NAIAS Blog: Cadillac Has Europe in its Sights

Bryan Joslin

America's luxury brand continued its march toward European domination with three significant introductions at the Detroit show. GM Chairman Bob Lutz showed the Provoq concept that debuted last week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Despite its not-ready-for-prime-time E-Flex fuel cell/battery drivetrain, the handsome crossover looks as though it could arrive in Cadillac showrooms next month with a conventional gas engine.

Lutz didn't mince words when he said GM benchmarked the finest German sedans as the reference for the 6.2-liter supercharged CTS-V sedan. With 550 hp and 550 lb-ft, the V-spec'd version of Caddy's impressive mid-size sedan is ready to take on the likes of Merecedes' AMG models and BMW's M cars. Six-piston Brembo brakes and power Recaro seats make the CTS-V a very tasty proposition for true performance enthusiasts.

While neither of the first two vehicles were a total surprise, GM's Vice President of Design Ed Welburn unveiled a car with no forward warning- the CTS Coupe Concept. Using the same front end as a CTS sedan, the coupe boasts bold styling, with a long and fast backlight that ends at a stubby deck. Supposedly a stray design exercise, the CTS coupe proves GM's desire to lead again, as Lutz stated, by "putting creative authority back in the hands of the designers." No production plans for the coupe were announced, but it was stated that it could support any number of available engines, including a diesel.