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.
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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.
