Cadillac's All-New 2009 CTS-V gear up for Launch

DETROIT, Oct. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2009 CTS-V, Cadillac's 556-hp expression of ultimate performance and luxury, begins production this month with initial sales beginning around November 1. The latest in the brand's V-Series of high performance models, the new CTS-V is intended to reach the top of the world's most desirable luxury cars, at a starting price of $59,995 in the US market.

"The launch of the new CTS-V presents a compelling proposition for luxury and performance enthusiasts," says Mark McNabb, North America vice president, Cadillac/Premium Channel. "The CTS-V is a strong statement about Cadillac design and technology and a new member in the club of the highest performing luxury cars."

The CTS-V, based on Cadillac's critically acclaimed CTS sports sedan, expresses the full extent of the brand's dramatic design and technology. Designed to enter the stratosph.
source:streetinside

10 Best Cars for 2009

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Nov 20, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Car and Driver magazine, the world's No. 1 automotive enthusiast publication, today announced its 27th annual list of "10Best" cars sold in America. The industry may be in a state of upheaval but, when selecting the world's most coveted automobiles, some things have managed to stay the same.
Car and Driver selected eight of ten repeat winners from a year ago, with several models appearing for the umpteenth time. General Motors claimed two spots, but imports once again dominate the list, which is featured in the January 2009 issue hitting newsstands in December.
Following are the 2009 Car and Driver 10Best winners (in alphabetical order), followed by the number of times each model has made the list:

-- BMW 3-Series/M3 (18)

-- Cadillac CTS (2)

-- Chevrolet Corvette (15)

-- Honda Accord (23)

-- Honda Fit (3)

-- Infiniti G37

-- Jaguar XF

-- Mazda MX-5 (10)

-- Porsche Boxster/Cayman (10)

-- Volkswagen GTI (4)

Newcomers to the 10Best list include the Infiniti G37 premium high performance sports sedan, which underwent extensive changes to enhance its performance and handling. Also joining the group for the first time is the Jaguar XF, hailed by many for its modern styling and beautiful lines that distinguish it in its category. And the Honda Fit that made the list this year is a redesigned version of the car that had been selected to the list twice previously.

For the second consecutive year, General Motors was the only American manufacturer to make the 10Best rankings, placing two vehicles on the list. The Cadillac CTS has made its mark among drivers of luxury sports sedans and is on the list for a second year in a row. The Chevrolet Corvette, continues its reign in the sports car category, selected for a 15th time.

Other venerable returnees include the Honda Accord, recognized for a record 23rd time, and the BMW 3-Series, making its appearance on the Car and Driver list for a record 18 consecutive years. The Porsche Boxster/Cayman and Mazda MX-5 are on the 10Best list for the tenth year each. Rounding out the winners is the Volkswagen GTI, honored for the fourth time.

"The industry is evolving, but some things stay the same, including the intense competition between domestic and foreign manufacturers making this contest tougher to judge every year," said Csaba Csere, editor-in-chief of Car and Driver.
A panel of 19 Car and Driver editors determined the winners by rating them on a scale of 1-100 with a focus on functional performance, driving satisfaction and value. Vehicles considered for the award must be available in the United States by January 2009 and priced below $71,000, or 2.5 times the average transaction price as of summer 2008. Winners from the previous year are re-nominated if still available under the price cap. 

Top 10 Production Cars destined for showrooms

After three days of exciting new car debuts during Press Preview, our team of writers, photographers and editors have seen nearly everything at the auto show in Detroit. After much deliberation, here are our picks for the best production cars destined for showrooms.
Audi TTS

Launched on the 10th anniversary of the original TT, the TTS adds a level of performance to Audi’s compact sports car. With a 2.0-liter turbocharged FSI engine delivering 272 horsepower to all four wheels, the TTS hits 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds. Most major components of the engine were strengthened to make it suitable for turbocharging. Styling befits the added performance with standard 18-inch wheels, deeper door sills, two sets of twin tailpipes and a spoiler that extends at speeds of greater than 75 mph. Available in coupe or roadster form, TTS goes on sale this summer.

Cadillac CTS-V

Although we have not driven it yet, this car should feel like a solid fist in a velvet glove. Whether or not Cadillac Vice President of Global Product Development Bob Lutz’s claim that it will be the fastest sedan on the road is just headline-grabbing hyperbole is irrelevant. With 550 horsepower under the driver's right foot and the promise of hitting 60 mph in around 4 seconds, this four-door, five-seat sedan will be blisteringly quick — that much Cadillac can guarantee. To avoid frying the rear tires every time the light turns green, there’s a lot of technology in this car to help keep it on the road, including Magnetic Ride Control and Performance Traction Management. Inside, occupants are wrapped in luxury with every available gadget to keep them comfortable, entertained and informed. Despite all this power, technology and luxury, this car will still come in about $20,000 to $30,000 below its obvious competitors.

