which may have a slight edge on precision, but is also shy 142 HP and 256 lb-ft, while the CTS-V only weighs 474 pounds more. With this car and the ZR1, General Motors now makes two of the fastest, most exciting and just plain best performance cars. Ever. And yes, the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V does epic burnouts, too.

Last year at Detroit, in addition to the Cadillac CTS Coupe concept, GM debuted the new production CTS-V sedan, which will go on sale before the end of the year. Given that, as well as what we've heard from our sources, it's highly likely we'll see the CTS-V Coupe get its sheet whipped off at Cobo Hall in January.

We expect power to come from the same supercharged LSA as the new Cadillac CTS-V sedan, pumping out 556 HP and transferring 551 lb-ft of torque to the wheels through a Tremec TR-6060 6-speed manual or an optional paddle-shifting 6-speed automatic. Expectations are for the 0-to-60 and quarter mile times to be slightly faster than the V sedan due to a lower mass and better aerodynamics.

As with the V sedan, the Coupe will carry the same Magnetic Ride Control suspension to help it set blistering lap records at your favorite track. Stopping power is provided by Brembo in the form of six piston calipers in the front with a four piston setup in the rear and rolling hardware comes in the form of 19-inch wheels wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 summer tires.

When the CTS-V Coupe rolls off the Lansing Grand River Plant next year expect to snatch one up from your local Cadillac dealer for somewhere around $60,000. That is, if you can get one for MSRP. M3, RS4 and C63 drivers beware.

Some say he has a tattoo of a Saleen S7 on his rear end. Others tell us he was born with a penchant for oil rather than his mum's milk. All we know is he's called the Auto Insider and he's always ready to provide the scoop from the other side of Eight Mile.

Jalopnik Snap Jugdement: Considering we'll be seeing two all-new dedicated hybrids from Toyota, the formal debut of the 2010 Honda hybrid, who knows what from Nissan, and with the first fully-formed Chevy Volt revealed just a couple months earlier, the 2009 Detroit Auto Show is setting up to be a serious, next-gen hybrid battle royal.

More interesting to us, contrary to reports of the declining influence of the Detroit Auto Show and the rise of the LA Auto Show, is a trend of increasingly prominent Detroit unveils. Detroit will be showing off hybrids and meat-and-potatoes products — both at the forefront of consumers minds. While the LA Auto Show continues to feature lifestyle products like the Lexus LF-A and the Cadillac CTS Coupe. True, the 2010 Ford Mustang is dropping its top in LA, but that's to be expected given it's a convertible. Ironic, isn't it, that a state so obsessive about portraying itself as green gets mostly vain, luxury and low-volume while a city held up as the symbol of everything backwards in the auto industry displays the future? We think so.

[via DetNews]

[Edmunds Inside Line]

CTS Coupe Spy Report

It took a long-range spotting scope to get it, but we just caught Cadillac's CTS coupe without its heavy camouflage covering. Now all that separates from the production styling of the CTS coupe is some checkerboard tape—and about a half-mile of distance between the camera and the prototype. The taped camouflage, long distance, and slightly foggy conditions all conspired to keep some of the CTS coupe's finer styling details obfuscated, but the overall design treatment is clearly revealed.

In its uncovered state, the production CTS coupe still remains faithful to the original concept, but some minor changes are visible on the prototype's rear-end. The mesh vents which flank the central exhaust on the concept have been replaced with slim red reflectors, in a nod to safety standards on the production model. Also, the concept's license plate housing has been reshaped (perhaps to accommodate both U.S. and international registration plates), while a larger chrome strip adorns the trunk lid. The overall shape to the prototype's rear bumper looks nearly identical to the concept, right down to the careful sculpting at the bottom corners which wrap around toward the central exhaust.

The side window lines look just about identical on both cars, while the truly B-pillar-free design on the concept is less exotic on the production car. Stylists appear to have done an admirable job keep a smooth glass-to-glass effect on the side windows, but a B-pillar is still in place. The front-end on this prototype looks to be straight off the CTS sedan, without the subtle body kit applied to the concept's front fascia.

