Video: 2014 Cadillac CTS sheds weight, gains power [NY Auto Show]

Following numerous image leaks, Cadillac has lifted the veil off of the new 2014 CTS luxury sedan. The redesigned four-door features an available twin-turbocharged 420-horsepower 3.6L V6, an eight-speed automatic and – according to Cadillac – the lightest curb weight in its segment.

Although the new CTS is still wedgy, its look is far more refined, appearing to blend cues from the larger XTS with the low-slung ATS.



The new CTS' interior is clearly derivative of the automaker's smaller ATS. We're somewhat surprised to see the capacitive switch panel from the ATS and XTS arrive in the CTS considering it has been met with mixed reviews. As expected, Cadillac's CUE infotainment system is a central part of the dashboard, and it can be teamed with an optional 12.3-inch LCD screen that takes up the place of conventional gauges is a new addition to the lineup. 

Cadillac will offer the CTS with a total of eight different "interior environments," complete with numerous different upholstery choices and trim options - including de rigueur open pore wood trim and the contrasting stitching that GM has made so prominent in its lineup.

The CTS will be tasked with competing more directly with cars like the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class than before. Previously, the CTS was priced more along the lines of the smaller BMW 3-Series and Audi A4, but it was sized more like those cars' bigger brothers.

But with the 2013 model year arrival of the smaller Cadillac ATS, the CTS is being pushed upmarket. The ATS seems to be performing fairly well for Cadillac in the market, but expanding into a higher price class could prove to be a challenge for General Motors' luxury brand.

Lighter Curb Weight, More Power
Cadillac thinks the new CTS will have what it takes to be a serious contender. Underneath, the new car will move to a version of the Alpha rear-drive platform that underpins the ATS. Overall length is up by five inches compared to the outgoing model, a dimensional change that, in combination with a 1.2-inch longer wheelbase, puts the sedan more in line with its midsize German rivals.
 
Despite the size increase, Cadillac promises that the new CTS will burden the scales with less mass than its predecessor and, in entry-level form, check in at 200 lbs. lighter (!) than a BMW 528i – which equates to a svelte 3616-lb. curb weight. The weight reduction should be a boon for handling, which can be further improved (along with ride comfort) by a Magnetic Ride Control adaptive damping system that's newly optional on the standard CTS - previously, it was reserved for the CTS-V.

Under its hood, the CTS will come standard with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 272 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque while returning 19 city/30 highway mpg. Cadillac's 3.6L V6 will stand as the range's mid-level offering, developing 321 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of twist. The 3.6L is expected to carry a 19 city/28 highway mpg rating.
 
However, the big news for 2014 is the introduction of a 3.6L twin-turbocharged V6 in the new Vsport model. The twin-turbo mill is based on Cadillac's naturally aspirated 3.6L V6, but boasts a number of improvements, including a new block casting, updated cylinder heads, stronger connecting rods and a 10.2:1 compression ratio.  As a result of those changes, the twin-turbo V6 cranks out 420 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, good for a 0-60 time of just 4.6 seconds and efficiency of 17 city/25 highway mpg.

Other Vsport goodies include Brembo disc brakes, a driver-selectable track mode for the standard Magnetic Ride Control system, an electronic limited-slip differential, a heavy-duty track cooling package, a quickened steering ratio and 18-inch wheels shod with Pirelli summer tires (19-inchers with all-season rubber will be available).

Cadillac’s first eight-speed automatic will be fitted to the Vsport and rear-wheel-drive 3.6L models, while all 2.0L variants will make do with a six-speed automatic. All-wheel-drive will be optional on 3.6L and 2.0L models and be available exclusively with a six-speed auto.
 
The slow-selling six-speed manual option from the current CTS has been deep-sixed.

A diesel engine is rumored, but Cadillac will likely watch to see how BMW and Audi do with their 5-Series and A6 turbodiesels that will both arrive for the 2014 model year. Currently, only Mercedes-Benz offers a diesel in the premium midsize segment. 

Once again, Cadillac will follow up with a third-generation, V8-powered CTS-V about a year after the standard model goes on sale.

Unfortunately, the coupe and wagon variants aren't likely to be offered again.
 
Production of the 2014 CTS sedan will commence this fall.

Live images by Mark Elias.