Ford F-150

It can’t be easy redesigning the best-selling vehicle in America, but Ford got it just about right. The engineers have managed to add some great features to the F-150, making it more usable and more comfortable, without messing with the basic ingredients of the country’s top-selling pickup for the past 30 years. The truck remains defiant despite pressure from environmentalists by staying big, bold, powerful and tough, yet it gets away with it since the F-150 is essentially a workhorse with an important role. And thanks to some ingenious new features it is now even better at its job. The new version has more room inside and better access to the bed, thanks to steps on the side and the tailgate. Add a sophisticated entertainment and communications systems, and you have quite a package. The 35 different configurations mean there’s something for everyone.

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

The Corvette ZR1 is the most powerful production Corvette ever, designed to compete with the best exotic sports cars in the world. Powered by a new supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, the ZR1 will put out at least 620 horsepower and 595 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed, close-ratio transmission and a high-capacity dual-disc clutch deliver power to the rear axle. Performance features include large carbon-ceramic brake rotors and Magnetic Selective Ride Control with track-level suspension. The ZR1 sports carbon fiber front fenders, hood (with a polycarbonate window) and roof panel; a full-width rear spoiler and a unique gauge cluster with boost gauge. The 20-spoke 19-inch wheels in the front and 20-inch wheels at the rear are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires developed specifically for the ZR1. Top speed is estimated to surpass the 200 mph mark, making it the fastest production car ever to come from General Motors.

Ferrari F430 Scuderia

Ferrari is nothing if not the master of presentation. The F430 Scuderia, finished in a gorgeous powder blue paintwork, looked stunning in its elevated, black-walled display box, highlighted by a cool, sharp light and flanked by the obligatory beautiful models. It may not be new but it’s still a big draw. Described as “an extremely high performance berlinetta brimming with Formula 1 technology,” the F430 Scuderia rockets to 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds by its 510-horsepower V8. In the cold light of day it may be essentially another reworking of Ferrari’s entry-level V8 coupe. But with its upgraded engine, carbon ceramic brakes, F1-derived “superfast” sequential gearbox, revised styling and aerodynamics, it is as fast as the Enzo around the Italian automaker's test track.

Hyundai Genesis

Whether Hyundai can accomplish its stated mission of taking on the luxury brands with the new Genesis flagship remains to be seen. At first glance, this car has moved the Korean automaker forward in a number of ways. It is the most cohesive design to date and genuinely looks good from every angle. It is pretty, sophisticated and balanced. The interior is just as refined, with an understated wood and leather finish, well-placed controls and plenty of room. It possesses technical sophistication, and a choice of V6 or V8 engines with 6-speed transmissions. The five-link front and rear suspension is designed to provide responsive handling and high ride quality. Features such as XM Satellite Radio with NavTraffic, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS), Smart Cruise Control, a 17-speaker Lexicon Audio System, electronic active head restraints, and heated/cooled seats are all available in a car that is likely to go on sale at a starting price around $30,000. If Genesis drives as well as it looks, it has to be a fantastic value for money.

Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

It has taken a few years, but it appears that Mitsubishi is ready to do battle with the popular Subaru Impreza WRX with the new Lancer Ralliart. Designed to slot between the GTS and top-of-the-line Lancer Evolution, the Ralliart gets a new 235-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine mated to Mitsubishi’s fast-shifting Twin Clutch-SST gearbox. The transmission also operates in fully automatic modes for Normal and Sport driving conditions. Styling is similar to the EVO but somewhat understated, and, unlike the past Ralliart edition, this one gets all-wheel drive. Look for sales to begin later this year.

Nissan GT-R

When Nissan brought out its heart-stopping GT-R in Tokyo, the crowd went wild. It has now arrived in Detroit, holding court in the center of the Nissan stand, and we’re still in awe. Under the GT-R’s long hood is a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that puts out 480 horses. Sixty-two mph comes up in just 3.6 seconds on the way to a top speed approaching 200 mph. Power gets to the pavement via what Nissan calls the "most advanced four-wheel-drive system on a road car ever used." That's quite a claim, but the ATTESA E-TS system constantly varies the torque from rear to front, based on a variety of inputs including speed, lateral and transverse acceleration, steering angles, tire slip and yaw rate. Straight out of the video games and onto the street this summer.

Subaru Forester

Subaru’s Forester gets a major update for the 2009 model year with styling that not only ties in better with the rest of the Subaru lineup, it now looks more like an SUV. Larger than the previous generation, Forester gets chassis and suspension upgrades designed to deliver a sport-sedan driving experience. The new Subaru DC3 chassis, also used for the high-performance Impreza versions, gives Forester improved rigidity and a new double-wishbone rear suspension. Inside, the 2009 Forester is more comfortable and the dash styling reflects the twin-cockpit design that flows into the center console, first seen in the Tribeca and adapted to the new Impreza. Forester continues to be powered by two different horizontally opposed engines, including the 224-horsepower turbocharged option. Of course, all-wheel drive is standard.

