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Spied: 2014 Cadillac CTS Sedan In The Flesh

The fine folks at Jalopnik have gotten their hands on two photos of the 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan that aren’t covered by camo (for a change). Overall, what we see is the evolution of Cadillac’s Art & Science design language, with the mid-size sedan having a very ATS-like appearance.

But there are some distinct cues on this car that give it away as the next-gen CTS, including a larger grille, shorter headlamp clusters, and a different location of the side marker lights. Meanwhile, the back has an XTS-like appearance, with integrated exhaust tips, and an integrated rear spoiler.

Jalopnik says that the CTS will offer three engines, including the 2.0 liter turbo (LTG), 3.6 liter V6 (LFX), and GM’s upcoming 3.6 liter twin-turbo V6 (LF3) making roughly 400 horsepower.

Cadillac will unveil the new CTS at the New York International Auto Show in April. In the meantime, head on over to Jalopnik for their two pics!

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Comments

  1. Design = Soft

    Can’t wait for that 3.6L TT though!

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    1. I’d rather have the LT1. All American V6s and I4s tend to sound dreadful while our V8s always sound the best….. Too bad the LT1 won’t come with twin turbos, that would be killer.

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  2. Where’s 2nd photo

    Reply
    1. Follow the Jalopnik link

      Reply
  3. I like the front but not the back. I’ll wait till the official unveil before I pass complete judgement.

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  4. Front end looks like the ATS had a child with the Ciel Concept, which isn’t a bad thing. The rear looks like a copy of the XTS which I’m sad about, I wish it took inspiration fro, the ATS. Also wish the body and rear kept some sharper lines. But it could be the color, to me the rear of the XTS looks good in black but not silver. I’m going to wait until the official pictures in April to give my final judgment.

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  5. Cadillac has to be careful not to have too much similarity between the cars in the line up. Audi had that problem and had to differentiate each of their models from one another. The CTS could have ATS-like head lights, but tone down the swooping part and have everything else in front be more aggressive and a bit more exaggerated. The cars in the line up must be the same, yet different…. Know what I mean? I do hear that the 2014 CTS’ design may not be set in stone yet, so we’ve gotta wait and see. I trust Cadillac’s design team because they’ve been doing well lately, except for the ELR. I’m stoaked and can’t wait ’til April.

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    1. “Cadillac’s design team because they’ve been doing well lately, except for the ELR.”

      Is that a typo?? The ELR won the Eyes on Design award from Detroit Auto Show and is hands down the sexiest looking car in the Cadillac line up

      Reply
      1. That was no typo, it just isn’t my cup of tea. I think it’s over rated and ugly. I hate swoopy head lights and tail lights, because they almost never look good, even on the ATS. I like the any rear-wheel-drive BMW, any rear-wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz, most Audis, all Aston-Martins, the ATS, the CTS, the Cadillac Cien concept, and anything that looks sporty, fun, and aggressive or classy. I hate most front-wheel-drive cars because I think front-wheel-drive is for the weak who can’t drive. Most cars that are built on the platform of a cheap sibling brand tend to look cheap. This is where I give credit to the ELR, and the XTS for that matter, because they don’t look the slightest bit cheap.

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        1. I’ll agree with you on the topic of RWD, at least. lol

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          1. Judging from the dislikes on my comment, I’d say that no one agrees that fun, sporty, and aggressive/classy looking cars are better to own and more enjoyable to drive. A car like that will put a smile on your face every time you drive it. Didn’t know that calling the ELR ugly and over rated would strike a nerve. I don’t see myself enjoying a cruze in the ELR. Swooping head lights and/or tail lights are ugly as hell and nearly always sicken me, even on the Nissan GT-R and the Cadillac ATS. Trust me, I see people calling the ELR ugly on Facebook every time an auto news page posts an article about it. Some idiots even go as far as saying it’s a rebadged Chevy, which we all know isn’t true. That’s why I said it doesn’t look cheap….. Andrew, you seem to be the only other person here who shares my dislike for front-wheel-drive vehicles haha. I guess I’m the only one here who takes pride in owning and enjoys driving a cool car. If the car isn’t fun and doesn’t make you smile when you drive it, then what’s the point of buying it in the first place?

