2009 Cadillac CTS news, pictures, and information

2009 CADILLAC CTS DELIVERS AN AWARD-WINNING PACKAGE OF DESIGN, TECHNOLOGY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

Direct injection technology helps the CTS offer more power while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions. It delivers fuel more precisely to increase the efficiency of combustion. This means less fuel is consumed and lower emissions created. With the CTS' 3.6L V-6, this translates to 304 horsepower (227 kW),* no loss of fuel efficiency and a 25-percent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions. It also runs on less expensive regular unleaded gasoline.

The standard 3.6L VVT engine that produces 263 horsepower (196 kW) and 253 lb.-ft (343 Nm) of torque serves as the base engine in North America and is available in rear- and all-wheel-drive layouts.

The 2.8L VVT engine is available only on rear-drive models of the CTS offered outside the Ú.S. It is an all-aluminum, 60-degree DOHC, four-valve-per-cylinder engine that develops 211 horsepower (157 kW) at 6,800 rpm and 182 lb.-ft. (247 Nm) of torque at 3,600 rpm.

All CTS engines are matched wîth fuel-saving six-speed transmissions, including an Aisin six-speed manual or an electronically controlled Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic. The Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic features driver shift control, which enables on-demand clutch-less manual shifts.

On vehicles equipped wîth AWD, the 6L50 is partnered wîth an active transfer case that automatically transfers torque from the rear to the front of the vehicle for optimal traction, safety and performance. The AWD system's default setting is a 40/60 torque split, but as the conditions merit, all of the torque can be applied to either axle. A limited-slip differential also is available.

Driving dynamics

The CTS chassis enables a great balance of performance and luxury. The hardware includes structural enhancements via a tower-to-tower brace; large, four-wheel disc brakes and premium §teering. Three suspension tuning levels are available: FE1 wîth 17-inch wheels; FE2 wîth 18-inch wheels and all-season tires and the performance-oriented FE3, wîth 18-inch summer performance tires.

For 2009, the highly capable Summer Performance package receives a major new addition, as §teering wheel-mounted shifters for the six-speed automatic transmission are included.

The CTS uses ann independent short/long arm ( SLA) front suspension system. Its performance characteristics are optimized wîth the use of aluminum for the upper and lower control arms, as well as the knuckles, reducing overall mass.

Hydraulic control arm front bushings are used for motion control and help minimize high-speed road vibration by damping energy transmitted through the vehicle structure. Also, hollow front stabilizer bars bring weight savings and are sized specifically to each of the three available suspension levels.

A multi-link rear suspension, wîth a fully isolated subframe, delivers excellent suspension kinematics that contributes to a superior ride wîth excellent handling. It provides maximum tuning flexibility so that the suspension can be tuned to react in a predetermined manner, such as during high-lateral cornering forces, where the rear wheels will respond wîth the correct camber and toe to avoid rapid destabilizing changes.

The CTS features advanced chassis technology in the form of Cadillac's StabiliTrak electronic chassis control system. It integrates the car's standard four-channel ABS wîth the full-function traction control, hydraulic brake assist and engine drag control systems.

Craftsmanship and quietness

	Vital Stats
Engine : 2.8 L., 6-cylinder Power: 211 hp Torque: 182 ft-lbs Engine : 3.6 L., 6-cylinder Power: 304 hp Torque: 273 ft-lbs Engine : 3.6 L., 6-cylinder Power: 263 hp Torque: 253 ft-lbs
6-speed Manual, 6-speed Automatic

Every CTS features Cadillac's 'cut-and-sew' interior process that combines advanced technology wîth the hand-rendered precision of expert craftsmen. Coverings for components such as the instrument panel, center console and door trim are cut, sewn and wrapped by hand. This enables details such as decorative French stitching and the near elimination of gaps and seams, for a superbly tailored appearance.

Quietness is another measure of CTS' craftsmanship. Detailed analysis of sound and vibration was lavished on the CTS during its development. This reduced overall cabin noise via improved body sealing and sound insulation. It also focused on tuning the quality of the remaining sound. A perforated pattern, for example, has been added to the inside of the tailpipes to increase resonance, adding more pleasing, low-frequency sounds to counteract high-frequency noise.

On the exterior, quieting elements and manufacturing techniques include an innovative laser brazing process that affixes the roof panel more crisply; installing the windshield glass without visible rubber seals and joints; and triple-sealed doors.

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