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| 2003-03-04 | ||
March 2003
Geneva. Cadillac is starting the new millenium with the biggest product offensive in its history. The renaissance of the American luxury marque began with the CTS perforance sedan, which has proved extremely popular in the USA since its launch almost one year ago and will go on sale in various European countries this spring. Meanwhile, the appearance of the luxury XLR roadster/coupe at the Geneva Motor Show marks the European premiere of another highly attractive model. Following its US launch in the summer of 2003, the new two-seater will also be appearing at dealers over here. Its dynamic form vocabulary with bold, accented contours and distinctive, chiseled form gives the Cadillac CTS an unmistakable exterior. Characteristic design cues include vertical headlamps and taillamps, a V-shaped front that tapers into the classic Cadillac grille with mesh cover and prominent wreath and crest logo and a dramatic, rising shoulder line that refracts the light and adds to the perceived length of the vehicle. The likewise tapered rear profile complements the front with a wide, V-shaped high-mounted stop light and the Cadillac logo on the center line. The rear-wheel-drive sedan is powered by two modern V6 gasoline engines with 2.6 and 3.2-liter capacities and respective outputs of 133 kW/181 hp and 160 kW/218 hp at 6000 rpm. The longitudinally mounted engines are mated with either a five-speed manual gearbox or an automatic with a torque converter clutch. The newcomer meets the particular standards of performance that drivers expect from a premium-class vehicle. The CTS 3.2 reaches a top speed of 240 kph and makes the sprint from zero to 100 kph in just 7.4 seconds (automatic box: 7.7 s). The CTS 2.6 is 220 kph fast and needs 9.3 seconds (automatic box: 9.7 s) to accelerate from 0 too 100 kph. The two engines also boast impressive torque power; both the 3.2 and 2.6-liter engines reach their peak torque of 300 Nm and 232 Nm respectively at just 3400 rpm. The high standards of driving response and ride comfort are particularly evident in the meticulously developed chassis of the Cadillac CTS, which was refined during extensive testing on Germany's Nürburgring racing circuit. The front features dual A-arms with coil springs. Cornering and directional stability are impeccable thanks to the five-link rear axle, which is separated from the body for enhanced interior acoustics. A hydraulic leveling system compensates for varying loads. Further advanced features of the Cadillac CTS chassis include optionally available next-generation electronic stability enhancement, StabiliTrak, which helps keep the vehicle on track by adjusting brake application on all four wheels. The CTS is also right up to date in terms of passive safety; the standard safety package includes front airbags for driver and front passenger, two front-seat-mounted side bags and roof-mounted curtain bags that inflate between the A- and C-pillars in the event of a collision. Thanks to the relatively long 2.88-meter wheelbase, the 4.83-meter-long CTS is distinguished by particularly generous interior space. In classic Cadillac style, all five passengers have a wide range of luxury features at their disposal. The base version already comes with a package including dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable driver's seat, power windows all-round, cruise control, trip computer and a top-quality sound system with a built-in CD player. All infotainment and climate functions can also be operated via controls on the multi-function steering wheel. A DVD-based navigation system with a large screen is available as an extra. | ||
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