The car that has received probably more accolades than any other American brand car, the Cadillac CTS, has been upgraded for 2012 with more power and new grille features.
Available is stylish sedan, coupe and wagon variants the CTS gets a new lighter, more efficient 3.6L V-6 design to give customers more power at the same fuel economy as the current 3.6L V-6. The new engine is rated at 318 horsepower and 275 lb.ft. of torque, up for the current engine?s 304 horsepower and 273 lb.ft. of torque. The EPA fuel economy label will remain 18 city/27 highway mpg.
The CTS?s distinctive shield-shaped front grille has been redesigned with new premium finishes that highlight the intricacies of a new frame and mesh combination. The Wreath & Crest logo also has sharper colors and raised ridges between the colors, giving it a three-dimensional quality. The result provides a more refined appearance.
The 2012 models will arrive at dealerships in late summer. Pricing will be announced closer to the start of production.
Engineers also reduced the engine?s weight. An integrated cylinder head/exhaust manifold design saves about 13 pounds (6 kg) per engine compared to the cylinder heads and manifolds of the current engine.
The new composite intake manifold saves about 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) compared to the current aluminum intake. A lighter-weight structural front cover and lighter-weight, high-strength connecting rods bring the total weight savings to 20.5 pounds, which helps the vehicle?s fuel efficiency and improves the car?s handling and driving balance.
In addition to the new engine and grille, Cadillac is adding a new Touring Package for 2012 that enhances key touch-points of the CTS. The Touring Package, available in the 3.0L V-6 and 3.6L V-6 engines, will have an exclusive grille with a dark finish, metal pedals, dark Sapele wood interior trim and suede seat inserts, steering wheel and shift knob.
The Touring Package Sedan and Wagon also will have chrome door handles. The 3.6L version will have 19-inch polished wheels and Recaro 14-way adjustable performance seats. The 3.0L version will have 18-inch wheels with a pearl-nickel finish.
Other changes for the 2012 model year on the CTS include standard Bluetooth phone integration on all models and side blind-zone alert technology available on the CTS Coupe.