With our appetite whetted upon seeing this unclad CTS coupe prototype, we're now eager to get a closer look at a similarly finished prototype running on public roads. As always, we'll keep our eyes open

Said Stephens, "We're ready. When (customers) want it - we'll do it." The idea of a four-banger Cadillac CTS Wagon is pretty alluring.

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: There's just one problem with this strategy —how do people signify they want the option of a smaller engine? Do they write letters? Attend focus groups? Isn't this a game of chicken and the egg? We're worried Cadillac's strategy is the same as GM's SUV-pickup truck strategy, which was to wait until they stopped selling them and then drastically shift development. Maybe getting ahead of the market this time would be a nice move.

[Auto Observer via eGMCarTech]

The CTS Coupe has dropped a little camouflage, exposing the prototype's B-pillar, and much of the C-pillar for the first time. We can now see Cadillac's extremely clean execution of the side glass, which gives the impression of a B-pillarless design. Prior prototypes had heavy tape and cladding just aft of the Coupe's door opening, which had given the false impression of a less graceful B-pillar design. While all indications are that the CTS Coupe will still have a conventional central side pillar, the clean look now visible on this prototype is pleasing to the eye.

We can also see most of the rear-side-window, and the angle of the C-pillar, which, not surprisingly, matches the design previewed on the CTS Coupe concept. As more camouflage falls away, we expect further confirmation of the Coupe's remarkably faithful transition from Show Car to showroom.

"General Motors will unveil a Cadillac CTS wagon this fall in an effort to compete with BMW's 3 series and Mercedes C-class wagons. Cadillac intends to start production in 2009 for global sale. GM has shown a CTS coupe concept to be produced next year."

Well, it looks like they also know there's a new SRX is on the way for 2010 and surprise, it'll be the BRX/Provoq concept:

"Cadillac also plans to replace its current SRX crossover with a production version of the Provoq concept crossover as a 2010 model."

[Edmunds]

CTS Wagon SPIED!!

Today we caught the third Cadillac CTS variant out testing, the CTS wagon.

Codenamed GMX 206, GM will start building this luxury wagon in the Spring of 2009. It will be built along side the CTS sedan and coupe at the Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant. Expect GM to build around 10,000-12,000 units a year with a significant portion of that run earmarked for sales in Europe.

Back in the U.S., once GM kills the SRX in the first or second quarter of 2009, it will be replacement by committee with the CTS wagon and BRX attempting to fill the SRX's spot in Cadillac's lineup.

Cadillac CTS Coupe! - A running prototype - Closely based on the concept, we caught what is obviously the Cadillac CTS Coupe - although sources speculate that name may actually be CTC when it reaches production in May of 2009. Codenamed GMX226, the stylish couple will be built along side the CTS sedan at the Lansing Grand River Plant.

The coupe will feature a backup camera which is not currently found on the sedan, and wont have tradition door handles, but touch pad setup instead. Styling wise, it obviously follows the concept VERY closely. Even the dual exhaust will make production. Only the concept front end may see a modest toning down to bring it inline with the CTS sedan.

We caught our first glimpse of the production Cadillac CTS Coupe through the trees of its secret holding pen. With these first-ever front-3/4 and profile shots of a real-world CTS coupe prototype, we can now assess the changes Cadillac designers have made to translate the striking Detroit concept into a production vehicle.

Thankfully, it appears that the majority of the CTS Coupe concept's
lines have been faithfully duplicated on this production model. Some
feared that the concept's radical fastback design might be watered
down, revealing the Coupe's sedan roots, but our profile view proves
these fears as unfounded. It appears that the production version may
have a slightly more pronounced rear deck, but if that's so, it's not
enough to significantly alter the concept's silhouette. The CTS coupe
prototype retains a remarkably flat backlight.

The CTS Coupe prototype further separates itself from its sedan donor
thanks to the elimination of a conventional door handle, adopting
instead the concept's Corvette-style design which hides the door
trigger behind the door's aft cut-line. The concept and production
similarities continue with the Coupe's revised lower side sill, and
the distinctively sculpted waistline, which begins at the A-pillar/
fender vent, and narrows as it stretches rearward. The camouflage
hides whether or not the line terminates into the concept's razor-
sharp point at the C-pillar, but it looks likely that that's another
design convergence between the show- and production cars. Earlier
photos also confirmed that the concept's bold central exhaust will
also reach showrooms.

