Production of the Cadillac CTS has officially ended at the Cadillac Lansing Grand River plant in Michigan, Cadillac Society confirmed with Cadillac spokesperson Tara Kuhnen. The final example is a 2019 model year vehicle, which rolled off the assembly line finished in Black Raven gloss, with a VIN ending in K0148662.
The Cadillac CTS was discontinued to make way for the Cadillac CT5, which indirectly replaces the CTS. The plant is almost completely tooled for CT5 production, which means the new D-segment car will start rolling off the line in the very near future. The death of the Cadillac CTS also makes room for the CT5’s smaller C-segment sibling, the CT4. The facility will need to be tooled before CT4 production can commence.
Let’s have a brief look at the three generations of the Cadillac CTS.
First-generation Cadillac CTS Sedan
First-Gen – 2003 – 2007
The Cadillac CTS sedan was first introduced for the 2003 model year. Built on the rear-wheel-drive Sigma platform, the four-door came equipped with the 3.2L LA3 V6 engine that produced 220 horsepower at launch. Later, Cadillac added an available 3.6L LY7 V6 with DOHC with variable valve timing, which bumped output to 255 horsepower. The LA3 was eventually replaced with a 2.8L V6 in 2005.
The first-generation Cadillac CTS sedan is notable as the first Cadillac to come with a manual transmission since 1988. In addition to the five-speed stick supplied by Getrag, the first-gen CTS also offered a five-speed automatic transmission.
In 2004, Cadillac introduced the high-performance CTS-V, which featured the 5.7L LS6 V8 making 400 horsepower and 395 pound-feet torque. Large Brembo brakes and sporty suspension played supporting roles. The LS6 was replaced with the 6.0L LS2 V8 for the 2006 model year. Horsepower and torque figures stayed the same as with the LS6, but the torque was available more broadly across the RPM range thanks to the larger displacement.
Second-generation Cadillac CTS Sedan
Second-Gen – 2008 – 2014
The second-generation Cadillac CTS was introduced in 2008. The model moved to the Sigma II platform and grew in size compared to its predecessor, while also offering a complete overhaul inside and out. The base model’s 3.6L LY7 V6 was carried over, and a 304-horsepower 3.6L V6 LFX became available later. In 2010, the Cadillac CTS got a new 3.0L V6 LF1 engine rated at 270 horsepower.
A six-speed manual was standard and a six-speed automatic was optional. The second-gen model also carried over various handling upgrades refined through the previous generation CTS-V.
In 2009, Cadillac introduced the second-generation CTS-V. It was powered by the supercharged 6.2L V-8 LSA engine making 556 horsepower and 551 pound-feet of torque. The second-gen CTS also derived two-door coupe and five-door wagon body variants later on in its lifecycle.
Third-generation Cadillac CTS Sedan
Third-Gen – 2014 – 2019
The third-generation CTS was produced for the 2014 through 2019 model years. Built on the long-wheelbase Alpha platform, the third-gen offered a new design penned by Bob Boniface and Robin Krieg. The third-gen CTS switched classes, going from a D-segment car that competed with the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class to an E-segment car set to compete against the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The Cadillac ATS took over D-segment duties.
Engine options included the turbocharged 2.0L I4 LTG and 3.6L V6 LFX for the base models, twin-turbocharged 3.6L V6 LF3 for the CTS V-Sport, and supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 for the CTS-V. The LFX was later replaced by its natural successor, the 3.6L V6 LGX.
The third-gen CTS was only available as a four-door sedan. While coupe and wagon variants were rumored, they never materialized.
Cadillac CT5 indirectly replaces the CTS
Replacements
The current CT6 and CT5 serve as indirect replacements for the Cadillac CTS Sedan. The CT6 takes over for the higher-end CTS models, while the CT5 takes over for the lower-end ones.
Meanwhile, the Cadillac CT4 indirectly replaces the Cadillac ATS, while throwing the luxury carmaker into the C segment against the likes of the Audi A3 plus the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and CLA-Class that Cadillac previously did not compete with.
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Frank Ricciardi
This is very bad news. The CTS is a wonderful car. I’ve owned 5 including my current one a 2017 3.6 Luxury Sedan. It was the 2014 Motor Trend car of the year and it competed head to head with the E-Class and 5 Series to win. I can only hope that the CT5 will be as good as the CTS. From what I’ve seen to date. It doesn’t look nearly as good. Discontinuing the CTS is a BIG mistake. I kept hoping Cadillac would reconsider.
