Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept - Surprise in Detroit and Miss(ed) in L.A.

For years, there were speculations about the arrival of a Cadillac coupe. The rumours were confirmed at the Detroit Auto Show with the unveiling of the CTS Coupe Concept. That it is going into production has been confirmed by the plans to unveil the final version on November 18, the eve of the LA Auto Show. It was a pity that the financial situation forced GM to cancel all activities in LA and plan the world premier of the new coupe in Detroit in January.

By Henny Hemmes
Senior European Editor
Amsterdam Bureau
The Auto Channel

Last January, Cadillac surprised Detroit with the world premiere of the stunning CTS Coupe Concept. Notwithstanding growing rumours, its arrival was the best kept secret of GM since years. Of course, that pays of in an era when practically all news has been released before the shows open their doors for the media.

A surprise like this, automatically generates much publicity. Ed Welburn, GM’s chief designer, introduced the latest model with the words: “This car was not meant to be, but the first drawings were soo good, that we decided to build it.”

To be able to compete with the European brands, Cadillac is building the latest generation of the CTS, that came on the market last year, on GM’s Sigma rear wheel drive platform. Without rear wheel drive, a new model would not make a chance. Especially not with the BMW M5 as its example.

The coupe is based on the CTS, but is 2 inches shorter and 2 inches lower than the sedan.

The ‘Art & Science’ styling, that designates GM’s luxury division from other brands, also marks the Coupe Concept. GM says that the Coupe only shares the head lights, grille and front fenders with the CTS and that all other parts are unique for the two door model. For instance, the wind screen is flatter for a more aggressive look. In the classic 2+2 interior with Recaro seats, only the instrument panel and the mid console are taken from the CTS.

The design is suitable for several engines that will be able to compete in the luxury segment. Such as the 3.6-liter V-6 with direct injection and a brand new 250 hp strong 2.9-liter turbo diesel, that is currently under development. The concept car stands on 20-inch wheels up front and 21-inch wheels at the rear. They house a serious brake system with six and four piston callipers respectively.

The power plant in the concept is teamed to a six speed manual transmission, but we may count on it that a six speed automatic will also be available for the production model. As said, its arrival at the LA Auto Show on November 19 was cancelled. But expect the new Coupe to be in Detroit in January 2009.

The Coupe Concept is not the only model that Cadillac has shown us this year. We also saw the arrival of the CTS station wagon.

© HHR, November 2008