This morning we all went to the Cadillac press conference expecting to only see the new CTS-V and Provoq concept, but little did we know that GM had a surprise up its sleeve.
The last vehicle that Cadillac unveiled this morning was the CTS Coupe concept. The CTS coupe is much more than just a two-door version of the popular CTS sedan. According to Cadillac the coupe only shares the instrument panel, console, headlamps, front fenders and grille with the sedan. After that the coupe is completely on its own.
Although GM has not officially stated if the coupe will enter production, it seems likely after a meeting that I had with the Director of Exterior Design for Cadillac, John Manoogian. John was not at liberty to say if there are plans for the car, but he said it makes sense. Especially considering where Cadillac wants to go in the future and if it wants to attract younger buyers. If this coupe or something like it does ever come to market he said it would probably start around $40,000.
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CTS COUPE CONCEPT CELEBRATES CADILLAC’S DESIGN RENAISSANCE
DETROIT – Having earned critical acclaim, industry awards and brisk sales, Cadillac CTS has moved into the vanguard of contemporary design. In doing so, Cadillac designers faced the question of what to do next. Their answer celebrates that design legacy with the exhilarating Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept, which premiered at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.
The CTS Coupe takes Cadillac’s acclaimed Art and Science design language and adds more of both. More expressive, more technical and very personal, the CTS Coupe extends the dramatic design of its sedan predecessor with all-new sculpted bodywork aft of the front fenders.
“The CTS Coupe Concept is a dramatic design statement,” said Ed Welburn, VP, GM Global Design. “We did not create it as the result of sifting through reams of market data, nor is its shape trimmed to suit the input collected at a consumer clinic – it is emotion on four wheels and the very essence of what defines Cadillac today.”
The CTS Coupe Concept has a classic 2+2 interior layout, highlighted by black leather and microfiber trim that is complemented by yellow ochre-colored seat inserts and leather stitching. It is designed to accommodate a range of engines for the global luxury market, including Cadillac’s popular 3.6L Direct Injection V-6, as well as a new 2.9L turbo-diesel currently in development.
“This Coupe Concept is a natural extension of our design language, and of the CTS itself,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “Very simply, the dramatic design of the sedan begged the question of what it would look like in the unbridled form of a Coupe.”
Generated from the spark of the CTS design team’s imagination, the CTS Coupe casts a profile unlike anything else on the road. Its fast-rake styling – it has the same wheelbase as the CTS, but an overall height that is approximately two inches (51 mm) lower and an overall length that is two inches (51 mm) shorter – blends with hand-sculpted bodywork that bulges around the wheels, giving the vehicle a ready-to-pounce stance that is dramatic, powerful and sleek.
“Just about every decade, Cadillac designs a breakthrough car that becomes synonymous with the brand’s character of the period, such as the 1938 60 Special, the 1959 lineup, the 1975 Seville and the 2003 Sixteen Concept,” said Clay Dean, Cadillac’s global design director. “The CTS Coupe Concept is the next great design, carrying the baton from the Evoq Concept that ushered in the Art and Science era in 1999.”
A design gem
Among the CTS Coupe Concept’s signature design cues are a number of elements that suggest the look of a carefully cut diamond – particularly at the rear. These elements are seen in everything from the chrome header above the rear license plate holder to the indents that comprise the basic form of the rear fascia.
“The diamond-cut elements enhance the sleek profile of the car,” said John Manoogian II, director of exterior design for Cadillac. “The CTS Coupe uses the elements, along with other nods to classic Cadillac cues – such as vertical headlamps and taillamps – to acknowledge the brand’s heritage without resorting to nostalgia. It is a forward-looking design in every sense of the term.”
Although based on the sedan, the CTS Coupe shares only the instrument panel, console, headlamps, front fenders and grille with the production model. Unique elements include:
-Classic hardtop styling, with no B-pillar
-CTS production windshield laid at a faster angle to create a sleeker profile
-Chrome, split seven-spoke wheel design; 20-inch front wheels and 21-inch rear wheels
-Sculpted lower front fascia with unique brake-cooling vents
-Slim-profile outside mirrors
-XLR-type hidden door handles with proximity remote opening
-Unique front fender vents
-Diamond-cut rear fascia with mesh lower grilles and center-outlet exhaust
-Taillamps with a subtle fin profile and are highlighted with LED lighting technology with light pipes
-Rear spoiler integrated into the center high-mounted stop lamp
-Sculpted roof-mounted antenna for OnStar, XM Satellite Radio, etc.
