CADILLAC CTS Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The third-generation Cadillac CTS sedan is a midsize luxury sedan that is defined by performance, elevated luxury, and sophisticated technology. On its own merits, the CTS sedan still has plenty of appeal. Despite the newcomers ATS and XTS, the 2013 CTS remains the heart of Cadillac's sales and reputation.

The CTS's distinctive shield-shaped front grille is updated again for 2013 with a bright appearance on the vertical and horizontal bars that compose the grille's frame. The grille is wider, while the headlights flow up with the hood line, incorporating a strip of LED lights that runs down until it meets the lower spoiler lip. Models equipped with the CTS Touring Package feature a grille with dark vertical and horizontal bars.

The third-generation Cadillac CTS sedan is a midsize luxury sedan that is defined by performance, elevated luxury, and sophisticated technology. It is based on the high-performance rear-drive ATS sport sedan architecture that will enable it to be the class's most agile and dynamic car.

The engine range includes the all-new Cadillac Twin-Turbo engine bolted to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It also includes multi-link MacPherson strut suspension for the front, five-link independent rear suspension, available all-wheel-drive, and Magnetic Ride Control to enhance performance.

The interior is roomy and driver-oriented, with eight environment trimmings, each fitted with wood, carbon fiber,, aluminum, and leather. Among Cadillac's technologies, the CTS includes heated and cooled 20-way adjustable front seats, an electronically locking glove box, an adaptive remote start feature, panic brake assist, lane departure warning, and others. Worth mentioning is that the new CTS will be the first car from Cadillac to have Automatic Parking Assist, which enables it to park itself in a parallel space.

In terms of performance might not be as sporty as its rivals, BMW or Audi. While the 2013 Cadillac CTS remains an enjoyable luxury sedan, we think there are better choices to check,, such as the the 2013 BMW 3 Series or the similarly sized 2013 Lexus GS 350. CTS might be an option if you truly need that extra room and you are more on comfort and space.

Every 2013 Cadillac CTS comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but there is also an all-wheel drive for those who need it. The 3.0 Luxury comes standard with a 3.0-liter V6 that produces 265 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque.

The included dual exhaust bumps output up to 270 hp and 223 lb-ft of torque when equipped with the Touring package. The Gearbox is not the most performant, and for lovers of automatics, there is only one available, A six-speed automatic.

If Caddilac has some lacks on the performance side, it didn't neglect the safety of its passengers. Standard safety features for the 2013 Cadillac CTS include antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, active front head restraints, front-seat side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags.

Also standard is OnStar, which includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, an emergency button, stolen vehicle locator and active intervention, and remote door unlock. In the crash test, they received 5 stars out of five, making the CTS one of the safest cars in its class.

We must conclude with some pros and cons. It has a roomier cabin than its similarly priced rivals, an elegant interior, and good safety scores. The cons we want to mention are that the sport suspension may be too firm, it has a bit of poor reward visibility, and, most important could be more agile. The 2013 Cadillac CTS Sedan remains one of America's best luxury sedans but is still outclassed by European competitors.

Cadillac introduced the second generation of the CTS at the beginning of 2007 at the North American International Auto Show, and the premium vehicle came in hard times during the world financial crisis.

When the American premium carmaker started to change its attitude toward the market and started to build vehicles for younger generations, it understood that it had to keep the pace. The new design language and new technologies had to be showcased on new vehicles, such as the CTS. Its angular look and vertical, corner-mounted headlights were in complete opposition with those found on older DeVilles or Broughams. The car's aggressive stance was amplified by the ascending line and the tall trunk. Moreover, the greenhouse with angled windshield and sloped rear windscreen looked way sportier than the vertical C-pillars from the former Cadillac vehicles.

The carmaker placed a center stack with aluminum accents and flat, modern-looking buttons in the cabin. Moreover, a folding screen for the navigation system found its place on the dashboard. Inside the instrument cluster, the speedometer took center stage with its individual, round cluster, flanked by a tachometer on the left and a three-gauge cluster on the right. Moreover, the 7,000 rpm red-line for engine speed was something old Cadillacs never dreamed of. But the luxurious ambiance and the elegant clock from the center stack didn't let the four occupants forget that they are riding in a Caddy.

Under the hood, GM installed a range of V6 engines that provided up to 311 horses for the regular CTS, which could give hard times to other German premium carmakers. On top of that, the CTS also sported a few all-wheel drive versions.

In the search for a new trend, Cadillac launched the 2003 CTS after an intensive development on the Nurburgring race-track. The design was radically changed from what it was known before.

The car looked fresh and ready to tackle the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It was not that old-school looking car. The Cadillac management finally understood that young customers won't buy a car that looked old even when it was new. The CTS changed that and the Origami Style was a bad surprise for the older customers and good news for the younger ones.

With its vertical headlights and wedge-shaped bodywork, the CTS looked stylish and modern. The square scoops in the bumper were filled with fog-lights and parking lights. The grille started to feature a vague V-shape on the bottom. Viewed from the sides, the raked A- and C-pillars evoked a more dynamic profile.

Inside, the faux-wood trims on the steering wheel, center console, center stack, and door panels looked good. In that department, Cadillac had good designers and knew their job. The audio system featured a tape-player and a CD-Changer. There was enough room both in the front and on the back seat.

The car was engineered with help from the Opel engineers, who knew how to build a car by European standards. Since the CTS replaced the Catera (which was a re-badged Opel Omega with more chrome on it), the result had to be over that. The CTS was offered with a better suspension and drivetrain. A self-leveling rear suspension was offered as an option.