Overclocker

Distinctive shape of the grille is the most striking new aspect of the exterior design.


From the looks of this prototype the CTS will stay roughly the same size as the current model, a move which could keep it from challenging the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 directly.


From the rear you can clearly see how this CTS uses shorter doors and a rising beltline to create a more dynamic profile.


Gauges get deep binnacles while the door panels ditch their origami style in favor of a more luxurious design.

By Ed Hellwig Email | Blog
Date posted: 08-24-2006

GM is gearing up for the release of the 2008 Cadillac CTS and our latest spy video from Death Valley gives you the best look yet at this completely redesigned sport sedan.

Still riding on GM's midsize rear-wheel-drive architecture, the most dramatic changes for this CTS appear right up front. The much larger, more detailed grille is wider and it stretches farther down past the bumper than before, a styling cue similar to Audi's latest designs. Cadillac also appears to have shortened the greenhouse in back and smoothed out some of the previous model's sharper edges to give the car a longer, lower look.

The 2008 Cadillac CTS isn't likely to get many changes under the hood as its current V6s are two of GM's most advanced engines. With the larger 3.6-liter already making 255 horsepower, a modest bump to the 280-hp range would keep it in line with the competition. Another likely upgrade is a switch to a six-speed automatic transmission from the current model's five-speed unit.

Poor-quality interior materials and a less-than-flattering cabin design were two of the biggest problems with the original CTS. Cadillac is looking to correct these issues with a more traditional interior design which utilizes higher-quality materials closer to what you might find in its German competitors. An open door gave us a few hints of what the new interior will look like, but most of the details remained hidden. If anything, the door panels themselves show some improvement with better-looking materials and none of the odd shapes that characterized the previous model.

Look for the debut of the 2008 Cadillac CTS at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show in January with sales beginning later next year.

Source: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...cleId=116604#4

2008 Cadillac CTS Spy Video on site