Cadillac CTS Part 1: Design Review

For over a century, Cadillac has symbolized the American luxury car. And in 1908, the Royal Automobile Club of England - the automotive authority of its day - awarded Cadillac the Dewar Trophy for distinguished automotive achievement. It was this award that became the basis for Cadillac's slogan, "Standard of the World."

To be honest, that slogan hasn't been spoken in the same sentence as Cadillac for a very long time - we're talking decades. Yes, the first generation CTS was a good car, but it wasn't a great car. The XLR? One look at sales numbers will answer that one: good effort… but not great. And let's not even get started on the front-wheel-drive Cadillacs.

Now with its second generation CTS, Cadillac is showing some of its old form once again. The performance of the newest Cadillac is competitive with the imports in its segment, and the design of the car is distinctly American with tons of Cadillac DNA.

The faceted, sharply-angled surfaces of the Art & Science design language that we first saw in production on the original CTS has been further refined in this latest evolution. Cadillac has gone away from the strict origami look and introduced more soft surfaces to the crisp lines for a more balanced look.

The CTS also ushers in the new corporate grille first seen on the stunning Cadillac Sixteen concept car that stole the show at the North American International Auto Show at Detroit in 2003. That showcar's influence on the production CTS can be seen elsewhere as well. From the front view, there are vertical headlights inspired by the concept car's. In side view, the influence on the C-Pillar is evident - and very nicely done. And lastly, from the rear view we find proper Cadillac-style vertical taillights that are more pronounced and confident than what we got on the first generation CTS. These signature Cadillac design cues play well together, making the design of this new CTS the best Cadillac effort since… well, since before I was born!

Now, there are a couple of elements that in my opinion don't work that well. For starters, there is the seemingly obligatory front fender vent. Can someone please tell me why this has become the new design must-have? We're seeing these on everything from economy cars to SUVs. The fact is, they're unnecessary in nearly every case, and on the Cadillac CTS, they just seem forced. But as these vents have become synonymous with "sportiness" don't expect them to go away anytime soon.

The other design element that seems like an afterthought is the sculpted-in highlight at the bottom of the body's side. It's just not very well done. The same element on the Sixteen concept car and even on the first generation CTS was better executed.

These small, subjective elements aside, the new CTS is a styling homerun, giving Cadillac a strong entry into a very competitive segment that includes some great cars. That may not merit a reissue of the "Standard of the World" slogan, but it's a great start.

Watch the video
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
Read Part 3: Performance

Cadillac CTS

Performance
- Acceleration: Direct injected V6 pulls adequately (at best) - if you want planet-destroying power, wait for the upcoming 550 hp CTS-V
- Handling: Good compromise between sport and luxury - leaning toward the luxury side of the equation
- Braking: A bit more dive than expected, but effective nonetheless

Design
- Exterior: The best execution of Cadillac's Art & Science design language so far 
- Interior: Nothing short of the best American car interior

Utility
- Comfort: Larger cabin than its obvious competitors with every convenience option imaginable
- Space: Bigger than a 3-series BMW, smaller than a 5-series makes for a good amount of space inside

Safety
- Dynamics: Good, stiff chassis has the moves to get you out of trouble
- Technology: Airbags in all the right places, plus one of the best stability control systems out there

Value
- Price: Well positioned given its size and content
- Mileage: Direct injection helps the engine deliver decent mileage - that you can use regular unleaded also helps

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: While a great looking American sedan, there's not much in it emotionally - if you need an adrenaline shot, wait for the "V"
- Fun to spank: A bit underpowered to be really naughty behavior, but the limited-slip differential helps a ton

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Rear wheel drive
Engine: 3.6 liter, direct-injected, DOHC V6
Power (SAE): 304 hp @  6300 rpm
Torque: 273 lbs-ft @  5200 rpm
Redline: 6500 rpm
Gearbox: 6 speed automatic
Curb Weight: 3980 lbs.
0-60 mph: 6.0 sec.
1/4 mile: 14.5 sec.
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 17 city / 26 highway
Base Price: $34,545
Competitors: BMW 335i, Mercedes-Benz C350, Infiniti G35