Alex Luft
The CT5 and CT6 do what the CTS did, but better… so this isn’t good news or bad news, it’s just a natural evolution of things.
Frank Ricciardi
The CT6 is a beautiful car, but with an $8500 base price increase for 2020, its become way too expensive. With regard to the CT5, I guess I’ll have to reserve judgement til I have the opportunity to drive one. From the pictures I’ve seen so far, it has seriously missed the mark…hope it drives better than it looks.
Rick Ewing
Not a surprise. The dealerships stopped taking new orders back in April.
TreDeuce
I like what I’m seeing with these new Caddies. Hope they sell.
My first car was a 48′ Cadillac ’62’-Series convertible. Maroon, Tan top, Maroon leather upholstery and every available option. Beautiful car I wish I still had.
Bob T.
I’ve had my 2016 CTS for almost three years. I like many of the features, comfortable seats and instrument layout, but it is by far the worse riding and noisiest Caddy I have ever owned. Not happy with the C pillar on the new CT5, so I’m not sure what I will do as I turn mine in shortly in the next few months.
Unfortunately, choices seem to be getting limited.
Alex Luft
So much hate of that C-pillar… but I don’t mind it. It’s not a block like the ATS or the CTS… but it looks good nonetheless.
Frank Ricciardi
I agree the C pillar kills the looks of the car…makes it look inexpensive. Could be a Chevy cruise, if you don’t see the front.
Alex Luft
I still don’t get this obsession with the C-pillar on this car. Having seen it in person, spending hours around it, and being the target market for the vehicle, I personally have zero issues with it.
It seems like Cadillac is being held to this extremely high standard that results in it never being able to meet these impossible standards and/or expectations.
Looks like a Chevy Cruze? You can say literally that same thing about any of the CT5’s rivals, including BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Volvo, Acura, Genesis and Infiniti. Let’s come down to reality here. Is the C-pillar truly that offensive? I don’t think so. Heck, I don’t even think it’s offensive in the least.
Ben
I’m looking to replace my 2013 ATS this fall, it too is the worst riding car that I ever owned, so the ride quality must be better with the new ct5 or I’m going elsewhere.
Alex Luft
The ATS is the worst-riding car you’ve ever owned?! That’s very surprising. Having owned my ATS for almost 4 years before turning it in, I would characterize it is the best-riding car I’ve ever owned. My previous cars include BMW, Lexus, Audi, Mercedes, Toyota, Ford and Chevrolet.
Ben
Yes, I was surprised too. The 3.6 premium is awful on uneven pavement and bumps.
Granpa
The 2nd generation CTS is an absolutely beautiful car. Somehow G.M. must learn that “beauty” is a factor in how we love our cars. Ugly cars, which Cad made a lot of in the lat 90s and is starting to do the same now, will not meet their goals.
Alex Luft
Which current Cadillac vehicles would you classify as being “ugly”? Because I can’t think of any.
They’re designing cars for the current market trends and tastes, not those of 30 years ago.
R Caz
I own a 2014 coupe (my second coupe and 17th Cad)
Really love the style of the 2 dr coupe .
Not really happy with the new designs
PHILIPPE MARTEL
2006 and 2012 CTS BASE SMALL ENGINE AWD
BEST LUXURY CAR AT AFFORDABLE PRICE
FOR CANADIAN WINTER
2012 7 years not a single problem !
follow the book for maintenance
Jason D Monaco
I just wish someone could provide production numbers for the 2003 with a Getrag 260….. I have one, I know its rare because nobody stocks clutch parts for it. Advance, Autozone and Oreily’s didn’t even list a clutch master cylinder. NAPA had one in all of their warehouses in the entire globe……
R James
I have owned my CTS Premium Luxury since new in 2016. A fabulous vehicle that has given no cause for workshop visits other than service work. I have driven the CT5 as a tester via my Cadillac dealer who is eager to relieve me of the CTS. The CT5 had a 4 cylinder engine, one that was dog eared compared to the 4 cylinder Mercedes Benz my friend drives. I tried a CT5 with a V 6 but sticker shock compels me to keep the CTS in service. The CT 5 did not impress me like the CTS on first drive.