CTS coupe concept takes aim at BMW, Mercedes
CTS coupe concept takes aim at BMW, Mercedes
Automotive News | January 14, 2008 - 10:40 am EST
DETROIT — Cadillac revealed a new CTS coupe concept here today at the auto show.
The coupe would add to a lineup that includes a sedan and a performance sedan that also was revealed today.
The coupe took styling cues from the new CTS sedan, with a bold front grille and striking rear that offers a hint of the trademark Cadillac fins, said Ed Welburn, GM’s global design chief. The coupe can accommodate a variety of engines including a diesel.
Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor is considering the diesel for the brand’s U.S. lineup. GM would not say whether it will produce the coupe concept but says having a family of vehicles in the luxury mid-sized segment is key for Cadillac to be competitive.
“If we’re going to compete with the BMW 3 series and the Mercedes’ C class, we obviously need more than one body style,” said Bob Lutz, GM’s vice chairman of global product development. “Up until now, we’ve competed with one, and that just won’t do it.”
Cadillac also revealed the all-new 2009 CTS-V high-powered sport sedan, which delivers an estimated 550-hp engine.
When asked if Cadillac was powering up too much during the industry’s move to more fuel efficiency, Lutz said:
"At the height of the vegetarian phase, grocery stores still featured steak. We are a full-service grocery."
Meanwhile, Cadillac also showed the Provoq concept crossover to demonstrate GM’s work on fuel cells. The vehicle that would go into production would use a gasoline-powered engine.
Underscoring the high-tech nature of the product, GM first showed the Provoq a week ago at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
ENLARGE
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| Ed Welburn, GM’s global design chief, shows off the CTS coupe concept today at the Detroit auto show. |