“The cliché is to say that there were no compromises in the design, but that is absolutely accurate in the case of the CTS Coupe,” said Manoogian. “Each line and angle of the bodywork was carefully honed, and the final design’s proportions were judged by the eyes of the design team, not computer-generated math data.”
The surfaces of CTS Coupe Concept are complex, inviting careful inspection. The rear fenders, for example, were sculpted by hand in the design studio until they provided a perfect, muscular form that wrapped tightly over the wheels. At the top, the rear fenders are beveled – owing to the diamond-cut theme – and become part of a horizontal plane that runs from the leading edge of the taillamps and merges into the roof.
“At first glance, the design appears effectively simple, because there are no extraneous moldings, spoilers or other protrusions, but the more you look at it, the more complex it becomes,” said Manoogian. “The angles and bevels were carefully carved to enhance the car’s sleek shape, but aren’t ‘busy’ or distracting – there’s really nothing quite like it.”
Personal passenger environment
A classic 2+2 interior environment enhances the CTS Coupe’s personal feel. It shares the hand cut-and-sewn instrument panel and center console with the CTS, but features unique front and rear seats, a continuous console running between the front and rear seats, and custom door panels.
“The CTS Coupe is a personal car – something a customer would choose to reward him or herself – and the passenger environment reflects that,” said Eric Clough, interior design director. “The interior uses the already excellent CTS design and takes it to a new, bolder level.”
Custom-trimmed sport seats from Recaro are located in all four positions. They support the grand-touring nature of the car and are covered in rich, black and suede-like microfiber material, with yellow ochre-colored inserts. The yellow ochre color provides dramatic contrast with the black surrounding trim, but is a subdued hue consistent with the interior’s overall feeling of refinement. Yellow ochre stitching also is used throughout, including the seats, instrument panel, shifter knob and more.
Black microfiber fabric covers the front armrest, as well as an armrest located between the rear seats. The armrests are part of a continuous console that stretches from the instrument panel to rear seats. Carbon-fiber trim accents the console. The interior also features ambient lighting throughout, creating a distinctive environment at night.
Like the sedan, the CTS Coupe Concept’s interior is home to a host of technologies, including a premium Bose audio system, 40-gigabyte hard drive and XM Satellite Radio. OnStar with Turn-by-Turn Navigation enhances the vehicle’s onboard navigation system, which – like the CTS – features a screen that rises out of the center of the instrument panel.
Performance-bred powertrain and suspension systems
As is the case with its design, the CTS Coupe extends the acclaimed capabilities of the sedan in terms of performance technology. This includes the capability to support a broad engine range of gasoline and diesel engines.
The CTS Coupe, of course, ascertains the sedan’s 3.6L V-6 engines, including the 304-horsepower (227 kW) Direct Injection power plant. The Coupe Concept also is designed for a new 2.9L turbo-diesel being developed for international markets. This new engine, tailored for use in the CTS, will deliver an estimated 250 horsepower (184 kW) and 406 lb.-ft. of torque (550 Nm).
A six-speed manual transmission backs the engine, sending torque to an independently sprung rear axle. The CTS Coupe’s sport-tuned suspension gives it a slightly lower ride height than a production CTS – a look enhanced by the car’s rakish shape and large, 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels.
Behind the chrome, split-spoke, aluminum alloy wheels is a set of high-performance brakes, featuring cross-drilled rotors. Six-piston calipers clamp down on the front rotors, while four-piston calipers grab the rear rotors. All of the rotors have a distinctive, yellow-painted finish.
Comments (40)
What about a CTS-V Coupe ? 550 ponies with that much style. It's a package a guy under 40 could really fall in love with!
Posted by Brian | January 14, 2008 6:09 PM
Posted on January 14, 2008 18:09
What about a CTS-V Coupe ? 550 ponies with that much style. It's a package a guy under 40 could really fall in love with!
Posted by Brian | January 14, 2008 6:10 PM
Posted on January 14, 2008 18:10
why is cadillac the only GM division that seems to be doing anything right lately?
Posted by Charlie | January 14, 2008 6:49 PM
Posted on January 14, 2008 18:49
Charlie must not have seen the new Malibu that was all over this website for the last three months. Or maybe he hasn't seen the worlds (actual) best selling truck (When you combine the GM and Chevy brands which are actually the same truck). Chevy's been doing a lot right lately, and Saturn is putting out some of their best selling cars. I'm actually having a hard time thinking of something that GM is doing wrong lately, but then again I'm not the type to bash every domestic brand whenever there's an article about them either.
Posted by Carter | January 14, 2008 7:08 PM
Posted on January 14, 2008 19:08
Carter : level headed? Good to see.
