The Cadillac CTS ditches the wreath but gains loads of tech for 2015

By Andrew Hard August 7, 2014

Cadillac’s CTS luxury sedan may have just entered its third generation last year, but the American automaker is already planning big changes for 2015.

The most notable difference is the revamped front facia, which features the new ‘wreathless’ emblem on the bold front grill. The headlights and bumper design have been tweaked too, with trailing halogen lamps stretching the look of the hood and emphasizing open space more evenly than before.

Despite the alterations to the bodywork, the off-center crest is actually biggest change to CTS’ appearance. By moving the badge slightly higher up on the grill, the luxurious sedan has a completely different attitude about it; it employs more of a highbrow, European personality now. It looks more grown up, frankly, but that’s not necessarily a good thing.

RELATED: 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe first drive

Cadillac reached deep into its utility belt for the 2015 model year. Illuminated door handles, active grill shutters, perpendicular parking, and an Adaptive Forward Lighting System are all available features.

Inside, the CTS can charge cell phones wirelessly, and text alerts are built right into the Cadillac User Experience system. It has onboard Wi-Fi as well, but don’t worry, there’s a lane keep assist and lane change alert system in case all the goodies become distracting. Many of these additions can also found on the smaller 2015 Cadillac ATS.

The engines, a 272-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four, a 331-hp, 3.6-liter V6, and 420-hp, twin-turbo V6 are carryovers from previous years. The forced induction V6 is only available on the performance-focused Vsport trim, which bridges the gap between the normally aspirated V6 and the range-topping, V8-powered CTS-V.

If the CTS-V is a bit too bloodthirsty (or fuel thirsty) for you, the Vsport’s 0 to 60 mph time of 4.4 seconds should still be enough to satisfy the lead in your right foot. The Vsport time line also features an electronic limited-slip, sporty suspension, Brembo brakes, and a driver-selectable track mode.

No word if the new car will pump engine sounds through the stereo, though.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Photo Galleries

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…

Cars

Audi’s electric 2022 Q4 E-Tron packs big tech, lots of space in compact package

audi previews 2022 q4 e tron compact electric crossover

First presented in 2019, the Audi Q4 E-Tron concept has nearly completed its transition to becoming a production model. It will join the full-size E-Tron and the recently introduced E-Tron GT sport sedan when it makes its full debut later in 2021.

Don't let the funky orange, black, and white livery trick your mind; It's camouflage applied specifically to keep the full exterior design hidden. We can nonetheless discern key elements like the lights, which stylists have tweaked over the past two or so years, and the proportions, which are unusual. First of all, the front end is a lot shorter than we're used to seeing. Audi was able to achieve this because an electric motor requires less space than a four-cylinder or a V6 engine.

Cars

Volvo unveils the electric 2022 C40 Recharge with Android-powered in-car tech

Volvo C40 Recharge

Volvo has joined the chorus of carmakers going all-in on electric cars. It announced plans to pivot towards an EV-only range by 2030, and it introduced a battery-powered crossover named C40 Recharge to drive the point home.

As its name implies, the C40 Recharge is related to the XC40 Recharge under the body. And, if you're familiar with the Swedish firm's naming system, you'll recognize right away that the C prefix has historically denoted coupes and convertibles, such as the C30 and the C40. The C40 is not a coupe in the traditional sense of the term because it has four doors, but it wears a fastback-like roofline that underlines the company's seldom-seen emotional side. While Volvo thrives on rationality, it developed the C40 as the kind of car you buy with your heart, not with your mind.

Cars

Driving hands-free with Enhanced Super Cruise in the 2021 Cadillac Escalade

2021 Cadillac Escalade Super Cruise

In 2017, Cadillac went from being just a luxury car brand to setting an industry technology benchmark with Super Cruise, a hands-free driving system to rival Tesla’s Autopilot. Now, the company has set that bar even higher with the release of Enhanced Super Cruise, a new version that allows automated lane changes and easier operation. We had a chance to try it out in the all-new 2021 Escalade.

Super Cruise offers a simple yet powerful interface that controls both the acceleration and the braking of the vehicle on compatible roads in the United States and Canada. Cadillac mapped these roads in advance using lidar (it's like radar, with light) to detect their curves, intersections, and exits in minute detail. To operate with greater precision, the system also uses real-time location, cameras, and other sensors.