Jump to content
Create New...
  • William Maley
    William Maley

    Spying: Cadillac CTS

    William Maley

    Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

    June 12, 2012

    The next Cadillac CTS is just around the corner and Inside Line has gotten their hands on new spy shots that reveal some key parts that will appear when the it arrives in the 2014 model year.

    Starting with the exterior, the front end appears to have some Ciel infulence with its flat and wide grille. Other items that we can pick out include aggressive wheels/tires and large brakes.

    Inside, the CTS will get Cadillac's CUE infotainment system, a stitched dash, and paddle shifters.

    The big news lies under the hood. This CTS mule appears to be packing a twin-turbo V6 and the way we can tell that is due to the engine cover saying that. Speculation is the cover controls the unpleasant sounds of direct-injection system and is needed during the testing phase. Now, we're not sure if this the 3.0L TT, 3.6L TT, or if its a turbocharged engine at all. We'll find out in due time.

    Source: Inside Line

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments



    I wonder if the next CTS will have a 4cyl base model (2.0T?).

    In that over at VW/Audi, you get a 4-banger in the A3, A4, A5, and A6,... And we all 'know' Cadillac has to catch up to Audi, seems a possibility...

    +3-series, +5-series

    • Agree 2
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    snapback.pngdfelt, on , said:

    The one thing left out is the fact that the public is no longer I have to own a V8 mentality anymore.

    Ford has proven they could take the strongest market for the V8 in the Half Ton pickup market and slap a TT V6 in it even at a higher price and take 50% of the sales. Too many here think the public has a unending love affair for the V8 and they no longer do.

    The fact is people today love technology and the flat torque curves of the new turbo engines.

    The V8 will have a place but it is no longer the end all be all of all automotive things to the public. What they want and think is all that matters in the end because if there is that great of a take rate on TT V6 engines in a pick up there is even a greater one in a performance luxury auto. They are the ones paying the money and if that is what the public demands then give it to them.

    No, but they do not view the V8 negatively compared to a turbo V6 either, especially when power output is comparable or superior.

    If a V8 can be similarly or more powerful, cost less, be less demanding on maintenance, and offer similar fuel economy, there is very little imperative to downsize displacement and go with forced induction. The big misconception is that there is a huge fuel economy difference between a 3.5 TTV6 and a 6.2 Pushrod NA V8. There isn't. An SHO Taurus is at 17/25 mpg, A Camaro SS is at 16/25 mpg -- both automatic. By itself, the V8 6.2 is actually lighter than the TT V6 3.5, with less plumbing under the hood and cost less to build. It makes 35 more hp and 50 more lb-ft of twist. That's without direct injection and closing that 1 mpg gap shouldn't be mission impossible.

    • Agree 3
    • Disagree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    MKS has a 355/350 tune EcoBoost, but is there any reason the 365/420 could not be installed? 420 TRQ is on par with the E550 V8's 443 TRQ.

    Exhaust and transmission restrictions most likely.

    Correct.

    Ford doesn't have a transverse transmission able to handle more torque than 350 lb-ft. No such problem with the F150.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    snapback.pngdfelt, on , said:

    The one thing left out is the fact that the public is no longer I have to own a V8 mentality anymore.

    Ford has proven they could take the strongest market for the V8 in the Half Ton pickup market and slap a TT V6 in it even at a higher price and take 50% of the sales. Too many here think the public has a unending love affair for the V8 and they no longer do.

    The fact is people today love technology and the flat torque curves of the new turbo engines.

    The V8 will have a place but it is no longer the end all be all of all automotive things to the public. What they want and think is all that matters in the end because if there is that great of a take rate on TT V6 engines in a pick up there is even a greater one in a performance luxury auto. They are the ones paying the money and if that is what the public demands then give it to them.

    No, but they do not view the V8 negatively compared to a turbo V6 either, especially when power output is comparable or superior.

    If a V8 can be similarly or more powerful, cost less, be less demanding on maintenance, and offer similar fuel economy, there is very little imperative to downsize displacement and go with forced induction. The big misconception is that there is a huge fuel economy difference between a 3.5 TTV6 and a 6.2 Pushrod NA V8. There isn't. An SHO Taurus is at 17/25 mpg, A Camaro SS is at 16/25 mpg -- both automatic. By itself, the V8 6.2 is actually lighter than the TT V6 3.5, with less plumbing under the hood and cost less to build. It makes 35 more hp and 50 more lb-ft of twist. That's without direct injection and closing that 1 mpg gap shouldn't be mission impossible.

    Of course, every 3.5TT Taurus, MKS, Explorer, Flex, and MKT comes saddled with AWD for obvious reasons.

    Comparing the two engines in truck applications (I know, but bear with me), the 3.5TT in the F150 dusts off the L92 in the Silverado with regards to fuel economy.

