As rumored, Caddy is giving its CTS range (Sedan, Wagon, and Coupe) a modest range of updates, including a new 3.6 liter V6 engine, new grille, standard Bluetooth phone connectivity, and the availability of a Touring Package.
The most notable change to the highly-acclaimed CTS range is the new engine (known within GM as the LFX). The powerplant adds an extra SAE-certified 14 horsepower and 2 lb.-ft. of torque — resulting in a total output of of 318 hp and 275 lb.-ft. of torque (compared to the outgoing engine’s 304 hp and 273 lb.-ft. of twist). As with the LFX in the 2012 Camaro, engineers were able to reduce engine weight by a total of 20.5 pounds (9.3 kg) over the outgoing LLT V6 by integrating the cylinder head/exhaust manifold design, introducing a new composite intake manifold, a lighter-weight structural front cover, and high-strength connecting rods. Overall, the weight savings help with fuel economy while improving the handling and driving balance.
Out front, updates to the CTS’s grille result in a more refined appearance and include new premium finishes that — according to Caddy — “highlight the intricacies of a new frame and mesh combination” as well as sharper colors and raised ridges of the legendary Wreath & Crest emblem, resulting in a three-dimensional impression.
Rounding out the exterior changes is a new touring package for the CTS Sedan and Wagon that offers chrome door handles, an exclusive grille with a dark finish, metal pedals, a dark Sapele wood interior trim, and sueded seat inserts, steering wheel, and shift knob. The package, available with either the the 3.0L V6 or 3.6L V6 engines, will also offer 19-inch polished wheels and 14-way adjustable Recaro performance seats (on the 3.6 liter version) and 18-inch wheels with a pearl-nickel finish (on the 3.0 liter version).
Finally, Bluetooth phone connectivity will become standard on all 2012 CTS models and a (much-needed) side blind-zone alert system will be available on the CTS Coupe.
The GM Authority Take
These are great additions to an already great car. Unfortunately, Cadillac didn’t give in to our cries for a V8 engine in a non-V trim. With that said, we’re highly anticipating the next-generation Alpha-based CTS and its smaller brother, the ATS in the next few of years.
We’ll be on hand at New York Auto Show tomorrow — where we hope to see the updated CTS in the flesh and bring you some awesome video and photos.
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Comments
Sorry, what’s different again?
I have an custom mesh grille on my CTS anyway.
To GM, again am appealing to you to upgrade the Covettes for 2013. To be honest I am very disappointed that even the Ford Mustang 302 Boss is able to run wheel to wheel with the standard Vette, because ford implemented an engine upgrade for the Mustang. The solution for you GM is that since you already tested direct injection (D.I) on the 6.2 V-8 why not for 2013, which should be the C-6’s last year, use D.I on all the V-8 pushrods engines you produce to increase power and fuel efficiency. GM this would certainly increase sales on all of your trucks and cars against the competition. Not to mention placing value on these vehicles before the new models arrive.
For example, D.I on the 7.0 and 6.2 should produce 550-575hp for the Z06, 475hp 0n the standard Vette and 690hp on the ZR-1. Do you know the effects this would have on Corvette fans, before the C-7 arrives, that the current cars are beating the competion. Look GM the Shelby Mustang is coming in at 650hp for 2013 at a much cheaper price, so these power increases would keep the Vettes above board and put them right back in line with the Ferraris, Lamborghinis Porsches and above the GT-R. This would seriously boost the Corvettes image, as well as GM’s image.
Your image was just slightly enhanced by the CTS, Malibu and the Lacrosse power upgrades. The Camaro should also benefit from any power upgrade, in order to keep pace with the Mustang and upcoming Genesis V-8 coupe. Hence GM, to remain competitive means more sales and a strong brand reputation for your vehicles.
Just do it, and would some one from GM please reply to my e-mail to get some more brilliant ideas. I only do this because the Corvette is my favorite car on the planet, so be wise and take my advice. By the way I am an Economics and Management major at the University of the West Indies, so my semi-professional knowledge could come in handy for your company.