[Brand History] Cadillac’s ‘the president car’..‘CTS’

[Kim, Song-Yi] Cadillac first became known as an automobile brand when it showed its ‘Model A’ at New York Auto Show in 1903 January. Its first model, ‘Model A’ got popular among American highbred people with its single engine that produced 10 hp, precise technology, and component compatibility. In 1905 April, it changed as Cadillac ‘Model D’ with four-cylinder engine.

Cadillac had its slogan ‘Standard of the World’ in 1912, which made Cadillac become a symbol of American dream. Under its goal, Cadillac had and showed future technology. For instance, Cadillac developed mass production type of V8 engine for the first time in the world in 1914.

▲ The brand getting ahead of future

Cadillac, which was evaluated as a ‘fruit of the most advanced technology and innovative design’, started its new project in 1998. The main aim is to make Cadillac grow as a world premium first-class brand.

Cadillac’s design strategy was to return to its original brand characteristic, ‘innovative design with future technology’. Cadillac specifically focused on creating whole new modern style of automobiles.

With its efforts, Cadillac’s design philosophy called ‘Art & Science’ was finally born. ‘Art’ indicates visual and artistic sensitivity and ‘Science’ means a harmonious technology. This kind of design words eventually demonstrates that fine technology is elevated into an art design. Cadillac’s CTS is the most classic model which reflects Cadillac’s philosophy.

▲ In 2002, 1st Generation of Cadillac CTS

Cadillac showed its new design philosophy with its concept car Evoq in 1999. In 2002, Cadillac announced its change for whole new design with CTS which first showed in 2002 Detroit. CTS is also a flare of the new age of Cadillac sedan.

1st generation CTS with straight line and innovative design reminded of a stealth fighter. It definitely shows what future Cadillac tries to head for.

It took for 14 years after 1988 Cimarron that Cadillac released real-wheel drive model. 220 hp, 3.2 ℓ engine and five-speed automatic transmission showed CTS’s strong performance. About 300,000 units of 1st generation CTS were sold, which made GM’s globalization become true.

Also, 1st generation CTS became more famous as it was used in the movie Matrix. It is still hard to forget the dynamic driving scene acted by Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss.

▲ In 2008, 2nd generation new CTS (released in domestic market in 2009).

2nd generation CTS showed balance between luxurious style and sporty design. Bigger radiator grille with vertical standing head lamps delivered more powerful messages to customers.

Appearance behind showed the harmony of future Cadillac and classical Cadillac. Slim and vertical tail lamps reminded 1950 Cadillac Eldorado

It performed 317 hp and its 3.6 ℓ V6 VVT direct spray engine was listed on the ‘world top 10 engines’ in both 2008 and 2009. In 2009 November, CTS was released in Korea with adding CTS 3.0 model that adopted 3.0 ℓ V6 VVT direct spray engine.

▲ In 2013, 3rd generation Cadillac CTS (released in Korea in 2014)

3rd CTS is a light but rigid model with the best driving performance. Also it reflects the newest ‘Art & Science’ design. Including safety system with high-technology, 3rd CTS shows every parts of luxurious sedan Cadillac defines.

When it compares to the existing models, it is 120mm longer for the whole length and 25mm lower for the overall height. Also, it is 130kg lighter for alacrity. 2.0 liter direct spray turbo charged engine produces 276 hp.

The newest Art and Science can be found from the large shield style of grille and vertical LED head lamps and tail lamps. It definitely gives more powerful impressions.

For the perfect driving, interior is also designed with high quality and ‘driver awareness package’ is adopted for the driver’s safety.

With high technology, strong performance, and high quality of safety system, CTS has been acknowledged as a luxury performance sedan in the world.