Volkswagen Passat CC

Not content to just be the people’s car company, Volkswagen introduced this shapely, upscale Passat CC here in Detroit. Longer and lower than the Passat sedan, the CC has frameless doors, a steeply raked rear screen, a small integrated trunk spoiler and distinctive rear light clusters. The interior is all luxury with two sculpted rear seats providing a limousine-like feel. Sophisticated technology includes a lane assist system that applies pressure to the steering wheel if it detects lane drift, and Dynamic Drive Control that varies suspension and other settings in Normal, Sport and Comfort modes.
source: msn auto

Cadillac rolls out in-car Internet access

Cadillac has announced the availability of an in-car wireless Internet option on its CTS sport sedan beginning in April. The new option will be called Cadillac WiFi (sic) by Autonet and be dealer-installed. The device itself will have an MSRP of $499, and the service will cost $29 per month.

This makes Cadillac one of the very first carmakers to offer wireless Internet in a production vehicle. Autonet Mobile says early market experience indicates that this option will appeal to families first, as opposed to the mobile business professional you probably think would be its main initial market.
We've seen this Autonet device before (though the latest model is smaller, dockable, and sports an internal Wi-Fi antenna) and a company called Waav offers a similar rig, but what's interesting about the Cadillac-Autonet deal is that a top-tier carmaker is putting its imprimatur on general-purpose in-car Internet connectivity.

Connect a few dots, and you soon arrive at a future in which almost every service in a car--entertainment, navigation, communication--is cloud-based, and not dependent on computation or data that are captive in the vehicle.

BMW has shown us something like that, Mercedes is pursuing the idea with its MyCommand prototype, and Blaupunkt is about to roll out the first Internet-streaming car stereos.

Of course, the big competitive threat is that we all just decide to get in the car with more and more iPhones and Netbooks with integrated 3G (and later 4G) wireless connections, and skip mobile routers altogether. Companies in the emerging in-car Internet space will soon need to bring more to the party than just Wi-Fi and some 3G network massaging; they'll need to bundle and optimize services for in-car use, as well as develop car-specific interfaces, and deliver both in a way that speaks to two major use cases: driver and passenger.

That said, it's heartening to see an Internet option make its way to the showrooms of a global auto brand. It helps deliver on the sometimes breathlessly hyped promise of life in the cloud.

Awesome New 2010 Cadillac CTS-V

With the Obama administration’s focus on fuel-efficient electric and hybrid vehicles, and now with veto power over General Motors’ (GM) complete product line, you have to wonder if Detroit will ever be allowed to build a car as awesome as the Cadillac CTS-V again — and even how much longer this version will be built, now that GM’s performance group has been disbanded under an Obama directive.

So enjoy it while you can, because the CTS-V is high-performance Detroit Iron at its absolute and luxurious best. In short, it’s the fastest four-door sedan on the planet.
Introduced at Detroit’s North American International Auto show in January 2008, it’s based on the second-generation Cadillac CTS sedan, which debuted in the fall of 2007 to universal acclaim. The ultra-high-performance CTS-V is a luxury sedan with high-dollar, high-performance imports such as BMW’s M series, Lexus’ F series, and the Mercedes-Benz AMG line directly in its competitive crosshairs.

The mandate for the CTS-V was very straightforward: Capture the serious performance of an elite sports car and combine it with the elegance and poise of a prestigious luxury sedan. The Cadillac CTS-V delivers on all fronts.

Those attending the Detroit show also witnessed the unveiling of a 2+2 CTS Coupe concept car, which industry insiders were betting would reach production as a 2010 model. However, with Obama now calling the shots, all bets are off.
Walkaround: The CTS’ signature chiseled look, with its distinctive sharp lines still prevails, but has been softened somewhat. The large, in-your-face, heavy-wire mesh front grille is adorned with an oversized Cadillac crest, and an angular, plow-style air dam underneath. The raised hood features a prominent dome over the supercharged engine. When coupled with a wider track, it not only enhances stability and handling, but gives the CTS-V an even more aggressive look. The standard spoke rims are 19 inches, with chromed-side front fender vents sitting beneath sporty looking, functional fender flares that allow engine heat to escape.

The rear end has been restyled with better-proportioned, improved taillights. Personally, we love the aggressive look, although folks who prefer subtleness may not.
Interior: The interior is much quieter and has been radically upgraded. Pure American luxury challenges the austereness of European rivals. Gone is the first generation’s cheesy rubberized finish on the dash and other surfaces, in favor of stitched leather.

The CTS-V is optioned with heavily bolstered Recaro sport seats that adjust 14 ways, with pneumatic bolster controls in the seat cushion and backrest. The seats, shifter and steering wheel are upholstered with a microfiber material that creates the soft, luxurious look and feel of suede without the wear or cleaning issues. The trim is glossy, jet-black Obsidian that would make Steinway proud.
From the tilt-telescopic steering wheel with sound and climate controls, to the chrome trim on almost everything, you know this is Detroit iron. But the cockpit feels European — only with more comfort. Although the wheelbase remains the same, the new CTS-V is slightly longer, making it roomier in the rear-seat area, so four 6-footers fit comfortably.

The trunk is large, with a low, wide opening and pass-through. The rear seatbacks also flip forward and sit virtually flat to enlarge the cargo area.

The CTS-V comes very well-equipped (after all, it is a Cadillac) and our test model only had three option packages for a total add-on cost of $5,745. However, since mileage is 12/city and 18/highway, it was also subject to $2,600 Gas-Guzzler tax.

