Cadillac’s CTS luxury sport Sedan, Coupe and Wagon will add an upgraded V-6 engine, new grille and new Touring Package edition for the 2012 model year. 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 customers a CTS with a more refined appearance. The changes will be carried in all three CTS models – CTS Sport Sedan, Sport Wagon and Coupe. The 2012 models will arrive at dealerships in late summer.
The new 3.6L V-6 will use a lighter, more efficient design to give customers more power at the same fuel economy as the current 3.6L V-6. The new engine delivers an SAE-certified 318 horsepower (237 kW) and 275 lb.-ft. (372 Nm) of torque, compared to the current engine’s 304 horsepower (227 kW) and 273 lb.-ft. (370 Nm) of torque. The EPA fuel economy label will remain 18 city/27 highway mpg.
Cadillac engineers were able to improve the current design in several ways. The cylinder heads have larger intake valves and an improved intake port design. These work with a longer-duration intake camshaft to boost power and efficiency by allowing more air to flow into the engine. 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 (9.3 kg), 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 sueded 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.
