2006 Cadillac CTS news, pictures, and information

CADILLAC CTS ADDS SPORTS PACKAGES FOR 2006

The CTS offers two transmissions. The Aisin six-speed manual transmission is fully synchronized (including reverse), wîth a single overdrive. This allows for lower propshaft speeds and improved noise, vibration and harshness. The transmission is rated for 400 Nm (295 horsepower) and its unique architecture is such that the gear inertias are lower, resulting in significantly lower shift efforts compared to conventional RWD manual transmissions.

The compact, state-of-the-art 5L40-E automatic transmission features a full complement of advanced electronic control capabilities. These include a shift mode button that allows the driver to select between 'sport,' 'winter' and 'economy' modes. Another electronic feature also is a first for GM: engine braking in all five gears, giving the automatic the same sporty feel as a downshifting manual.

Dramatic design

The design team gave CTS a uniquely Cadillac look. Its lean, chiseled body features sheer forms, sharp edges and crisp intersecting lines.

Conventional Cadillac cues, including the grille and exterior lighting, have been updated for the CTS. Cadillac's traditional vertical headlamps and taillamps first appeared in 1965, and CTS refines the tradition. CTS' integrated headlamps convey the high-tech image of optical instruments and high-end camera lenses. Thin and tall, they create more space for the large, louvered grille.

The interior provides all the amenities that luxury customers have come to expect, wîth the emphasis on comfort and convenience. It uses warm, rich materials to contrast wîth a sophisticated, high-tech cockpit appearance, balancing the contemporary feel wîth touches of traditional luxury. Simulated wooden surfaces are used sparingly on the §teering wheel, shifter knob and door pulls.

Comprehensive safety and security

CTS has six air bags, including dual-stage frontal air bags for front-seat passengers. Head-curtain side air bags help protect front and outboard rear passengers. It also has Xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) halogen headlamps, StabiliTrak and OnStar.

StabiliTrak assists the vehicle in maintaining the driver's intended path by applying a brake force at any corner of the vehicle independent of the driver's use of the brake pedal.

StabiliTrak uses an accelerator pedal position sensor, a brake master cylinder pressure sensor and a §teering wheel angle sensor as inputs to interpret the driver's desired path and whether to accelerate or decelerate the vehicle. StabiliTrak also uses these sensors plus a lateral accelerometer and yaw rate sensor to determine the vehicle's actual path.

If the difference between the driver's desired path and the vehicle's actual path becomes great enough, StabiliTrak automatically takes appropriate action to assist the driver wîth maintaining the desired path. If the vehicle begins to 'snowplow,' or understeer, StabiliTrak applies the inside rear brake to help turn the vehicle. If the vehicle begins to fishtail, or oversteer, StabiliTrak applies the outside front brake to straighten the vehicle. StabiliTrak is integrated wîth the traction control and anti-lock braking (ABS) systems.

OnStar-equipped CTS models will feature OnStar dual-mode (analog-digital) equipment. OnStar's digital equipment also includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the Únited States and Canada . Úsing the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Hands-Free Calling that allows drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls using an externally mounted antenna for greater reception.

All 2006 Cadillac owners will receive 12 months of complimentary access to Cadillac Virtual Advisor by OnStar. Cadillac Virtual Advisor service begins at activation of OnStar Hands-Free Calling. Cadillac Virtual Advisor provides three-day weather forecasts and traffic reports within pre-selected ranges of 5, 10 or 15 miles of the vehicle's location in most major markets. Cadillac Virtual Advisor also monitors traffic for up to three personalized routes and reports information on up to 10 selected stocks on the DJI and NASDAQ markets – all at the touch of a single button.

CTS-V

The CTS-V performance variant provides high-performance driving enthusiasts wîth a serious, credible alternative to imports in the highly competitive, low-volume luxury performance §egmènt, including the BMW M-Series, Mercedes-Benz AMG Series and Audi S-Series.

The V-Series has been designed to take Cadillac's performance credentials to an entirely new level. With 400 horsepower (298 kw), CTS-V is the most powerful production model Cadillac has ever offered.

Based on Cadillac's performance-oriented rear-drive Sigma architecture, CTS-V is a highly refined high-performance luxury sedan designed for performance enthusiast drivers.

The CTS-V features a performance-tuned engine and suspension, as well as numerous other modifications, including exterior and interior design changes.

New for 2006