Our test CTS-V did have the Recaro high-performance seats and metal-trimmed pedals, which added $3,400; a navigation system with real-time XM Nav Traffic (requires a separate subscription) for $2,145; and $300 for the aforementioned V-specific suede trim.

Standard is a kickass 10-speaker 5.1 Bose Surround Sound system, with an AM/FM/CD/DVD/mp3 player, a 40GB hard drive with USB port, XM satellite radio, bluetooth, heated/cooled seats, power tilt/telescopic wheel, rear park assist and power everything.

Cadillac is now offering wireless Internet access by Autonet Mobile on the CTS, with full Internet access in and around the car via a laptop or WiFi device. Cadillac’s 3G WiFi turns the car into a WiFi hotspot that works with any operating system, can support several devices at once and maintains Internet connections while the car is in motion.

Designed for use by passengers, the system requires no special software and achieves speeds up to 800Kbps. The dealer-installed option retails for $499, with a monthly service subscription of $29.

Full front-seat and side-curtain airbags are standard.
Under the Hood: This is where the fun begins. The CTS-V boasts a supercharged 6.2-liter, cam-in-block V8 borrowed from the Chevy Corvette. It puts 556 horses to the highway, with 551 Lb. Ft. of torque at 3,800 rpm, and a hefty 415 at 6,100 rpm. The most powerful engine Cadillac has offered in its 106-year history features variable valve timing with a direct-injection system that both increases horsepower and lowers cold-start emissions. More significantly, it delivers at least 99 more horses than any CTS-V competitor, including the Audi RS4, BMW M3, Lexus IS F and Mercedes C63 AMG.

Our test model was equipped with the 6-speed automatic with the manual-shift feature and (finally!) paddle shifters on the wheel. A 6-speed manual is standard.

While the standard V6 CTS offers an optional $1,900 all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, the CTS-V is only available in rear-wheel drive.
Behind the Wheel: The acceleration those 556 supercharged horses deliver is simply unbelievable, coupled with steering that’s quick, positive, and offers the proper degree of power assist. The anti-lock brakes have solid pedal feel with impressive stopping distances.

GM’s Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) adaptive suspension system — also used on the Corvette and some Ferraris — utilizes electronically controlled magnets to adjust the stiffness of the shock absorbers, and is reputed to be the quickest reacting automatic suspension in the world. It allows both sharp handling and a supple ride, coupled with summer-season performance tires developed by Michelin expressly for the CTS-V.

We drove the CTS-V to a meeting at Semiahmoo Resort near the Canadian border, and back, plus my usual local driving, so we got plenty of seat time in it. In short, it’s awesome in every respect and fun to drive to boot.
Whines: There was surprisingly more road noise than we believe a car of this quality — especially a Cadillac — should have. The pass-through opening between the trunk and rear-seat area could be wider.
Bottom Line: GM has aimed the Lansing, Michigan-built CTS-V right at the very best BMW, Mercedes, Lexus and Infiniti have to offer — and it hits the bull’s-eye. Our test vehicle stickered at $67,140 — a bargain in this market segment. While that price may give pause to buyers who still doubt Detroit dependability, the Cadillac CTS-V is a solid, fun to drive, true high-performance sports sedan equal to its foreign competition in every respect, except where it really excels — American-style luxury. Hopefully, Obama will spare it from extinction.

New Hot Cars In 2010 You Wish You Could Buy

New Chevrolet Cruze

If the economy recovers, 2010 could be a very good year for Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co., both of which are poised to launch new high-volume, high-m.p.g. vehicles next year.

Cars like the Chevrolet Cruze and Ford Focus compacts..
with the promise of low prices and stingy fuel consumption, seem perfectly suited to the mood of the times.

Chrysler hopes to rekindle buyers' passions with new versions of the Chrysler 300C and Dodge Charger.

Japanese and German automakers have few potential big sellers in the wings. Hyundai looks set to continue its momentum with a couple of stylish new vehicles, however.

Here's an advance look at some of the most intriguing or significant new models coming over the next year:

Chevrolet Cruze: The roomy compact could be a top seller for General Motors. The Cruze looks to be competitive with stalwarts like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, but Chevrolet will need head-turning fuel economy to convince skeptical buyers to try its new small car. Look for EPA ratings above 40 m.p.g. from Cruzes featuring a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger: The second generation of the last great cars Chrysler developed. They'll be under a microscope, because the originals were so good, and because they're the first new Chryslers since Fiat took control of the company. The cars' styling recaptures the originality and excitement of the first Chrysler 300, and their rear-drive platforms should delight fans. Fuel economy will almost certainly be a challenge, however.

Ford Explorer: America's best-selling SUV will be replaced by a more fuel-efficient car-based vehicle, but the name could confuse some buyers. The new crossover wagon may not be rugged enough for owners of traditional SUVs, while crossover shoppers may dismiss it because they assume an Explorer must be a big, heavy SUV. "Ford has to market the new Explorer really well so people know what it is," Hall said.