    It should be interesting to see what the numbers for GM's new engines (both this and the Gen V engines) look like.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    snapback.pngdfelt, on , said:

    The one thing left out is the fact that the public is no longer I have to own a V8 mentality anymore.

    Ford has proven they could take the strongest market for the V8 in the Half Ton pickup market and slap a TT V6 in it even at a higher price and take 50% of the sales. Too many here think the public has a unending love affair for the V8 and they no longer do.

    The fact is people today love technology and the flat torque curves of the new turbo engines.

    The V8 will have a place but it is no longer the end all be all of all automotive things to the public. What they want and think is all that matters in the end because if there is that great of a take rate on TT V6 engines in a pick up there is even a greater one in a performance luxury auto. They are the ones paying the money and if that is what the public demands then give it to them.

    No, but they do not view the V8 negatively compared to a turbo V6 either, especially when power output is comparable or superior.

    If a V8 can be similarly or more powerful, cost less, be less demanding on maintenance, and offer similar fuel economy, there is very little imperative to downsize displacement and go with forced induction. The big misconception is that there is a huge fuel economy difference between a 3.5 TTV6 and a 6.2 Pushrod NA V8. There isn't. An SHO Taurus is at 17/25 mpg, A Camaro SS is at 16/25 mpg -- both automatic. By itself, the V8 6.2 is actually lighter than the TT V6 3.5, with less plumbing under the hood and cost less to build. It makes 35 more hp and 50 more lb-ft of twist. That's without direct injection and closing that 1 mpg gap shouldn't be mission impossible.

    Cylinder count is becoming more irrelivant. The real factor is even 1 MPG is a major issue for many Full Size Truck buyers and they are willing to pay for it. While they do not view the V8 in a negitive light they do get more and more excited about smaller engines with as good or little better power even if they have to pay for it.

    Also for years Torque ment little to the average buyer but today most truck buyers understand and love the low end torque of the turbo engine and how it feels. Most V8 engine have the torque but the it is still on a curve vs the flat and level torque levels of the turbo engines.

    Reguardless of the numbers etc the bottom line is what the people want and what they are willing to pay for. So far the TT V6 in the Ford is a money maker and looks to continue this into the future.

    Lets face it these people don't need a TT V6 but 90% of them don't need 4 wheel drive either. To be honest most of them don't need a full size truck either. But if it make money for GM or Ford God Bless them and their money.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites




    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • google-news-icon.png



  • google-news-icon.png

  • Subscribe to Cheers & Gears

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001 we've brought you real content and honest opinions, not AI-generated stuff with no feeling or opinions influenced by the manufacturers.

    Please consider subscribing. Subscriptions can be as little as $1.75 a month, and a paid subscription drops most ads.*
     

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Community Hive Community Hive

    Community Hive allows you to follow your favorite communities all in one place.