Anyway, fantastic. The new GM movement continues. A V-Coupe would be awesome, but I want the everyman version. 3.6 litre, 6speed manual, no GPS, no massive sound system, no sunroof. Just a slick, reasonably priced american rwd coupe - with tons of style to spare.
Posted by Mark | January 14, 2008 7:29 PM
Posted on January 14, 2008 19:29
Pllllllllleeeeeeeeeeease give the Cadillac designers a raise....cause this is a serious lil' number.
Posted by gilly | January 14, 2008 7:55 PM
Posted on January 14, 2008 19:55
I guess ever since the 300c came out, more domestic cars have that bulldozer front end ie Chevy Malibu, Cadillac CTS, and Dodges whole lineup except the viper.
Posted by jackson | January 14, 2008 8:00 PM
Posted on January 14, 2008 20:00
I like it alot especially the distinctive styling and and excellent chassis. This is truly a world class coupe.
Posted by longdxcommuter | January 14, 2008 8:11 PM
Posted on January 14, 2008 20:11
This is absolutely stunning. I can't even believe this is a caddy! Way to go!!!
Posted by Ryan | January 14, 2008 9:10 PM
Posted on January 14, 2008 21:10
Traditionally I haven't been too big on Cadillac designs, but they've really turned it around in recent times. This is a very attractive vehicle. If they released a CTS-V Coupe, it would be a pretty smokin ride.
Posted by Alexvrb | January 14, 2008 10:00 PM
Posted on January 14, 2008 22:00
I really like the styling as well, and would definitely consider one. Unfortunately, and I still don't understand why, by the time this car hits the market (if it comes to market) all the stuff that everyone loves will be taken off and the actual car will become boring and weak. Maybe, just maybe, someday GM, Ford, and Chrysler will figure out that they can win back buyers by actually using their concept cars and aftermarket cars as production models.
Posted by Mike M | January 14, 2008 10:03 PM
Posted on January 14, 2008 22:03
this isnt going to be sporty because it will most certainly be heavy and it wont be roomy because its sporty. which makes me wonder why even make a spors caddilac? waist of time and even the cts-v model is a overweight top heavy brick compaird with its rivals. Caddilac needs to cater to there base , pensioneers in FL, and stay off the race track.
Posted by dennisil | January 14, 2008 10:26 PM
Posted on January 14, 2008 22:26
I'm personally not a fan of the edgy design but most you seem to like so guess that is progress.
As for performance shouldn't be bad 300hp around 3500lbs assuming it weighs around the same a the 4dr or less.
Also those CTS-V's move pretty good with that 400hp V8. I played with one day it's pretty damn quick as fast or faster than last model of M3.
Posted by RX-7 Guy | January 14, 2008 10:52 PM
Posted on January 14, 2008 22:52
Is this a Cadillac? Can't believe it! Stunning!
Posted by Sphere | January 15, 2008 12:01 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 00:01
Why oh why would you NOT bring the diesel in for the US market? 85 HP/L is quite the accomplishment for a production diesel engine, and I can't imagine a better showcase for it than this car.
Oh, and the Colorado/Silverado too, okay?
Posted by Matt | January 15, 2008 12:09 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 00:09
Doesn't it look a little "boxy"? They talk about its great styling, but I think it looks awkward and angler.
Posted by timhet | January 15, 2008 12:36 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 00:36
Looks good, wonder how it'll perform against the Hyundai RWD coupe coming out... For $15k more it'd better have something special up it's sleeve.
Posted by Gary | January 15, 2008 1:23 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 01:23
"Carter:
Charlie must not have seen the new Malibu that was all over this website for the last three months.
Saturn is putting out some of their best selling cars.
I'm actually having a hard time thinking of something that GM is doing wrong lately, but then again I'm not the type to bash every domestic brand whenever there's an article about them either."
The malibu has lost every comparison test its been in.
saturn didnt make any of their cars, Opel did.
I kno of three mistakes...buick, hummer and pontiac...LOL!!
But that caddy does look really nice!!
Posted by CtK | January 15, 2008 7:05 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 07:05
?!? What is Caddy doing?! Selling us out??? Are they turning into a bunch of commies?? Im outraged, and wheres the back seats? Where do i put my hoe´s??
Posted by P.I.M.P | January 15, 2008 7:06 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 07:06
why do they have to put chrome wheels on coupes!!!! Makes it look soooo freaking nasty!!
Posted by CtK | January 15, 2008 7:17 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 07:17
Wow. I really don't like it. I haven't been a fan of the styling of recent Cadillacs, and this is yet another case example.
