Exchanging Style

Cadillac ATS lends to the new CTS

Cadillac hasn’t been selling a lot of CTS sedans lately, but not because it isn’t a very good car. It’s just that the new ATS is an even better car costing thousands less. Of course, there’s a new Cadillac CTS on the way that should be every bit as good as the ATS and then some, on a larger scale of course.

The 2014 Cadillac CTS styling has been a well-kept secret until now. We’ve already covered one of its powertrains, a twin-turbocharged V6 capable of 420horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, but just which design direction GM’s crested-wreath brand takes its long-time bestselling model on has been speculation at best. Now we know that it won’t stray too far from the brand’s current Art and Science design language and in particular it’s new highly successful ATS, as seen by what appears to be a deep grille and aggressive lower fascia as well as a long, angular headlight design that more fully incorporates the fog lights into a single recessed triangular shape before pushing rearward into the top of the front fenders like the smaller Caddy.

Of course LED DRLs (daytime running lights) are an ever-present premium (and not so premium) styling statement these days, and photos show them adorning the headlight clusters as well as fog lamps in a long sweeping visually unbroken line from the bottom to the top of the fender. Think of the look as ATS extreme, being that the fog lights are much taller in a more vertical design.

Cadillac’s vertical design theme once again continues into the CTS rear styling, with simple, attractive taillights integrating vertical LEDs, of course. Once again a wide, narrow V-shaped rear deck lid spoiler incorporates a wide, narrow LED CHMSL (Centre High Mount Stop Lamp), with the crested-wreath badge just below at centre.

A single interior shot of the front passenger door shows beautiful matte finished burred walnut flanking sparkling metal brightwork and a two-tone colour scheme incorporating dark grey soft-touch plastics, suede-like Alcantara and possibly even leather surfaces combined with brown contrast stitching and saddle brown leather inserts for what appears to be a richly appointed cabin.

Whether or not these images were indeed leaked by a GM insider or planted by Cadillac’s marketing department can’t be known, as they showed up on GM Inside News after appearing on Flikr. Either way, they were available for viewing before the entire car was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show in Manhattan this week.