(continued from above)
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 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 award-winning design. 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.
