Cadillac to Unveil New CTS Next Month, Escalade This Fall

Cadillac will unveil a redesigned CTS sedan at next month's New York International Auto Show, with a new Escalade SUV arriving this fall. The Detroit News reports Cadillac marketing chief Don Butler told dealers on Sunday at the National Automobile Dealers Association's annual convention in Orlando, Fla., to expect redesigns for both models soon.

The current CTS hit dealerships back in August 2007. Despite its age, the CTS was Cadillac's second best-selling model in 2012 behind only the SRX crossover. Cadillac may move the CTS squarely into the midluxury segment — think BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS and Mercedes-Benz E-Class — in the redesign because the new ATS now stacks up against smaller luxury sport sedans like the BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G-turned-Q50.

Two Cadillac spokesmen did not immediately return our requests for comment, but if availability suggests sales, the CTS coupe could make a strong case to accompany the next generation. It makes up 27% of Cars.com new-car CTS inventory. By contrast, the CTS wagon may not make it; it accounts for less than 4% of all CTS inventory.

2012 Cadillac CTS Video

Now in its fifth model year, the Cadillac CTS has held up well compared to other entries in the midsize luxury sedan segment, according to Cars.com editor Mike Hanley. The CTS has a great interior and a refined feeling ride, says Hanley. But does it have what it takes to beat the BMW 5 Series in the handling department?

Cars.com Reviews the 2012 Cadillac CTS

The CTS has been the keystone to Cadillac's "reinvention" since 2003, according to Cars.com editor Mike Hanley. Despite being on the road for nearly four years, the second-generation CTS still holds up well, Hanley says. For the 2012 model year, it receives a few exterior refinements and, while mostly untouched, the interior of the CTS still feels well-appointed. The only major downside is the cramped backseat, he says.

2012 Cadillac CTS Review

2012 Cadillac CTS: Car Seat Check

Cadillac’s stylish, sporty midsize car got a little more horsepower for 2012 and is again available in coupe, sedan and wagon body styles. We tested the five-passenger sedan version and loaded it with child-safety seats. Since it’s the brand’s best-selling car, chances are more than a few families are using the CTS to cart the kids around in style.

For the Car Seat Check, we use a Graco SnugRide 30 rear-facing infant-safety seat, a Britax Roundabout convertible child-safety seat and Graco high-back TurboBooster seat.

No Plans for Cadillac XTS-V

Wards Auto is reporting there will be no V performance version for Cadillac's new-for-2013 XTS sedan lineup.

Slated to replace the DTS as the largest Cadillac in the lineup, the XTS is based on the Buick LaCrosse's architecture but is several inches longer. It'll feature a V-6 powertrain when it goes on sale this spring. The sole engine will be a 300-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 in front- or all-wheel drive.

With the CTS having a performance version and a plan already in the works for the forthcoming ATS's entry to the V club, Cadillac doesn't see the need to offer a more potent XTS. In fact, Cadillac told Wards that unlike its stable mates, the XTS isn't intended to be a performance vehicle.

Wards is also reporting that Cadillac hasn't ruled out a larger sedan that would slot above XTS in size and price and offer a performance-oriented powertrain.

No XTS Performance Model Planned, But Bigger Cadillac Being Eyed (Wards Auto)

2012 Chevrolet Sonic, Volkswagen Passat Earn Five-Star NHTSA Ratings

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released another batch of 2012 model-year crash-test ratings today. Under the stricter guidelines, the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic compact and the new 2012 Volkswagen Passat sedan earned five-star composite scores.

NHTSA’s composite scores are composed of five-star ratings for frontal, rollover and a combined side pole and barrier tests. The side pole test, which is new, simulates a 20-mph side-impact crash into a 10-inch-diameter pole or tree at a 75-degree angle just behind the A-pillar on the driver’s side.

Cadillac Adds New Touring Package to 2012 CTS Lineup

Components typically reserved for Cadillac’s exclusive and expensive V club are now a bit more accessible to 2012 CTS buyers. Features usually found in V-trim Cadillacs are newly available on 2012 CTS models through a Touring Package.

Available on coupes, sedans and wagons, the CTS Touring Package includes equipment like Recaro seats, suede seat and steering-wheel inserts, high-intensity-discharge headlamps and specific V-themed spoiler and wheels.

2012 Toyota Camry Earns Five-Star NHTSA Rating

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released its first batch of 2012 model year ratings this month. Under the stricter guidelines, only three 2012 models — the Chevrolet Camaro, Cadillac CTS and Toyota Camry — have earned five-star composite scores from the safety agency. In fact, as we previously reported, the Camaro is the only vehicle to earn a perfect rating across the board since the new guidelines took effect for the 2011 model year.

NHTSA’s composite scores are composed of five-star ratings for frontal, rollover and a combined side pole and barrier tests. The side pole test, which is new, simulates a 20-mph side-impact crash into a 10-inch-diameter pole or tree at a 75-degree angle just behind the A-pillar on the driver’s side.

The redesigned 2012 Camry earned a five-star overall rating, getting four stars in the frontal test, five stars in the side-crash test and four stars in the rollover test.

Recall Alert: 2012 Cadillac CTS

General Motors is recalling 674 2012 Cadillac CTS models for potential brake failure, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

On select CTS models, built from Oct. 21 to Oct. 26, the power vacuum brake boost pushrod may not have been attached correctly, allowing it to separate from the brake pedal. If this happens, the result could be the loss of braking, resulting in a crash.

GM dealers will inspect the power vacuum brake boost pushrod retention nut, and if necessary, torque the nut to the proper specifications. The service will be performed at no charge and shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes to complete, according to the carmaker. For more info, owners can call Cadillac at 800-458-8006 or NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236.

2012 Cadillac CTS: Ch-Ch-Changes

For the 2012 model year, the Cadillac CTS sedan, coupe and wagon get a new V-6 engine, exterior updates and some trim reshufflings.

The updated 3.6-liter V-6, which comes equipped on Cadillac’s Performance and Premium trims, is now rated at 318 horsepower, up from 304 hp in the previous model. Despite the power boost, the new engine has the same fuel-economy ratings — an EPA-estimated 18/27 mpg city/highway — as the 2011 model.

Lower trim models will continue to be offered with a 270-hp, 3.0-liter V-6. The new 3.6-liter V-6 engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission; the six-speed manual option is no longer available on the 3.6, but it’s still an option with the 3.0. Rear- and all-wheel drive are available on all trims.

Along with the new engine, Cadillac has updated the CTS grille. It now has a more pronounced two-dimensional grid design as opposed to the somewhat three-dimensional mesh grill on the 2011 model. According to Cadillac, the grille and Cadillac badge have more detail to them than the ones they replace (an up close photo is provided below).

Cadillac also added a new feature package, called the Touring Package, to its lineup for the model year. The package includes dark finishes to the exterior, metal pedals, a darkened wood trim and suede-trimmed upholstery. The feature suite is available with either the 3.0-liter or the 3.6-liter V-6. When equipped with the 3.6-liter, the Touring Package also comes with Recaro seats and 19-inch wheels.

Cadillac will announce pricing and more trim details soon. The model goes on sale in late summer.