2008 Detroit Auto Show: Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept

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What it Is

Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept Preview - 2008 Detroit Auto Show: Okay, okay, we get the whole Cadillac is red hot thing. But come on. Where's the duck? If the General debuts many more cars that look like the CTS Coupe Concept, we may start quacking ourselves. Production plans were not announced, beyond a stifled grin and the muttered "we're really serious about this car." Quack. Not mentioned was the commitment to build the thing at the Lansing, Michigan plant for 2009. Quack, Quack.

Why it Matters

The CTS Coupe extends the reach of the CTS, adds an important gotta-have it car to the Cadillac lineup and permanently erases jokes about the Catera. It's official: no more jokes about the old Cadillac, okay? At this point it's like making fun of Lincoln for the Blackwood.

What's Under the Hood

Debuted with a diesel powertrain in an obvious tip 'o the cap to the European market, the CTS Coupe will come to North America powered by the 3.6-liter, V-6 engine. Yes, that's the one that makes 300-plus horsepower. It comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission, sending rear-drive power to 20-and 21-inch wheels. The diesel featured on the floor is a new 2.9-liter turbo diesel currently in development, and General Motors says that the new diesel will generate 250 horsepower.

What's Inside

Virtually identical to the sedan, the coupe concept's interior features upgraded materials and surfaces such as unique treatments to leather seating surfaces and more aggressively bolstered seats. Enhanced accents include a piano black surface on the instrument panel and leather stitching throughout. Wink: it looks like a very close-to-production interior.

What it Looks Like

With identical dimensions, the CTS Coupe Concept bears a striking resemblance to the sedan. The difference is sort of like the good looking older sibling vs. the great looking younger sibling. The concept appearance of the coupe, things like small taillights, flush door handles, overly "blingy" bodywork and oversized wheels is slight and can easily go away for a production model. In fact, it's safe to say that the CTS Coupe is darn near ready to roll as a production model.

What Cadillac Says

At this point, they don't really have to say much of anything beyond "Wanna drive?"

What We Think

To the above, we say yes - please. Cadillac is building a vehicle lineup that will rival any in the luxury class, from the V-Series to the Provoq-based crossover and now the CTS branch of cars. And though GM has a ways to go to recapture past glory, they've got some real 'mo with the World Standard.  

By Brian Chee
Photo Credit: Oliver Bentley

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