The all-new Cadillac CTS will receive its European premiere at the Frankfurt motor show.
It's a medium-sized saloon which is based on the architecture of Cadillac's ATS. A selection of petrol engines will be offered, including a turbocharged four-cylinder unit, a naturally aspirated V6 and a new range-topping twin-turbo V6.
With its lower, longer and sleeker looks, the CTS is stated to advance the brand's 'Art & Science' design philosophy. Modern exterior touches include bold LED signature lighting, which uses crystalline light guides to deliver what Cadillac says is a 'technologically advanced appearance'.
Thanks to lightweight design methods, including the use of aluminium door structures, the CTS has a lower kerb weight than its predecessor. It's also claimed to have a near 50/50 weight distribution.
Inside it benefits from a more driver-focused layout, as well as a considerably increased amount of technology. Options include a 12.3-inch configurable LCD instrument cluster and automatic parking assist.
Four trim levels will be offered - Elegance, Luxury, Performance and Premium. Depending on the model and trim specified, the materials used inside include wood, carbonfibre, aluminium and leather.
Powertrain options include rear-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations for the turbocharged four cylinder and naturally aspirated V6 models. The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which has a redline of 7000rpm, produces 272bhp and 295lb ft.
Cadillac's naturally aspirated 3.6-litre V6 revs all the way to 7200rpm and outputs 321bhp and 275lb ft. The all-new twin-turbo unit offers up a claimed 420bhp and 430lb ft, but features a slightly lower 6500rpm redline.
Average economy figures are 30mpg, 28mpg and 25mpg respectively. V6 models will be available with a paddle-shifted eight-speed automatic transmission, while the four-cylinder engine is paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox.
The twin-turbocharged V6 is only available in the rear-drive CTS Vsport model, which also benefits from 18-inch wheels, a quicker steering rack, all-round Brembo disc brakes, heavy-duty cooling system, an electronic limited-slip diff and a driver-selectable track mode.
With 90 per cent of peak torque available from 2,500rpm, the CTS Vsport is claimed to be capable of sprinting from 0-60mph in 4.6sec.
Bob Ferguson, vice president of Global Cadillac, said “With Cadillac growing globally, driven by rising product credibility, the new CTS elevates the brand to a new level.”
It's thought that the CTS will go on sale in Europe in early 2014, but there are no firm plans for right-hand-drive versions. It's also unlikely that a diesel version will be offered, although Cadillac does state that it "expects the line-up to be expanded within its life cycle".
The Cadillac Elmiraj concept and the ELR range extender will also be displayed at Frankfurt.
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