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            1. Bill: I don’t hate FWD, but prefer RWD and AWD to it. That said, one can still have plenty of fun in a FWD car (think Cobalt SS, Jetta GLI/Golf GTI, Focus ST, Buick Regal GS, Astra GTC/OPC).

              As for styling, that’s avery subjective game — so we’ll see how the ELR performs in the marketplace when(ever) it actually launches. Its success might be limited, however, thanks to curbed production. Personally, I’m of the opinion that Cadillac should not waiver in its commitment to win in the performance-luxury market, and one of the most “true” ways to just that is to offer a range of luxurious and performance-focused RWD vehicles. In that regard, the ELR doesn’t fit the mold thanks to its FWD setup… but that has more to do with exploring market demand than it is with performance. It’s a stop-gap, if you will.

              In regards to your question:
              “If the car isn’t fun and doesn’t make you smile when you drive it, then what’s the point of buying it in the first place?”

              The answer, unfortunately, is transportation. Most people seem not to care about the finer things in a vehicle, especially its dynamics. That’s a shame, but it’s one of the realities of the “consumerization” of cars.

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              1. That’s one point I had made on a Facebook discussion when the car first got the green light. I think it tarnishes the sporty image that Cadillac is working hard to earn, and with the new ATS, is doing a very good job at it. I don’t hate all front-wheel-drive cars though, just 97% of ’em haha. I hate every front-wheel-drive car that isn’t a hatchback, I can forgive a front-wheel-drive hatchback. They can be very fun, and some can even handle well. As an example, I can see myself having loads of fun in a Volkswagen Golf, and I know I’m not alone when I say I’d kill for an Alfa Romeo Brera. Yeah, I hate that the Alfa Romeo Brera is front-wheel-drive, but my god is it gorgeous. Try all you want, but It’s impossible to hate it. I could see myself in a Cadillac hatchback, but frankly, the very thought of an Audi A3 competitor from Cadillac is scary. A Cadillac hatchback would be very hard to pull off and I don’t think it would sell well, even if it was done right. If it was done wrong, it would be catastrophic to the brand. That being said, I think Cadillac should avoid front-wheel-drive all together. To retain sales numbers in cooler climates like here in my home state of Wisconsin, just offer an all-wheel-drive option like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Jaguar do. I think all SUVs should have rear biased all-wheel-drive as standard equipment.

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        2. The elf’s design is heavily based on the Cadillac Cien, especially the back.

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        3. Audi’s are FWD based

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          1. Lex — I used to think that, as well, until I saw the Audi’s new architecture.

            With the exception of the A3/Q3 and TT, everything else was designed with AWD in mind. The engines, for instance, sit longitudinally (not transversely, like in every other FWD model), the front track is pushed out to the very front of the car, allowing the engine to be mounted further backwards (like a RWD car), and the architectures are really meant for the Quattro drivetrain. That’s why the latest MQB-based Audis have that RWD appearance to them, with a dash-to-axle ratio on par with those of the BMW, etc.

            Having seen this (and then driven several newer Audis), I’ve begun to put Audi in a class of its own: its vehicles aren’t FWD or RWD — they’re made for AWD/Quattro from the get-go.

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            1. Alex, Are they all AWD/quattro? I mean sedans (A4, A6, A8)

              For some reason I always think that Audi’s belong in premium class (sub luxury) along with Volvo, Acura, Infinity, lincoln,and now Buick. Luxury would be M-B, BMW, Lexus, and Cadillac. (maybe its just me)

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              1. Lex — with the exception of the base A4, which is available in “FronTrack” FWD, the rest are Quattro/AWD. The innovative thing there is that Audi engineered the new MQB/Quatro system in such a way so as to drive the front and rear wheels equally; the base A4, which I think exists to occupy a lower price point until the all-new A3, just doesn’t have the drivetrain going to the rear wheels.

                As for Audi’s positioning — they used to be in the premium segment/class, but are now running with the big boys. Everything about their product, from its quality to price, and everything in between, is comparable, if not better than BMW and Benz.

