2002, Cadillac CTS Sets a New Trend
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Previewed to news media in 2001, the all-new Cadillac CTS went into production in 2002 for the 2003 model year, setting the benchmark for a new trend in all Cadillac styling.
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The CTS represented numerous "firsts" for Cadillac and General Motors. It was the first production Cadillac to use the "Art & Science" design theme which Cadillac had previewed with several concept cars starting in 1999. The CTS was also the first GM car to use a new rear-drive architecture called Sigma, the first GM vehicle with a 5-speed automatic transmission, and the first Cadillac to undergo development drives at Germany's Nürburgring.
With so much new, the CTS was a roll of the dice for GM. However it paid off by exceeding initial sales targets within two years, and moving more than 60,000 units in 2005, outselling all German competitors.
During its first generation, the CTS continually evolved. It gained an all-new engine and six-speed manual transmission. These improvements set the stage for the second generation CTS.
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