There are some visible differences between the Detroit Show Standout
and the production model. Cost and feasibility studies have killed
the concept's glass-to-glass side windows, in favor of a visible B-
pillar on the production model. The rest of the changes are found in
front of the A-pillar. The concept coupe's large, CTS-V-style hood
bulge is gone on this prototype (although we'd love to see it return
on a future full-blow CTS-V coupe). And the show car's reshaped front
fenders—which sweep more voluptuously to a revised front bumper,
tweaked front ground-effects, and more dynamic headlight and fog-light
clusters—appear to have been replaced with stock items from the CTS
sedan. It looks to us like the CTS Coupe and sedan will share
identical front fenders and front fascia designs. From there, back,
however, the cars could scarcely be more different. The drama of the
CTS Coupe concept is alive and well, and on its way to Cadillac
showrooms.

"I never dreamed an American car designed in Germany assembled in Mexico with parts made in Canada could be so amazing!"

Because although on-stage at the reveal Lutz was mum on production, we got the same wink and nod the boys at C&D got from our sources at the General, who told us it should hit the roads at the end of 2009 as a 2010 model. Actually, to be fair, we only got a wink. We're not entirely sure, but that nod may just have been a nervous tic of some sort, so we can't be entirely certain it meant anything. [via Car & Driver]

My personal favorite car being auctioned is Paulie Walnuts' 2003 Cadillac CTS. Yes, this is the same CTS that he used to do donuts in and destroy Christopher Moltisanti's front yard during season six.

Also in the auction is a 1997 Mercury Villager minivan driven by Tony and Paulie as well as a black Cadillac Deville driven by Vito Spatafore. Also a pair of blue Lincoln Town Cars used by Phil Leotardo and the Lupertazzi family will be sold as a pair.

Oddly enough, all of the proceeds from the auction will benefit the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. I would think a stripper rehabilitation or maybe a gun buyback program would be better programs for the proceeds. Bada bing!

VEHICLES FROM HBO'S "THE SOPRANOS" TO HIT THE BLOCK AT BARRETT-JACKSON PALM BEACH

Net Proceeds from "The Sopranos" Cars to Benefit Childrens Hospital Los Angeles

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., February 28, 2008 - Cars and SUVs driven by the famous TV mobsters on "The Sopranos" will be sold at No Reserve during the 6th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event on March 26-30, 2008, in West Palm Beach, Fla. A total of eight vehicles from the award winning HBO series will cross the block, led by Tony Soprano's 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV, with net proceeds benefiting Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. SPEED will once again bring the action home with 19 hours of TV coverage during the auction as approximately 600 of the finest collector vehicles are sold at No Reserve. For the sixth consecutive year, the event will take place at the spacious Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds, located at 9067 Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach.

"From the biggest show on television to the biggest stage in the collector car industry, these movie star vehicles will demand the spotlight in Palm Beach," said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "A staple in American pop culture, 'The Sopranos' captured the attention of viewers across the globe, much like Barrett-Jackson events are watched by devoted car enthusiasts worldwide on SPEED. We're thrilled to join forces with HBO for this special project to help raise funds for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles."

The signature piece of "The Sopranos" collection is the white 2003 Cadillac Escalade driven by mob boss Tony Soprano during the final three seasons of the series. Scheduled for sale during SPEED's primetime coverage on Saturday, March 29, the fully loaded Escalade has only 11,000 miles on the odometer and features clear, untinted windshields for exterior camera shots of the show's leading character.

Another high-profile car headed to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach is the champagne 2003 Cadillac CTS utilized by one of Tony's top soldiers, Paulie Walnuts. The CTS is infamous for its demolition of Christopher Moltisanti's new front yard in the "Kennedy and Heidi" episode during Season 6. Two more vehicles that played key roles in Season 6, a red 1997 Mercury Villager minivan driven by Tony and Paulie and a black Cadillac Deville driven by crew member Vito Spatafore, will also be sold.

"When a TV series becomes as popular as 'The Sopranos,' the cars driven by the larger-than-life characters become stars as well," added Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. "Another factor that adds to the value of these celebrity vehicles is the 'staying power' of the series. Decades from now, 'The Sopranos' will still be appreciated as one of the top series in TV history, making these star cars significant well into the future."

