New MT article on CTS

[ellives]

Excellent article on the CTS. Nice fluff piece by Angus MacKenzie.

Nice focus on the details of the CTS. I'm convinced this is going to be a winner product for Cadillac. Let's hope for some momentum.

Go GM!

[bcs296]

...But you only need to walk around the 2008, to run your hands over the surfaces, to eyeball the details to realize this is probably the most revolutionary Cadillac sedan in decades. And here's why: You can see GM has spent serious money on this thing.

The front fender is a case in point. If you look closely at where the fender meets the base of the A-pillar, you'll notice not only the die-cast metal (not plastic) chrome vent, but a near bas-relief effect around it that's as ordered and intricate as a Frank Lloyd Wright facade. "My head still has the dents in it from the clubbing I got from the manufacturing guys," laughs exterior designer John Manoogian. "They told me it would defy the laws of physics to try and stamp that thing."

But stamp it they did.

In terms of sheer manufacturing competence, the precise, complex execution of the sheetmetal rivals that of BMW.

The human touch is an important element of the all-new CTS interior, too. Coverings for such components as the instrument panel, center console, and door trims are cut, sewn, and wrapped by hand. This process, originally developed for the limited-production STS-V and XLR-V models, enabled details like decorative French stitching, says interior designer Eric Clough, and the near elimination of gaps and seems for a more tailored appearance.

We'll wait until we've driven it, of course--though insiders report the new direct-injection V-6 packs a solid punch and the new rear suspension sticks like glue--but on paper, this CTS looks to be a credible, no-excuses player against the European sport-sedan establishment.

Once claimed to be the Standard of the World, Cadillac is still on the road to redemption. But if the second-generation versions of the STS, XLR, SRX, and DTS show the same step-change improvement in design, engineering, and perceived quality as this second-generation CTS, Cadillac's place as America's only globally competitive luxury automobile is assured.

Angus Mackenzie

Edited February 11, 2007 by bcs296

[pow]

I agree. The sheetmetal surfacing on the new CTS, while less creased than the old version, is nevertheless elegant and fresh.