On the other hand, the latest Cadillacs have been getting rave reviews in the driving dynamics department, so I love that aspect. Many people forget that Cadillacs first made a name for themselves as luxurious performance vehicles. Good to see them reviving that tradition after their obese years.
Now, if only I could learn to appreciate their current looks. Bleech.
Posted by kw | January 15, 2008 10:12 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 10:12
"Gary:
Looks good, wonder how it'll perform against the Hyundai RWD coupe coming out... For $15k more it'd better have something special up it's sleeve."
The fact that it's a Caddy and not a Hyundai alone make it worth the extra $$$.
And yes, bring the D version to the US!
Also, make a 6-speed auto and LS3 an option too!
Posted by sabby | January 15, 2008 10:28 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 10:28
Before I start my constructive criticism, let me first say that I like the coupe, the Cadillac design and the performance numbers BUT:
What first struck my eyes was the rear fenders. there is too much sheet metal around wheels, making the car look fat and the wheels small, common problem in short stubby coupes. G35 does a decent job of couping with that, Caddy division needs to lower the back part. I realize that this would somewhat lower the interior and trunk space, but this is a coupe, looks before the functionality.
Second, I don't know whether the photos posted were all taken from a same vehicle but a yellow interior and silver exterior look like crap with whipped cream decorated with pearls. I hate to promote shades of gray but that would work better. or a yellow Caddy (although that would kill the high-class elegance silver induces). And where is wood in the interior? Real wood always works.
Third thing is a matter of personal preference but Cadillac designed this coupe with somewhat aggressive but understated style. There is not that much chrome on the car, so those polished chromed wheels stand out a little to much. I'd personally like to see a color more closely relating to the body color, or more chrome on the car itself, so there is some common ground.
My last issue is the weight, but Cadillacs are notoriously obese. Loose 500 lbs and the supercharger and watch the gas mileage soar while keeping the straight line performance and adding cornering abilities. BMW brand would than be rendered useless.
Posted by SVT | January 15, 2008 11:29 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 11:29
Beaufitul. I'm not a big fan of the rear end of this thing though, same with most other cadillacs. Everything else on it looks very nice.
Posted by Andri | January 15, 2008 11:53 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 11:53
I DO HAVE TO HAVE THAT CAR!
Posted by von GT | January 15, 2008 11:59 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 11:59
Charlie must not have seen the new Malibu that was all over this website for the last three months. Or maybe he hasn't seen the worlds (actual) best selling truck (When you combine the GM and Chevy brands which are actually the same truck). Chevy's been doing a lot right lately, and Saturn is putting out some of their best selling cars. I'm actually having a hard time thinking of something that GM is doing wrong lately, but then again I'm not the type to bash every domestic brand whenever there's an article about them either.
woh way to jump to conclusions there buddy. i am in no way a domestic hater. im a former owner of a 96 trans am {my favorite car} a 72 maverick grabber, and a silverado. i was basically talking about styling. yeah the malibu looks to be high quality but it still looks wayy too boring. not to mention its fwd. you did get me on saturn though, i agree those are getting pretty hot especially the sky.
Posted by Charlie | January 15, 2008 12:08 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 12:08
Me likey. Me likey lots.
Posted by Polynikes | January 15, 2008 12:52 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 12:52
@ dennisil ~~
With how poor your grammar is, I'm sure you're not in the target market for any Cadillac.
moving on...
Bottom line is it looks good. But, the rear end of the car is too large. The rear also has some sort of pronounced point right in the middle of it. I think the back of it needs some more thought.
$40,000 is far too much money. I'll take a 335i over this any day of the week. It looks better and I'm sure it performs better. If only BMW would option an LSD for it...
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | January 15, 2008 1:33 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 13:33
I like the styling overall, but it just seems too big in almost every dimension. This thing needs to lose some major size / weight. I know that cadillacs are supposed to be oversized but I guess that's just not for me.
Posted by gm0n3y | January 15, 2008 1:46 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 13:46
In one word... Sleek.
I like it a lot.
Posted by GT Fan | January 15, 2008 4:31 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 16:31
The problem is it only looks good from the side. The front looks bad and the rear looks hidious. I do like the way that the rear fenders come out around the rear tires however, very reminescent of the Mercedes CLK line which I think gives the car a more masculine look. Stay away from chrome wheels unless you are trying to sell a Pimp-mobile.
The lines look good from the side, if they do something about they rear of the car I might learn to like it.
