GM’s Cadillac brand has introduced the all-new 2014 edition of its CTS Sedan. The automaker said key features in the new vehicle include a longer, lower design, the use of lightweight technologies, a new twin-turbo V-6, and the brand’s first eight-speed transmission.

Performance

Cadillac offers two engines for the all-new CTS, the brand’s all-new Twin-Turbo V-6, available in the VSport model, a naturally aspirated 3.6L V-6, and a 2.0L turbocharged engine. The Twin-Turbo V-6 is SAE-rated at 420 hp and 430 lb.-ft. of torque. It features a pair of smaller turbochargers that provide more power on demand, with approximately 90 percent of peak torque available from 2,500rpm to 5,500 rpm, helping the CTS Sedan reach 60 mph in an estimated 4.6 seconds.

The 3.6L V-6 is rated at an estimated 321 hp and is paired with the automaker’s new paddle-shift eight-speed automatic in rear-wheel-drive models (it’s paired with a six-speed automatic in all-wheel drive models). The 2.0L turbocharged engine is rated at an estimated 272 hp and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

For fuel economy, the 3.6L V-6 Twin-Turbo is estimaetd at 17 city, 25 highway mpg. For the 3.6L V-6, fuel economy is 19 city, 28 highway for the rear-wheel-drive model and 18 city, 27 highway for the all-wheel-drive model. For the 2.0L Turbo, fuel economy is 19 city, 30 highway for the rear-wheel-drive model and 18 city, 28 highway for the all-wheel-drive version.

The new eight-speed transmission improves vehicle fuel economy by 1.5% over a six-speed transmission, according to Cadillac.

To enhance the driving experience, Cadillac said its development of suspension technologies for the ATS helped engineers tune the suspension to provide better feedback, control, and response. Cadillac added that the vehicle’s lighter curb weight than the outgoing model allow for the use of lighter weight chassis components, which reduces the vehicle’s unsprung weight and provides more precise handling. The automaker used a number of aluminum components in the suspension system and mostly steel in the rear suspension, helping to offset the weight of the engine and transmission up front. Cadillac also offers its Magnetic Ride Control real-time damping system as an option on all models, which is a first for the CTS, according to the company.

Exterior

Cadillac redesigned the CTS’ exterior for the 2014 model-year, stretching its wheelbase by 1.2 inches and making it longer by 5 inches, but lightening the vehicle’s curb weight, for example through the use of aluminum door structures. The CTS has LED lighting up front and its headlamps incorporate LED light guides. The CTS’ grille is winder and more detailed. Active grille shutters are available on some models and help improve aerodynamics. For wheels, buyers have a choice of 17-, 18- and 19-inch aluminum wheels.

Interior

Inside the all-new CTS, Cadillac offers eight different interior designs and the choice of wood, carbon fiber, or aluminum trim. The front seats are 20-way adjustable and leather is a material option.

Inside, a roomier, driver-centric cockpit interior with integrated technology and hand-crafted appointments complements the exterior elements and supports the CTS sedan’s driving experience. Eight available interior environments are offered, each trimmed with authentic wood, carbon fiber or aluminum. Leather seating is available, including available full semi-aniline leather, with hand-crafted, cut-and-sewn executions.

Other interior features include an electronically locking glove box, an electronic parking brake, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a motorized cup holder lid in the center console, and an adaptive remote start feature that can start up the climate control system.

Technology

The CTS features Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system, which features an 8-inch touchscreen that provides haptic feedback. Bluetooth connectivity and natural voice recognition are standard features in the CUE system. The system also provides USB and SD card ports.

Cadillac also offers a 12.3-inch high-resolution configurable LCD instrument cluster that complements the CUE display and shows active safety features. It gives drivers the choice of four different display layouts. A full-color configurable heads-up display is also an available feature.

For the audio system, a Bose eleven-speaker sound system is standard, and a Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound system with 13 speakers is available.

Safety

The CTS features a number of new, advanced safety systems from GM. It is the first Cadillac to feature Automatic Parking Assist, which uses ultrasonic sensors to parallel park. Another is Front and Rear Automatic Braking, which uses short-range radar technology and ultrasonic sensors to detect potential low-speed collisions in front of and behind the vehicle. The system alerts the driver if a collision is imminent with different warnings and can stop the vehicle if necessary.

The Driver Awareness Package works with Cadillac’s Safety Alert Seat technology by using vibrations in the driver’s seat, in the direction of the safety risk, to alert the driver of an imminent collision or if there is a vehicle in the CTS’ blind spot.

For standard features, the all-new 2014 CTS comes with 10 air bags, Brembo brakes, and OnStar (for one year). OnStar provides myCadillac and OnStar myCadillac movile device apps, which provide vehicle information, controls, and OnStar services. The apps are available for iPhone and Android devices.

Other available systems include Full Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control, Panic Brake Assist, Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Collision Preparation, a Lane Departure Warning system, Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Vision Camera With Dynamic Guidelines, Adaptive Forward Lighting, and an active pedestrian protection system in regions where required.