General Motors has released details of its 2012 Cadillac lineup, from exterior changes to engine numbers.
Chief among the tweaks is a new grille for coupe, sedan, and Sports Wagon models. It features upscale finishes for the grille mesh, and a redesigned version of Cadillac’s “Wreath & Crest” logo with sharper colors and raised edges, which is said to lend the badge a more three-dimensional look.
The CTS’s mid-range 3.6-liter V-6 has been tweaked to produce 318 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, up from the current ratings of 304 horsepower and 273 pound-feet. The changes encompass new camshafts and intake valves, new connecting rods, and a new exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head. The tweaks mirror those announced for the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, which uses the same 3.6-liter V-6 as the Cadillac. There are no changes to CTS fuel-economy ratings.
The bad news for enthusiasts is that the 3.6-liter engine will no longer be offered with a manual transmission — a Cadillac spokesman tells us the powertrain combination didn’t sell in large numbers — leaving a six-speed automatic the only choice. A traditional six-speed manual will still be offered for the high-powered CTS-V, as well as CTS sedans equipped with the base 3.0-liter V-6.
A new Touring Package will be made available for all trims of CTS except the V cars. It adds a dark-finish grille, metal pedal covers, dark wood interior trim, suede seat inserts, plus a suede-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. Sedan and Sports Wagon models receive chrome door handles as part of the Touring package. Cars with the 3.0-liter V-6 get 18-inch wheels, while those with the 3.6-liter mill get 19-inch wheels and Recaro seats — the only way to get the sportier seats in a non-V model. Sedans equipped with the 3.6-liter V-6 and all coupes also get the redesigned third brake-light from the V models when equipped with the Touring package.
All trim levels will henceforth come standard with Bluetooth phone connectivity, and blind-spot warning technology becomes available on coupe models. Every CTS with a black interior also receives gray contrast stitching throughout.
Full press release can be found below. The 2012 CTS will reach dealerships this summer, with pricing announced closer to the on-sale date.
DETROIT – 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 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.
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. Pricing will be announced closer to the start of production.
“CTS has established itself as a world-class line of luxury sports cars, but to remain on top, we have to continually make improvements,” said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac marketing. “The changes for the 2012 model year give customers a fresh take on the CTS’s bold front grille and provide enhanced driving performance without sacrificing fuel economy.”
The new grille builds on a design that has helped the CTS family win a spot on Car and Driver’s 10 Best list, Popular Mechanics’ Auto Excellence Awards and Automobile Magazine’s All-Stars list. The new finishes on the grille add more gloss to the mesh and luster to the frame, accentuating the details in the design. The mesh also is pulled flusher to the frame, making these details stand out even more.
The new 3.6L V-6 builds on another award-winning design. It’s an evolution of an engine named twice to Ward’s 10 Best Engines list for what the automotive publication called its “laudable low-end torque and effortless power delivery.” The new CTS engine, like its predecessor, provides more horsepower and torque than comparable V-6 offerings in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Lexus ES350.
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.
About Cadillac
Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology.
via General Motors / Cadillac courtesy of Automobile Magazine Staff
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