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          2. Audis are rear biased for the most part, same as the Volkswagen Phaeton and the Bentley Continental. The Volkswagen Phaeton and the Bentley Continental are very close to the Audi A8, the three share parts.

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      2. the elr isn’t the sexest car in cadillac’s line up, the ats is. the ats is the first good looking american car that can actually compete at the same level as the germans. the ats is stealing sales from the current cts, and would steal from the elr too.

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        1. The ATS is only stealing sales from the CTS because it is basically the same size, but cheaper and better equipped.
          GM new this overlap would happen, but the new, bigger, fancier, more expensive, CTS will be here in a few months to resolve this problem… Sure the ATS may still outsell it, but again, it will be cheaper. Just like how the 3 series outsells the 5 series.

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          1. the cts was the origonal 3 series fighter and was doing a good job at it, but the ats’ alpha platform is much better. i know that gm knew about this problem from the start because as i said both cars were meant to take on the 3 series. as you already know, the new cts is gonna grow bigger and more upscale so it can take on the 5 series. the ats is better equipped because it’s got new features and new tech in it. the new cts will be equipped even better since it’s now more upscale. i bet that because of that stretched alpha chassis, the new cts will be just as awesome, if not better than, as the ats. I can’t wait for it to come out…. my point is the ats is the sexiest cadillac so far, until the new cts comes out. after that, the 7 series fighting omega platform cadillac will be the sexiest cadillac in several years, or at least the sexiest since the sixteen concept. the ats is a driver’s car and so is the old and new cts, but the new cts is just a bit more refined.

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    2. How do you know its not set in stone?

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      1. I never said that I knew for a fact that the CTS’ new design wasn’t yet set in stone, I don’t know this. It was implied by a Cadillac representative on the Jalopnik story report. “We’re busily developing the next generation CTS and everyone will be able to see it later this year.” I think, that statement could refer to the final body design. All of the mechanical engineering for the car is complete, it would have to be at this point in time. That statement may also refer to technology such as the CUE system and what not. Odds are that statement is refering to the final fit and finish, you know, the small bits.

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        1. I very highly doubt they were referring to the aesthetics of the body design, it’s a little late in the game to be making changes. The only changes that could be made is if this is a test mule that was built months ago. Any current changes going on now will be from test driving and calibrating suspension, transmission, etc.

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          1. That’s what I said, odds are it’s fit and finnish.

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  6. The front is WOW! – very much the improvement. Kind of has a
    Mercedes look with a Caddy twist. The nose jutting out, steeper rake
    angled past the headlights. Less frontal area with longer headlights
    cut into the fenders are a great way to evolve the look a make it look
    fresh and modern.

    Side creases need to be bold, like ELR – the only ??? comes at the
    stern – it looks like it was designed by a committee who tried as
    they might to retain Caddy edge language while trying to lure Lexus
    and Buick owners – it’s softer with that WHOA incongruous license
    plate cove? – Too sharp of contrast to rest of trunklid, IMO. The
    taillights look like edge-meets-Buick.

    Reply
    1. I thought Merc when I saw the front end too.

      And although I agree the rear end is soft. Remember this car is moving up scale. They need it to appeal to more people. Having a really aggressive $60-70k car could scare people into staying at BMW and Audi.

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  7. My God! That front end is extremely risky but so very beautiful! Something quite rare to expect from GM on some of their mainstream products, which I think this would be for Cadillac.

    Sadly, I have a complaint. It looks a lot more upscale than the last one but its once aggressive styling has been way too toned down. This is obviously designed to please the Chinese market. Also, those taillights are way too wide and pudgy for Cadillac’s current styling, it just reminds me of the coffin-on-wheels, the DTS. 🙁

    C’mon GM, you don’t see Toyota making cars that are attractive to Americans, why should we do this for them? They can get over it if the rear end lacks a few curves. Lamborghini doesn’t change their design for them.

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  8. Love the front. Rear, not so much.

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  9. I hate to say it, but I agree with many of the comments over at Jalopnik. It doesn’t look at all good in that rear end shot. In fact, it looks sickening. Here’s hoping it’s a bad picture!!!