Acura ZDX: Honda's luxury brand needs a hit, but its pricey new crossover faces challenges. "It's a bold move to make an untested vehicle like that a brand's flagship model," said Stephanie Brinley of consultant AutoPacific. Prices for the 300-horsepower V6 crossover with the sloping roof and hatchback will start at $50,000, according to Edmunds.com. "It's going to be a niche vehicle," said consultant Erich Merkle of Autoconomy.com. "You lose function and form with the low roofline."

Cadillac CTS coupe: "It enhances the sex appeal of the whole Cadillac lineup," Brinley said. The CTS sedan elevated Cadillac to the front rank of luxury brands, but the coupe still has to "earn its stripes," said Jim Hall, managing director of 2953 Analytics. "The BMW 3-series owns the luxury coupe segment," he said. "It's tough to establish a new vehicle's credibility," he said.

Ford Focus: Ford's sophisticated global compact car is to finally go on sale in the United States. The new Focus promises to be a quantum leap better than the current model, but it will have to remain affordable to succeed. "Ford has a lot riding on the Focus," Brinley said. "They need to prove they can be profitable with a small car."

Ford Fiesta: The attractive subcompact will test American buyers' appetite for small cars. "The design is a knockout," Merkle said. "It's got a cute factor like the Mini Cooper, but is more affordable. It could appeal to empty-nesters as well as young buyers."

Honda Accord Crosstour: Honda's alternative to Toyota's sleek Venza crossover wagon attempts to meld an Accord-style nose to a Civic-like tail. The styling could be polarizing, but the car's position as a roomy flagship to the popular Accord line should generate interest. Edmunds.com predicts prices will start at $31,500.

Hyundai Sonata: Sketches of the new midsize sedan's slinky profile show a stunning departure from today's staid Sonata. Combined with Hyundai's steadily rising quality scores, the Sonata could be a game-changer for the Korean brand. "It trumps the Accord and Camry's design and could take a piece out of both of them," Merkle said. Hyundai's popular Tucson small crossover SUV gets an equally striking redo as the brand repositions itself upward.

Jeep Grand Cherokee: An all-new version of the vehicle that spawned the luxury-SUV craze and became an icon for its brand. The new Grand Cherokee's sleek, modern looks and significantly improved interior are major selling points, but it faces a market that's grown cool to SUVs. Boosting fuel economy significantly while maintaining the off-road capability of a true Jeep will be a challenge.

Lexus LF-A: Lexus' first sports car, the LF-A is intended to prove Toyota's luxury brand can go toe-to-toe with Porsche and BMW. The LF-A is expected to come in coupe and convertible models and feature a 5.0-liter V10 and sequential manual transmission. The LF-A concept debuted at auto shows in 2007, and the car's long gestation raises some questions. "It's been a stop-and-start program," Brinley said. "Will it still fire the imagination when it finally arrives?"

Scion tC: Scion has had trouble with the second generation of its cars -- the xB grew bigger and less funky, while the xA failed and was replaced by the equally disappointing xD. The replacement for the sporty tC coupe could be an important indicator of whether Toyota has a coherent plan for its youth brand. "The jury's kind of out on Scion," Merkle said. "The tC could be a make-or-break vehicle."

Toyota Sienna: The well-equipped minivan has become a mainstay of Toyota sales and a family favorite. "It's a big player in the market and in American life," Brinley said. "Minivans are still a huge segment of the market. There's no better vehicle for hauling people." The Sienna has a loyal following and could boost its sales further if the new model has exceptional fuel economy or unique kid-friendly features.

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon and 2009 CTS-V

Oh, Cadillac, why did you have to do it do it? Just when you finally managed to shake off your wiseguy reputation with the world-class CTS sedan, you went and turned the darn thing into a hearse.

Lucky for us it's a pretty cool hearse, with the potential to be even cooler.

The 2010 CTS Sport Wagon holds the distinction of being the first true station wagon sold by Cadillac in the United States. Time will tell if that honor turns out to be a dubious one. Despite its popularity overseas, the luxury wagon segment hasn't exactly been a barn burner in these parts, and Cadillac estimates that less than 50,000 will be sold across all brands in 2010. Suffice it to say that the company will be happy to move a couple of thousand of its own, but it shouldn’t have too much trouble doing that.

Based and traced off of the award-winning CTS sedan, the Sport Wagon shares nearly everything from the rear doors forward with that car, and all of the mechanical bits underneath. The important changes take place at the rear.

Retaining, and arguably enhancing the chiseled, diamond district style of the sedan, the Sport Wagon's profile, with its beefy fenders and roof pillars, has the appearance of a solid ingot of whatever material is shipped in ingots these days. The slope of the rear hatch is cut at the just the right angle to strike a perfect balance between sporty and stodgy, but still manages to provide more than a modicum of added cargo carrying ability. The Sport Wagon has twice the space of the sedan, in fact, and more than double that again with the back seats folded down.

Trimmed in Caddy-classy carpet, the cargo area has rails with movable tie downs and a hatch in the floor that opens to expose a shallow bin that will keep small things in place whenever you take advantage of the "Sport" portion of the vehicle's name. With only about a passenger's worth of added weight to lug around, you won't be deterred from doing that, as the Sport Wagon is instilled with the same slick moves as the sedan. I'm sure there are some discernible differences between the two, but you'd have to have micrometers for fingers and a pressure sensor installed in your backside to determine exactly what they are.