A pair of blue Lincoln Town Cars, utilized by rival gangster Phil Leotardo and the New York-based Lupertazzi crime family, will be sold as a pair in Palm Beach. The two cars were featured in numerous episodes of "The Sopranos," most notably in the climactic Bada Bing shootout scene in "The Blue Comet" episode during Season 6. Additional cars from that high-energy scene that will be auctioned include two 1993 Cadillacs driven by Patsy Parisi, which will be sold together.

With net proceeds benefiting Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, "The Sopranos" vehicles will join a long list of cars in Palm Beach that will be auctioned for charity. On March 26, Barrett-Jackson will host their annual Opening Night Gala to raise money for The Darrell Gwynn Foundation and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. During the 2007 Palm Beach event, Barrett-Jackson raised over $500,000 for various charities.

NEW PRODUCTION MODELS AND CONCEPTS HIGHLIGHT CADILLAC'S DESIGN AND INNOVATION AT THE NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

DETROIT - Carrying the momentum of its ongoing product renaissance - exemplified in the new, award-winning CTS - Cadillac accelerates into 2008 with significant moves that advance the brand's dramatic design and innovative performance technology. These initiatives are on display at the North American Auto Show, in a pair of new production models and a pair of forward-looking concepts:

* 2009 CTS-V - the ultimate expression of Cadillac's performance, luxury and design
* 2009 Escalade Hybrid - the first hybrid propulsion system applied to a large luxury SUV, delivering more than 50-percent improved fuel mileage in city driving
* Myst Concept - a petroleum-free, hydrogen-powered vision of future luxury transportation
* CTS Coupe Concept - a celebration of Cadillac's design heritage in the form of a personal, expressive sports coupe

"Cadillac's portfolio of technical solutions for luxury consumers around the globe has never been more diverse," said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "Wrapping all these products together is the distinctive design that has powered Cadillac's resurgence."

The CTS-V, Myst Concept and CTS Coupe Concept make their world debuts at Detroit, representing different yet complementary aspects of Cadillac's advanced technical development and evolving design language. The Escalade Hybrid, beginning production in mid-2008, extends the desirability of the leading large luxury SUV.

# # #

550 horsepower/550lb-ft
6 speed manual or auto w/ paddles
magnetic ride control
recaro racing seats
4200lbs(man)-4300(auto)

Cadillac To Showcase Future Design And Performance Technology

DETROIT - Cadillac extends its ongoing design and technology momentum with tomorrow's debut of the Provoq Concept, a vision for a petroleum-free future of luxury transportation. GM CEO Rick Wagoner will present the Cadillac Provoq concept vehicle January 8 at the influential Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, beginning a showcase of Cadillac's future performance technology and design that will continue at next week's North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

The Provoq Concept continues Cadillac's remarkable heritage of landmark concept vehicles, this time in a vehicle free from petroleum fuel and emissions, the ultimate luxury. Provoq will make its world premiere at one of the world's leading technology showcases at CES, appearing again at one of the foremost automotive stages in Detroit on Jan. 14.

Cadillac accelerates into Detroit with another dramatic demonstration of its design and performance technology, the world premiere of the 2009 CTS-V. Cadillac's high performance V-Series represents the ultimate expression of the brand's performance and luxury, and the much-anticipated new CTS-V will include many significant technical and design enhancements aimed at placing it within the elite group of the world's most capable cars.

The 2009 CTS-V extends the momentum created by Cadillac's 2008 CTS Sport Sedan, which is earning wide acclaim from critics and consumers alike. Since September, CTS sales are up 59.5% in the U.S. CTS was recently named 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year, headlining a long list of accolades that also includes positions on Car and Driver magazine's 10Best list and as a finalist for 2008 North American Car of the Year.

Also appearing in Detroit next week will be the Escalade Hybrid, featuring a fuel-saving Two Mode Hybrid system combining a gas engine with electric battery power. The Escalade Hybrid, beginning production in mid-2008, extends the desirability of the leading large luxury SUV.

After reading about the Cadillac CTS [here and here] I noticed that the cars color was up for ridicule. I noted that at least the car had color, given the choice of several shades of Gray they offer today, and maybe one blue and one red.

