Cadillac coupé strikes oil

By Jack Rix

23rd January 2008

The new Cadillac CTS Coupé was one of the biggest surprises of the Detroit Motor Show for two reasons. Not only was the unveiling totally unexpected, but the stylish US machine was fitted with a six-cylinder 2.9-litre turbodiesel engine delivering 247bhp.

Oil-burners aren’t popular in the American market, so Cadillac’s decision is clearly an attempt to improve its ‘green’ image with petrol-loving buyers Stateside. But the move is also designed to ensure that the model will appeal to European customers.

Although the coupé is based on the CTS, it shares only its headlamps, front bumper and grille with the sal­oon. Other than this, every body panel has been changed. The new car gets a more sporty pro­file, a steeper raked windscreen and lower suspension.

It’s shorter than the four-door, too, while the aggressive look is completed by sculpted bodywork bulges around the wheelarches. These hide a set of seven-spoke chrome rims – measuring 20 inches in diameter at the front and 21 inches at the rear.

The changes aren’t only reserved for the exterior, though – Cadillac’s cabin designers have been busy, too. Four Recaro sports seats have been added, while carbon fibre trim on the centre console helps set the coupé apart further from the CTS saloon. A premium Bose sound system is also fitted – this comprises a 40GB hard drive for storing digital music and video files, and a satellite radio.

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