The Sport Wagon can be had in rear or all wheel-drive, with a choice of either a 270 horsepower 3.0 liter engine, or a 304 hp 3.6 liter that is shared with the Chevy Camaro. Both motors are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

All major features and options from the sedan carry over intact, including a nearly all-glass roof, and a 40 gigabyte hard drive infotainment system with iPod integration. Cadillac was smart not to let this apple fall too far from the tree, both for cost savings on its end, and creature comforts on ours.

On a long drive through the Adirondack mountains of Southeastern New York during the press introduction of the Sport Wagon, the 5-door proved to be everything the sedan is, and obviously more. As impressive as everything else is how quiet the cabin is. The extra glass and air in the rear doesn’t seem to translate into any added noise. Aside from wincing at the extra grand or so that the Sport Wagon commands over the sedan - after taking into account its higher level of standard equipment - I can think of only one objective reason why this car shouldn't be the top choice of anyone shopping for a CTS, and it was waiting for me at the end of the road.

The Cadillac CTS-V stands alone as the premier American sports sedan. It's a 556 horsepower monster that has no peer with a Made in USA label on it, and can hold its head high among competitors from around the world.

Perhaps worried that spending a day behind the wheel of a miniature version of the Ghostbusters' car would be less than enthralling to the assembled journalists, the folks from Cadillac arranged for a couple of hours of track time in the mighty CTS-V at the exclusive Monticello Motor Club. The monster felt right at home on the private road course and its ¾-mile back straight that's as close to a stretch of autobahn as you'll find in New England. On it, the CTS-V could easily hit over 140 miles per hour, and that's with ham-fisted and fed me behind the wheel.

I've driven this car extensively on public roads, and there it has the kind of overwhelming power that can only be enjoyed in the shortest of bursts without putting life and license at risk. With more than double the horsepower of the base CTS, it's nasty fast, but with a starting price of $59,875, remains one of the all-time great performance bargains.

The supercharged 6.2 liter V8 engine and magnetically adjustable suspension are both borrowed from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. Taxed with nearly half a ton more weight in the 4300 pound CTS-V, they do their best to keep the laws of physics in check, but don’t quite eliminate the learning curve for uninitiated drivers.

More than a few times, while navigating the hairpins and seemingly endless late-apex turns that bring you to the start of that glorious straight, I experienced the automotive equivalent of having eyes too big for my stomach. Speed in the CTS-V comes on so easily that you can quickly overlook how heavy the car is, and instinctively wait just a little too long to brake for corners. It’s a good thing black tires don’t show grass stains.

Once you realize that it’s a sports sedan, not a sports car, and start driving it properly, the CTS-V reveals itself to be an eminently balanced vehicle that eats up curves with abandon, holding onto the road with a death grip. At the end of the day, the in-dash performance computer showed that I had achieved over 1.1g in both directions, which means that the car, and I, experienced sideways forces greater than the one holding us onto the planet.

Perhaps not surprisingly, I came across this result in one of the cars fitted with an automatic transmission. Left to its own devices, the 6-speed is intuitive, holding onto gears through turns, and changing up and down just when you would, often reacting faster than when you use the buttons behind the steering wheel to do it yourself. That said, the available 6-speed manual that is - surprise surprise – also comes from the Corvette is much more fun to work with, even if it doesn’t necessarily make for a faster car. The fluid clutch pedal and short, sturdy throws of the shifter are a pleasure to operate. This is corporate parts-sharing the way it ought to be done.

That the CTS-V, with all of its bulges, spoilers and assorted go-fast body parts is built on the same production line as the standard model is a marvel of modern manufacturing. But it also brings up a very intriguing prospect.

Since the Sport Wagon is nearly identical to the CTS, adding a 'V' to its name, and stuffing it full of all the associated goodness that goes with that, wouldn't be hard at all. Cadillac admits that it can do it, but won't say if it will.
Lucky for us, it’s not saying that it won't, either.

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon 2009 CTS-V

Base Price: $40,655  $59,875

Type: Front-engine, rear or all-wheel-drive 5-door wagon front-engine, rear-wheel-drive 4-door sedan

Engine: 3.6L V6 6.2L supercharged V8

Horsepower: 270hp or 304 hp  556 hp

Torque: 223 lb-ft or 273 lb-ft  551 lb-ft

Transmission: 6-speed automatic  6-speed automatic or manual

MPG: 18 city/27 hwy (3.0L) 18/26 (3.6L)  12/18 (automatic), 14/19 (manual)

What do you think of the CTS?

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe: 2010 Detroit Auto Show Preview

By mid-2010 Cadillac will have a high-performance coupe in its arsenal to take on the likes of the BMW M3 and upcoming Audi RS5. The new two-door is the upcoming 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, which has been confirmed today for an unveiling at next month’s 2010 Detroit Auto Show.
Based on the 2011 CTS Coupe, revealed at this month’s 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, the new CTS-V Coupe will likely be fitted with the same 556 horsepower and 551 pound-feet of torque supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 as found in the regular CTS-V Sedan.