I remember when there was at least 12 colors to choose from when you looked at purchasing a vehicle. So I would like to know, would you like a greater choice in color offerings when it comes to purchasing a new car?

I realize that with today's manufacturing constraints that there has to be a top 6 or 7 when it comes to color choices, but please, can't we have choices that are not light gray, medium gray, dark gray, silver, black, white, red or blue? How about a green (or 2), what happened to Browns, Beige, Tan, or Gold? What about a cream, or a teal, or a plum, raspberry, lime, orange, peach, or even chocolate? Tobacco Brown, Kelly Green, Navy Blue, Sapphire, Azure, or even Ruby would all be great colors to offer. I even like the Vanilla that Chrysler now offers (kind of a yellow white). And what about multi tones? Yes that one really shows my age, but why not?

GM Reports 263,654 November Deliveries; Retail Car Deliveries Up

* Chevrolet Malibu Retail Sales Up 40 Percent; Chevy Cars Up 15 Percent
* All-New CTS Drives 15 Percent Cadillac Car Sales Increase
* Enclave, OUTLOOK and Acadia Crossovers Post Strong Retail Sales
* Dealer Inventories Down 97,000 Vehicles Year-Over-Year
* Planned Daily Rental Sales Reduction of 28.5 Percent

The region's 2007 fourth-quarter production forecast is revised at 1.025 million vehicles (350,000 cars and 675,000 trucks), up 25,000 units or 3 percent from last month's guidance. Additionally, the region's initial 2008 first-quarter production forecast is set at 950,000 vehicles (344,000 cars and 606,000 trucks), down 113,000 vehicles or 11 percent from first-quarter 2007 actuals. [Source: GM]

Cadillac brand to enter the Australian market in 2008

DETROIT- Cadillac announced today that the all-new CTS will be the first Cadillac sold in Australia when the luxury brand makes it debut there in the fourth quarter of 2008. Cadillac is in the midst of a global expansion, with a growing portfolio of luxury vehicles that aim to compete at the highest levels in markets around the world.

"The all-new CTS embodies all of the hallmark Cadillac cues: a striking design, entertaining luxury and rewarding performance," said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "We're confident that this CTS will meet the discriminating tastes and demands of luxury customers, no matter where they live."

Sales Momentum
The new CTS is expected to be a strong contributor to Cadillac's global growth. "Cadillac sales have exceeded our expectations and have been growing steadily," said Taylor. "We believe the CTS will be an appealing choice for those seeking a compelling combination of luxury and performance." In total, sales of Cadillac luxury vehicles have increased in the Asia Pacific region by 98.4 percent, by 45.3% in Europe, and by 49.4% in Latin America, Africa and Middle East.

With the demands and needs of luxury buyers in mind, the CTS was developed and tested on city streets and country roads across China, North America and Europe, including the famed Nürburgring track. The result is a finely tuned car that combines power with smoothness, efficiency and technical sophistication. In fact, the CTS was recently named "2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year" by the editors of Motor Trend magazine, one of the world's premiere automotive authorities.

The rear-wheel drive Australian CTS will be powered by a 3.6-litre V-6 direct injection gasoline engine with variable valve timing, which generates 304 hp (227 kW)* and 273 lb.-ft. (370 Nm ) of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Direct injection fuel delivery enables very efficient combustion, helps reduce emissions and allows higher compression ratio for better fuel economy. Australian customers will have the choice of two performance-tuned suspension packages. Introduction dates for additional Cadillac models for the Australian market have not been announced. [Source: GM]

Cadillac CTS Honored as Motor Trend's 2008 Car of the Year

Hot-selling sport sedan praised for design and technology

DETROIT - The editors at Motor Trend, one of the world's premiere automotive authorities, announced today that they have chosen the Cadillac CTS as the 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year.

"Cadillac is truly honored to receive one of the world's most coveted automotive awards," says Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "This is a very meaningful reward for our team that created the all-new 2008 CTS, and a powerful statement to consumers everywhere about Cadillac's product renaissance."

The Motor Trend Car of the Year honor highlights the wide acclaim the 2008 CTS sport sedan has earned around the world and with consumers since its launch earlier this fall. Luxury cars buyers are responding similarly, with CTS U.S. sales jumping 75% in October.

