On April 2, 2006 in a 60 Minutes interview with Bob Lutz, part of a prototype Cadillac was revealed to audiences. The car appeared to take design influences both inside and out from the Cadillac Sixteen concept from 2003. Prototype models caught testing at the Nürburgring in Germany also carry many of the design features from the car showcased in April nearly unmasked. Spyshots from the Nürburgring prototypes also show that the car will still have a manual transmission. The CTS will also have an all-wheel drive option.

At the North American International Auto Show in January 2007, GM introduced the all-new CTS that will go on sale as a 2008 model. The base model will feature a 3.6-liter variable valve timing V6 with 258 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque. A second version will be offered, a new 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 VVT engine with an estimated 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque using regular unleaded gas. A six-speed manual transmission will be standard on all models. The six-speed Hydra-matic 6L50 automatic transmission will be opitional. Also on-demand all-wheel drive will be offered with the 258-hp engine and automatic transmission combo.

The new model is wider and longer with it measuring 191.6 inches (4766 mm) long, 72.5 inches (1841 mm) wide and 58 inches (1472 mm) in height. Wheelbase is 113.4 inches (2880 mm) with a front/rear track of 61.8 / 62.0 inches (1575 / 1585 mm).

Like its predecessor, the 2008 CTS is offered with rear- or, new for 2008, all-wheel-drive. Some suspension, braking, and steering improvements from last year's CTS-V have been added to the standard CTS.

Nine-spoke, 18-inch wheels surround larger high-performance brake calipers and rotors.

Side air extractors are located forward of the front doors.

Optional features include iPod integration, swiveling headlights, Bose premium audio, and remote start.

According to the current issue of Motor Trend, a coupe and station wagon version of the CTS may be produced and sold in the USA, although GM feels that they may be more successful in Europe. Also, an American model of a Cadillac based on the soon to be Saturn Astra may be in the USA as well in Sedan or 4-door hatch form.



2008 Cadillac CTS

TYPE:
Rear-drive or all-wheel-drive, mid-size, five-passenger, luxury sedan.

POWER:
3.6-liter, 300-horsepower, direct-injection VVT V6; six-speed auto transmission.

CHASSIS:
Independent suspension with short/long arm front and multi-link coil springs in rear with load-leveling shocks, stabilizer bar; performance-tuned, speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering; traction control with Stabilitrak; power disc brakes with ABS; dual exhaust.

LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 191.6 x 72.5 x 58 inches.

WHEELBASE X TRACK: 113.4 x 61.8/62 inches.

CURB WEIGHT: 3,872 pounds.

STANDARD:
Front/side/head-protection air bags; automatic climate control; power accessories; remote keyless entry; cruise control; AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system; power-adjustable front seats; leather upholstery; split-folding rear seat; driver info centers, power/heated outside mirrors; fog lamps; twilight sentinel lamps; alarm system.