    Follow on Community Hive
  • Posts

    • That seems to be the idea that Ford and GM have out here. Plus for most it’s a good try before you buy. I feel that would be the route that I would go too…..
    • I was in a situation where I had rented a car – a category with a trunk – and there weren’t any available.  Their running out of certain categories happens frequently nowadays.  As such, I was assigned a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer. This didn’t look like any of the Trailblazers I remember.  For one, it was a lot smaller.  It was also badged as AWD.  I assumed there would be a Chevy 1.5L T I-4 under the hood.  Previous Trailblazers of the New Millennium ran with a 4.1 L I-6, possibly the modernized, aluminized version of the same 250 c.i. I-6 of the last century.  A friend bought one of these in the early 2000’s.  I was once given one by a rental agency and its 4.1L I-6 was incredibly smooth, but given how quickly the fuel gauge headed west, I took it back for an exchange within a day. Before even settling into the car, I looked under the hood to find a 1.3L T 3-cylinder engine.  Three-cylinder engines have become a lot more prevalent in Europe, even in small SUV-CUV types but typically in econoboxes.  As for initial impressions, it looked like the car would be sensible to drive and operate its functions.  This tuned out to be true.  The seats are supportive and comfortable enough, together with some attractive stitching, The materials are not high grade, with the same tougher fabric which might be in the Malibu.  In fact, except for some minor differences, transitioning from a Malibu to a Trailblazer is easy.  The width of the cabin, the gauges and switches, and the urethane steering wheel and its controls are similar.  In fact, in the Trailblazer, some things are better.  The touch screen is engaged in the dash, with the center vents above it, providing for excellent dispersion of what the air conditioner was dishing out - which was very cool.  Further down, the cubby for electronic devices is flatter and larger and the outlets and switches are all linearly arranged next to each other for easy use.  Also, with the inherently higher seating position, the view is better and the shifter and console height are in a more user-friendly position. The exterior sheet metal shows good taste, and the character lines are nicely done.  The front fascia with its lighting set-up is its strong point.  Even the rear taillamps look good as they wrap the rear corners. Returning to mechanical specifications, the transmission was a geared one.  The interwebs and its owner manual revealed this.  If a new Trailblazer is AWD, the transmission is a 9-speed automatic.  If it’s a 2WD, the transmission is a CVT.    This is a very utilitarian and practical package, and it couldn’t be described as refined.  However, the engine is not grainy but its rhythmic but not hushed hum is always present.  When pushed, it just hums more audibly.  The engine does what it’s supposed to do.  With around 140 horsepower, this is not a powerplant with which to riskily pass, sprint up long grades, and think it’s a jackrabbit, despite its having a turbocharger. The transmission is a “humorous” one.  I can’t think of another word.  There’s the expression “children should be seen and not heard.”  In this Trailblazer, it’s more like “children are heard but not seen.”  As the gearbox marches through its 9 gears, the spool-ups are quick and you hear them, but the unit slushes into the next gear as if it was a CVT and you don’t even feel the shifts.  However, if throttled, you will definitely feel the shifts and, in stop and go driving at lower speeds, it can hunt within the first 3 gears and do it in a jerky way.  However, in composed linear driving, the shifts are seamless but the short intervals for each gear, complete with the “sound effects,” was humorous … at least to me. The Trailblazer is a nimble enough vehicle.  It rides fairly smoothly, but can quickly become unsettled.  Its ride quality is not as budget-like as that of the now gone Chevy Spark and Sonic, but not as pleasant as that in the Malibu or even what they were able to accomplish in the final-gen Cruze.  Wind noise is reasonably controlled, but tire and suspension related noises aren’t as effectively soaked up.  The road surface is always being communicated to the cabin, telling you this is not a premium vehicle.  In the CUV-SUV category, I’ve only driven the much larger Chevy Traverse with a 3.6 VVT V6 … and we’re talking two different worlds. With the higher seating position, front and side visibility are good.  The thick rear sail panel makes angled rear visibility challenging.  This seems to be the norm in this typology of vehicles.  This unit did not have parking or side traffic sensors, which are much needed, and a few lane changes were more challenging since I like to mix up looking over my shoulder and using the mirrors.  With the rear seat up, storage space is good … thanks to the Trailblazer’s the boxy shape, and it’s very good with the split rear seat folded forward into the cabin.  It would come in handy to move boxes or a bundle of items.  There was a slot for a rear cover over the storage area, but it was missing.  This is one of the reasons I try to avoid this typology at the rental counter.  The windows are more tinted toward the rear, but I was still not comfortable with that.  The rental agency said ‘but we sell insurance for your personal effects.’  I doubt someone has the time to replace apparel and items that have been purchased over a span of agent while traveling.  Rental agencies don’t do a good job of monitoring this item.  I’m sure that a private owner would keep the retractable cover in its place as needed. Inside, while the controls are logically placed, there is no remote hatch or fuel filler release.  However, if the vehicle is locked, the fuel door cannot be opened.  Fuel consumption can vary a lot and the instant fuel mileage readout will clue in the driver to that.  I set the drivetrain to 2WD and “eco” mode, but it still has to lug around AWD hardware.  The readout goes from unimpressive city driving fuel efficiency to very plausible mileage at steady highway cruise.  The 9-speed automatic allows the Trailblazer with AWD to cruise at 65 mph at about 1,900 rpms.  That’s why it can attain the higher fuel mileage, but it took going to 3 cylinders to attain that. It was very easy to transition to the Trailblazer from several other Chevrolet models, and especially the Malibu.  Thinking of the similarities and differences, the Trailblazer could almost be viewed as a higher sitting and less refined riding 3-cylinder Malibu turned CUV-SUV.  For a consumer at the intersection of needing the packaging this vehicle provides and its price point, the Trailblazer could make sense. - - - - - PHOTOS FORTHCOMING
    • Name: DFELT First EV - 2024 Kia EV9 Category: Vehicles Date Added: 2024-04-29 Submitter: David   DFELT First EV - 2024 Kia EV9  
    • My vacation this past week didn’t pan out as planned, had to take an abbreviated trip closer to home.  Spent the last 3 nights in Marietta, Ohio down on the Ohio River.  Took the scenic route today up Ohio Rte 7 to my childhood hometown of Steubenville and out Rte 22 to 250 around Tappan Lake to I-77 then back home to the CLE area.  Took a couple scenic drives around Appalachian Ohio back roads Fri and Sat, my CT6 performed great on windy, hilly roads for such a big car.  It’s really a great road trip car.  Averaged 27.7 mpg over almost 600 miles.   Saw some interesting cars on the trip—an orange 70 Mustang coupe and a clean black ‘71 Chevelle.  Saw many dead and dying old cars in the backwoods fields and hollers.  Near my hotel, saw this red Thunderbird, orange MGB, red 1st gen Honda Insight (haven’t seen one of those forever), and a white C8.  Also saw sternwheelers and barges on the river. Fun, restful little getaway.  
  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online
  • My Clubs

×
×
  • Create New...

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search

Change privacy settings