Production is scheduled to start in the summer of 2010, with sales to follow shortly after.

Also on show in Detroit will be a brand new Cadillac concept car, which has been partially revealed in this latest teaser. There are two trains of thought on what the new concept could be: one, a replacement for the STS and DTS lines, and the second, a new entry-level model rumored to be called the ATS. Not much detail can be seen on the concept in the teaser but its strong lines and oversized grille suggests the former.

GM board approves plug-in Cadillac hybrid

The board of General Motors Co has approved a plan to produce a plug-in hybrid for the luxury Cadillac brand that will adapt technology developed for the upcoming Chevrolet Volt, according to people briefed on the decision.
The battery-powered Cadillac will be based on the Converj concept GM showed off in January and would become the second extended-range plug-in vehicle in GM's line-up after the Volt, which is set to launch at the end of 2010.

GM's 13-member board approved production of the new Cadillac at a regular meeting last week in Detroit, according to the sources briefed on the action. They asked not to be named since the decision has not been announced.

Production of the Cadillac is not expected before the 2013 model year, two years after the Volt's launch.

The Volt has attracted intense interest as one of the first rechargeable, battery-powered vehicles set to launch in the United States.

But GM officials have also downplayed expectations for the Volt's commercial success because of the vehicle's high development costs, high sticker price and limited production.

From the start, executives involved in the Volt development effort have said GM's goal would be to find ways to create spinoffs that would help the automaker recoup its investment.

The Volt is set to go on sale in late 2010 in the United States and later in Europe. GM hopes to sell 10,000 Volts the first year and 60,000 in the second year.

The Volt is expected to cost about $40,000 before a consumer tax rebate of $7,500 in the United States. Even after the rebate, the Volt would be about $10,000 more expensive than the market-leading Toyota Prius hybrid.

GM wanted to show that the electric car technology behind the Volt was ready for the mainstream when it chose Chevrolet as the brand for the vehicle's launch.

Some analysts, however, have said the luxury Cadillac brand would have been a better fit for the Volt because premium car buyers could prove more willing to pay the higher prices the new technology will require.

"In many ways it makes more sense for Cadillac rather than Chevrolet," said Erich Merkle, auto industry analyst and founder of Autoconomy.com.

The Volt is being designed to be able to charge at a conventional household outlet and travel up to 40 miles on battery power. When its lithium-ion battery is run down, a small gas-powered engine will start to recharge the battery.

GM's extended-range electric vehicle technology will face competition from both pure electric cars and traditional hybrids led by the Prius.

Nissan Motor Co will introduce the Leaf sedan in late 2010, an all-electric car with a range of about 100 miles.

In a departure from past practices, GM's new board is being briefed on product development plans earlier in the cycle and has become far more active in vetting that investment, the sources briefed on the board decision said.

Led by Chairman Ed Whitacre, the new GM board was reviewed by the U.S. Treasury after being restructured in bankruptcy with $50 billion in U.S. taxpayer funding.

2011 CTS Coupe Introduced by Cadillac Ahead of LA Auto Show

On Monday, ahead of the LA Auto Show, Cadillac introduced to the world its 2011 CTS Coupe, which has been designed to become the centerpiece of the company's revised lineup of luxury sports cars. "Cadillac today unveiled its 2011 CTS Coupe in production form, a week prior to the car's official debut at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. 
The two-door CTS will arrive in dealerships in spring of 2010, and Cadillac confirms a V-Series edition of the coupe will be released later the same year", reported Edmunds Inside Line.

With a powerplant of a "direct injected 3.6L V-6", the firm's luxury sports model, Coupe, offers 6-speed manual transmission, that has the capability of delivering up-to 304 horsepower, and, as perCadillac 's estimates, an average of 27 miles per gallon. The new and updated luxury sports car is expected to hit the showrooms in the Spring.

"CTS Coupe is the new focal point of Cadillac, expressing both our design and technical capabilities. It is intended to appeal to a new generation of car enthusiasts", shared Bryan Nesbitt,Cadillac's General Manager.

For now, these are the only details shared by Cadillac. All other details on the Coupe, as well as its price tag are expected to be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe to be unveiled at Detroit Auto Show

Cadillac,- The brutally powerful Cadillac CTS-V Coupe may not be the car President Obama wants to see parked in front of your house, and chances are probably good that the monster machine won’t find its way into a whole lot of garages.
But it’s of great importance to Cadillac, specifically, and General Motors in general, because it sends out another strong signal that the one-time “Standard of the World” is back in the game and is taking on the big boys -- particularly the hot shoes from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.

New pictures of the upcoming coupe were released today and visitors to the 2010 Detroit Auto Show will get to inspect it up close and personal next week.

As expected, the coupe will get the same 6.2-liter, supercharged, 556 horsepower V-8 engine as the CTS-V sedan, the same choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, and the same Magnetic Ride Control that firms up for enthusiast driving and softens up for everyday touring chores.

If you like the idea of a 0-60 mph sprint in a mere 3.9 seconds, this is the car for you.

The coupe looks very much like the sedan -- minus two doors, of course. But there are other differences, some subtle, some not so much, between the two cars.

