2008 Cadillac CTS

General Motors has revealed the 2008 Cadillac CTS — an all-new version of its popular midsize sedan, on display at the Detroit auto show this week. The new model is wider and longer than its predecessor, with a 113-inch wheelbase the only unchanged measurement. Some of the most noticeable changes come to the interior, which GM promises will be extremely competitive with European rivals.

The base model features a 3.6-liter variable-valve-timing V6 with 258 horsepower. A direct-injection version offers 300 horsepower. GM is expected to introduce a high-performance Cadillac CTS-V for the 2009 model year at a later date.



Like its predecessor, the 2008 Cadillac CTS is offered with rear- or all-wheel-drive. Some suspension, braking, and steering improvements from last year's Cadillac CTS-V have been added to the standard Cadillac CTS. Optional features include iPod integration, swiveling headlights, Bose premium audio, and remote start.



The Cadillac CTS's success was credited to its appearance in The Matrix Reloaded. When creating the film, the creaters of the film were looking for a car for a chase scene for the film, and were looking for a car that would fit the atmosphere of the film. General motors heard about this, and suggested the Cadillac CTS to the filmmakers. They also suggested the Escalade, but the filmmakers rejected it. They showed more interest in the Cadillac Escalade EXT, but it wasn't scheduled to go into prototype stage until 2001. Because of this, General Motors took production Chevrolet Avalanches and converted them into Escalade EXTs using prototype parts. Joel Silver, the creater of The Matrix stated, "We selected Cadillac to play a major role in The Matrix Reloaded because we knew the Cadillac CTS and Cadillac EXT could handle our rigorous production demands, as well as fit seamlessly into the innovative, hyper-stylized world of the Matrix." Ten Cadillac CTS prototypes were used for the film, each showing different extents of damage.