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    1. I wouldn’t say that the rear looks sickening, but I would say bland.

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  10. I too don’t like the rear end design, looks too much like XTS (soft and grandpash looking). Sad to see that agressive stealthy design that 2 generations carried is gone. Front seems to be alright, but i’ll hold my judgement when it will be unveiled officially.

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  11. Love the front. Can’t tell what the rear or the side looks like yet. I presently enjoy the existing CTS and its a nice car. Been utterly reliable and drives quite well.

    I wish the CTS would be available with awd and the upcoming LT1….Now that would be a hell of a daily driver. Thanks for posting up.

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  12. Look at that front end !!!!! Gorgeous, but like many say that back end is throwing me off……the taillights are too wide and small…..they need to be slimmed down and extend further down but just slightly………and seeing that decklid it is reminiscent of the “glamour concept” sneak picture release…….I am think it will be a preview of the next gen CTS coupe………

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  13. doesn’t anybody think that the backend kinda looks mimic to the saab 9-5?

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    1. Not really at all, to be honest. The rear lights are worlds apart and the molding is very different.

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  14. Front end looks fantastic, but the rear is WAY too soft. Would’ve loved to see the rear carry out what is left of the Art & Science theme, but it appears as though A&S is all but gone. Here’s hoping the interior is a knockout

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  15. Tailights need more of the “boomerang” shape like on the current CTS Coupe

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  16. The rear end just creams old man car

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    1. Could not agree more. Hope it changes quickly!!!

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  17. In the second pic you can see the nose of a car is that the current CTS-V’s

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  18. As of late it seems like GM has been pulling an opposite of Kim Kardashian. They are perfect until you get to the back!

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  19. Isn’t this car gonna get revealed at the Chicago?

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    1. Reply
      1. ah ok

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  20. I do hope the back end is a little more aggressive then the spy photo.

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  21. Like it…similar to ATS

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  22. I actually don’t mind it. The current CTS won’t age well because it has so many angles and had less of a flow to it like the new Cadillacs. Why do you think 80s cars aged so badly? Because their designs were squared off a boxy with no flow. The new ATS combines angles with a flowing design which is so beautiful. The new CTS should do the same although I’m still getting used to that old fart rear end. It wouldn’t be a deal breaker for me ecause that front is so beautiful and there is a twin turbo 6 lurking under the hood.

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  23. I love the front end of the 2014 CTS im rather surprised and disappointed that GM didn’t take the rear end of the ELR especially the rear tail lights of the ELR that combined with the front end would make the 2014 a bit different from the XTS because it’s obvious that they attached the rear end of the XTS

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  24. The rear end of the car reminds me of the 2000 to 2005 generation Cadillac Deville’s.
    I’m the biggest Caddy fan but I really hope they don’t mess up this car. Can’t wait to see it officially unveiled later this year.

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  25. Maybe the chinese market calls for beautiful and striking front ends and less bold rear styling?

    If GM gets the volume it needs thats all that matters.

    Cadillac needs overseas sales to continue to develop great product. The North American market is not large enough volume.

    Actual release of the showcar come March in NY City will tell more.

    Thanks for the posting of this new Cadillac.

    Being larger than the current CTS is a turning point for me. I don’t need a larger vehicle than the present CTS which I own. The ATS is a bit small…so unless something new with the 2 door or the convertible lights my fire for ownership…I’ll probably hold for a bit and see what else is out there when the time comes to replace my current AWD 304hp FE2 CTS..

    right now its been quite a few years of seamless ownership. If I could have had an LS3 or L99 for the same money with AWD as I paid for the 3.6 I would have been a little more pleased. The 3.6 DI is a good motor for the street. Nice acceleration and its only on the track at Montecello did I see a slight deficit ..(compared to the much more fun CTS V but alas the V didn’t have the AWD that works better as a daily driver.

    I was able to get out of trucks and into a luxury sports sedan that was american made.

    I don’t care for owning of german sports sedans because once out of warranty they potientially have much higher maintaince and repair costs.

    thats what is great about american products….the cost of maintaince and repair is so much more in line with what I feel is approrpriate.

    Good conversation.

    Reply
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