The coupe has a slightly more muscular stance, with a track that is an inch wider than the sedan. Although its wheelbase is identical to that of the sedan, the coupe is two inches shorter and to inches lower.

It also has a different grille that allows the engine to breathe more freely and the center of the hood is raised to make room for the supercharger.

Production of the CTS-V Coupe will begin this summer. Prices were not announced, but prospective buyers can get at least a strong hint from the sedan, which starts at
$62,020.

All-new 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe New Generation Luxury Sports Car

St. George, UT) - The Stephen Wade Auto Group unveiled the all-new 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe in a "by-invitation only" premier Thursday. Wade said "The CTS Coupe is one of the most anticipated new models of the year expected to attract a new generation of luxury sports car enthusiasts to Cadillac going head-to-head with the BMW 335i Coupe, Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe and Audi A5."
"The Cadillac CTS Coupe is noted for its groundbreaking design and outstanding performance," he said, "and we wanted to give our special customers and friends an up-close look at this stunning new vehicle," Wade added.

Kurt McNeil, vice president of Cadillac sales and service said “It represents the new focal point for Cadillac in design and performance. The CTS Coupe is one of the most significant automobiles to enter the market this year," he said.

Car and Driver magazine reports the CTS Coupe extends the CTS line, which has been named to Car and Driver’s 10 Best list for three straight years. It shares design cues with the CTS Sport Sedan, but the CTS Coupe has a wider track, lower roofline and shorter length, giving it an aggressive stance and sleek, athletic profile.

The CTS Coupe starts at $38,990 and comes standard with a 3.6L Direct Injection V6 engine that produces 304 horsepower, six-speed auto tap up/down shifting, rear-park assist and Bose audio. A high-performance CTS-V Coupe model also is available with a 6.2L Supercharged V8 that produces 556 horsepower, dual-mode magnetic ride control suspension and Brembo brakes.

First Photos of Cadillac CTS-V Racer

Preview sketches are interesting to inspect, but as the adage goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. If that holds true, Cadillac has just published almost 13,000 words on its new CTS-V Coupe SCCA racer, which will make its first public appearance at next week’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit.


As previously announced, Cadillac plans on fielding two cars (and, subsequently, teams) in the upcoming SCCA World Challenge. Both CTS-V Coupes have been built with the help of (longtime GM racing partner) Pratt & Miller to conform to GT Class regulations. As a result, both cars will be based off production vehicles, yet receive a number of parts and modifications designed for race duty. Precise specifications haven’t been released, but seeing as GT class regulations allow for forced induction, it’s possible a massaged form of the stock supercharged 6.2-liter LSA V-8 will appear in both racers.

At this point, the only information released by GM’s premium brand surround drivers. Corvette Racing star Johnny O’Connell has joined the team, as has Andy Pilgrim, who previously piloted CTS-Vs in Cadillac’s last SCCA venture.

Further details on the SCCA-bound CTS-V Coupes may emerge during next week’s Detroit auto show, but the full skinny may emerge only when the cars take to the track later in 2011.

Cadillac 7 New Models to Hit in Niche Segments

After a successful 2010 and a plan that will see Cadillac introduce two volume luxury models, GM’s luxury brand is currently studying a total of seven proposals for new vehicles in niche segments.
Once the XTS full-sized luxury sedan and ATS BMW 3 Series fighter debut, Cadillac will be competing in roughly 90 percent of the luxury market and will look to grow into new segment.


Proposals include a list of unconventional vehicles that range from a MINI Cooper Rival to an SUV based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Traverse. That later is reportedly the most likely. Other vehicles being studied include a compact crossover, not to mention a coupe-styled sedan.

Through 2010 Cadillac sold 146,925 vehicles, ranking behind Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and industry leader Lexus, all of which have significantly more models to choose from in their showrooms.

New Cadillac Hybrid Sports Car

The Cadillac Converj coupé concept, first shown at the 2009 Detroit motor show (and it must be said, the subject of constant speculation since then) is finally going into production - and that's official.

General motors has confirmed that Cadillac's first electric car will be called the ELR, apparently the closest they could get to “electric” using the brand's three-letter model naming convention.


It will use a more powerful version of the Chevrolet Volt system with a 181kg, T-shaped lithium-ion battery, an electric motor driving the front wheels and a four-cylinder petrol engine driving a generator.

Like the Volt, it will use the battery as its primary power source around town and plug into a mains outlet to recharge between commutes. When the battery runs low (after about 40-80km, depending on speeds), it'll switch to extended-range mode, using the generator to power the electric drive-train for as long as there's petrol in the tank.

Development of the ELR coupé has only just started, say GM bosses, so they don't have details such as performance, price and timing yet, but they're waxing lyrical about “a combination of electric drive with striking design and the fun of luxury driving.”

Apparently the ELR is due for production late in 2013 as a 2014 model, so they'd better get their skates on.

Mind you, Cadillac's engineers certainly haven't been sitting on their hands since GM bounced back from bankruptcy; the company has recently announced two new models for 2012 - the XTS limousine and the ATS, a new compact (by US standards anyway) luxury sedan - and it also reveal another new concept car on Thursday (August 18) at a media event ahead of the annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California.