Posted by Austin814 | January 15, 2008 4:58 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 16:58
My only problem with this is that as great as it looks, it'll either:
- never get released like so many other great-looking concepts (the "new" Camaro concept that showed up in the Transformers movie)
- get slashed to bits by the bean counters until it comes to the dealer's lot as another cheaply made, plasticky p.o.s. like the original CTS-V.
Until GM actually starts releasing their concepts and without compromising the quality, they will never shake that reputation in my eyes.
Posted by Z | January 15, 2008 5:43 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 17:43
@sabby
"The fact that it's a Caddy and not a Hyundai alone make it worth the extra $$$."
Huh? Cadillacs and Hyundai's both still have image problems. Both there resale values are horrible. Most young and wealthy would be embarrased to be in an Cadillac and young middle class buyers are embarrased to be in a Hyundai. So they are very similiar. 300hp is not enough since many cars have this much. 350-400hp lightweight V6, then we will be talking.
Posted by billy | January 15, 2008 6:42 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 18:42
@Sabby:
A caddy is nothing more than a dressed up GM, so that fact alone doesn't make it work $15k more.
Try again, unless you're one who believes a new name and different asthetics make a Caddy that much better than a GM. If that's the case I won't say anything at all since I wouldn't have anything nice to say.
Posted by Gary | January 15, 2008 7:43 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 19:43
omg that car is absolutely gorgeous!.. now i have a reason to sell my nissan g35...
Posted by Ricer rocket | January 16, 2008 2:04 AM
Posted on January 16, 2008 02:04
A new twist on Caddy styling (that you either love or hate). Not many plastic bits sticking into the wind like a cheap body kit would have. Very clean design. I hope it comes with a rearview camera.
The 304hp DI V6 and the 2.9TD with 400lb-ft are good engine choices, and offered with a proper 6 speed manual to boot. I'm sure a paddle-shifter setup will be offered as well. Four-wheel independent suspension with all the latest electronic tricks is a sure bet.
The interior is very businesslike, no frills yet upscale. Gauges are good, console is unfettered, and Recaro seats, very nice. I'd change the color of the seat inserts though, maybe leave them black. Maybe also add a HUD :P
I'm impressed. Hmm, a CTS-V coupe with 500hp+ would pwn ass and take names even at 3500lb.
Posted by Kell | January 16, 2008 4:38 PM
Posted on January 16, 2008 16:38
Wake me up when the production version is available. "Cars of the distant future" don't hold my attention as much as they used to. Looking very nice though.
Posted by Mike | January 16, 2008 6:37 PM
Posted on January 16, 2008 18:37
Thats great 2.9 diesel only for international markets. Americans aren't good enough to be able to purchase a diesel engine in their cadillac. We have to stick with 20-30mpg instead of 30-40mpg. Wake up detroit.
I'm going to laugh when the 320d comes over and no one buys the cts.
Posted by mf | January 16, 2008 11:29 PM
Posted on January 16, 2008 23:29
I have looked at the 2008 CTS for some time now, I like its design both inside and out (problem four doors). The problem I have is with myself. I am a product of the muscel car era. I have owned in my younger years an 1964 Impala SS 409 With 425 HP, A 1966 GTO, a 1968 Cheville SS396. I have owned at one time or another five 1955 Chevy Belairs and numerous other Chevrolet products, none being four doors. I know own a Trailblaser and Buick Riviera. The trailblaser is a nice vehicle for 4 wheeling but I want a new car to replace the Riveria. PROBLEM there are no real 2 door coups avaiable. This two door CTS has caught my eye. This is the car I have been waiting for. A two door Coup, American built. A foreign car will never be in my future. I am ready to sign up.
Posted by Bernie Cargle | January 24, 2008 12:18 PM
Posted on January 24, 2008 12:18
I have looked at the 2008 CTS for some time now, I like its design both inside and out (problem four doors). The problem I have is with myself. I am a product of the muscel car era. I have owned in my younger years an 1964 Impala SS 409 With 425 HP, A 1966 GTO, a 1968 Cheville SS396. I have owned at one time or another five 1955 Chevy Belairs and numerous other Chevrolet products, none being four doors. I know own a Trailblaser and Buick Riviera. The trailblaser is a nice vehicle for 4 wheeling but I want a new car to replace the Riveria. PROBLEM there are no real 2 door coups avaiable. This two door CTS has caught my eye. This is the car I have been waiting for. A two door Coup, American built. A foreign car will never be in my future. I am ready to sign up.
Posted by Bernie Cargle | January 24, 2008 12:19 PM
Posted on January 24, 2008 12:19