The full report from Motor Trend appears in the January issue of the magazine (on newsstands in early-December) and online at www.motortrend.com. Cadillac was the first automaker ever to win Motor Trend Car of the Year in the magazine's inaugural year of 1949, and again in 1952 and 1992.

# # #

About Cadillac
Cadillac (www.cadillac.com) has been a leading luxury automotive brand since 1902. Cadillac's heritage of dramatic design and technical innovation has undergone a recent renaissance, returning it to the top-tier of luxury brands. Cadillac is a division of General Motors (NYSE: GM). Founded in 1908, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

CADILLAC CTS SPORT

As the new 2008 Cadillac CTS sedan garners critical acclaim, the CTS Sport concept puts a unique twist on this hot new luxury sedan. The CTS Sport concept suggests a customization theme emphasizing the car's performance character. The show car includes new front and rear fascias, a modified hood, rear spoiler and 20-inch wheels Recaro sport seats highlight the cabin. Performance is derived from a production-spec 304-hp 3.6L Direct Injection V-6 that exhales through a Corsa cat-back exhaust system with 3.5-inch outlets.

Vehicle highlights:

• CTS Sport concept
• 3.6L V-6 with direct injection
• Modified hood with wire mesh inserts
• Unique front and rear fascias with carbon fiber and wire mesh inserts
• Carbon-fiber front fender extractors
• Export-model taillamps and CHMSL with clear lenses
• Unique rear deck spoiler
• Headlamps with unique housing finish
• Roof-mounted OnStar antenna
• Brake ducting with LED lighting
• Polished, forged 20-inch wheels
• High-performance brakes with painted calipers and drilled/slotted rotors
• Carbon-fiber interior trim plates
• BlueConnect Bluetooth integrated into the headliner
• Recaro sport seats with leather trim
• Corsa cat-back exhaust with rectangular outlet tips and wire mesh inserts

# # #

CADILLAC CTS SPORT

As the new 2008 Cadillac CTS sedan garners critical acclaim, the CTS Sport concept puts a unique twist on this hot new luxury sedan. The CTS Sport concept suggests a customization theme emphasizing the car's performance character. The show car includes new front and rear fascias, a modified hood, rear spoiler and 20-inch wheels Recaro sport seats highlight the cabin. Performance is derived from a production-spec 304-hp 3.6L Direct Injection V-6 that exhales through a Corsa cat-back exhaust system with 3.5-inch outlets.

Vehicle highlights:

• CTS Sport concept
• 3.6L V-6 with direct injection
• Modified hood with wire mesh inserts
• Unique front and rear fascias with carbon fiber and wire mesh inserts
• Carbon-fiber front fender extractors
• Export-model taillamps and CHMSL with clear lenses
• Unique rear deck spoiler
• Headlamps with unique housing finish
• Roof-mounted OnStar antenna
• Brake ducting with LED lighting
• Polished, forged 20-inch wheels
• High-performance brakes with painted calipers and drilled/slotted rotors
• Carbon-fiber interior trim plates
• BlueConnect Bluetooth integrated into the headliner
• Recaro sport seats with leather trim
• Corsa cat-back exhaust with rectangular outlet tips and wire mesh inserts

# # #

After an awkward beat, one of the grizzled lot — who looks strikingly like ex-footballer Jim Brown, minus the dashiki — delivers the punchline, "Welcome to the world of gentlemen, gentlemen." Cadillac is trying for the double win here, making the multiplicitous statements that A.) The DTS is a car for older men, but B.) Older men are not irrelevant, C.) Young guys are self-aware to know they're not as hip as they think they are, and D.) The DTS is workable as an ironic statement car for guys who spent 10th grade memorizing lines from "Swingers." It's a tall order. Normally, all that brand confusion would be the death knell for a sedan (see Buick), but with the DTS, the dual polarity just cancels itself out.

Now, you can just pick one up and loll down the road, knowing that barely anyone fell for Cadillac's hail-mary ad ploy, and you've basically got the DTS to yourself. Cadillac's offering $4000 cash back and zero-percent financing up to 60 months. Have at it, gentlemen. [via MSN Autos]