Spies unwrap cover early- Motor Trend picks Cadillac CTS as car of the year OVER Audi S5!

Deservedly so....CONGRATS!

That's not a hard list to top, but my vote would have gone for the new C-Class. The C63 is just what the 3 Series competition needed to be.

Another Motor Trend award to GM, what a surprise!How often has Motor Trend not selected a GM car. Motor Trend awards are not based on merit, they are purchased.

well deserved. Great car.

congrats! nice car!

I saw one on the road for the first time yesterday. Beautiful car.

The CTS is no doubt a great car , whether or not Caddy 's sponsorship influenced the award is something we will never know for sure without investigation.

I do not like the accusation in the article. Unlikely Motor Trend would risk its Award's integrity by taking $$$ to give awards. It would totally discredit an award that all Auto Manufactures put in their advertising after receiving MTs pick. Interesting to see how GM finally gets its shit together after it gets cornered.

Not accusing...just asking

Take for example JD Power...costs nothing to win but to display the award in media saying you won...costs a fortune...everytime thier logo gets shown promoting the award, they get paid.

001

001

There's a saying in my industry (defense), "if it even looks inappropriate, you don't do it". To me, if MT is willing to risk their (already tainted) image then it says something about their ethics. No one needs to prove them wrong but if they conduct business with "shady" conduct then they are not ethical or reliable to me. The day they stop receiving "incentives" in any shape or form from GM/Ford or whomever then MAYBE I'll consider their rankings meaningful.

Risk what integrity? They are a car maker in the marketing business. :-)

Integrity - MT, like all other auto press, balances the fine line between information and synergistic promotion.

In all their annual 'top 10' lists - I'd love to see the category - 'Top 10 Test Car Breakdowns' or '10 Most Expensive Test Cars to Needs a Flatbed'. We'll never see it because bad news gets omitted while the better news gets reported.

Car & Driver has had a love affair with Cadillac's SRX SUV since it came out - and buried in the middle of the Long Term test - was a minor phrase about how the thing died twice and had to be towed to the dealer. It didn't keep the SRX off CD's 10-best list. I'm not criticizing - I'm just observing. Its a business like any other.

In 1991, Motor Trend declared the Chevrolet Caprice Classic to be there car of the year in order to get more advertising from GM. The editor-in-chief had to resign after such a debacle.

What integrity? Their perpetual awards to GM have been a joke for years.

I told you all, several months ago! I believe I said something to the effect of mark my words the CTS will winn MTCOTY. Very proud day for us CTS owners.


Nonetheless, Congratulations are in order for Cadillac and GM. It about time they got their heads out of the sand and started making competitive cars.

Nice car but doesn't deserve Car of the Year award as it's typical Cadillac.Boxy and retro.It's very American.

People like change.Modern cars.Modern designs.
Modern cars sells.

Cadillac is like Jaguar (well jaguar is certainly changing now with the new XF which is very modern looking and not typical and retro)

That's the demand. That's what people wants.

So i think a World car of the year should be a car which is modern. Not some typical and retro designs.
Cadillac is definately retro and very American.

JUGNU

You really think the 08' CTS is retro? The ONLY retro thing on the car is the logo. Everything else is about as modern as it gets.

So which decade is this Cadillac harking to then? The noughties? Oh right that's THIS decade..so not retro...modern!

No it does not deserve it IMO but to call it retro is a bit far fetched. This car is modern looking. Not much aero technology built into it but yet modern.

jugnu.

this is an incredibly modern car...to use your word. its styling is far more daring than most of the competition. and the interior is stunning.

and if you perceive its looks as "american" that's great. don't forget, american cars were the envy of the world for a good portion of the 20th century. it's about time cadillac made a comeback.

Cadillac is one of the few companies today that design their cars for men to drive. Love the angles!!! All the others are too rounded!

So I guess Porsche and the Bugatti Veyron are not for men?! Ja, ok. You can drive rough pointed edged cars if you prefer.

mean:

comparing cadillac to porsche and a million-dollar bugatti? are you serious?

what would you buy IN THIS PRICE RANGE instead?

personally, i'd still take a 335i. but this would be my second choice.

This would be two years in a row for GM right? Didn't the Saturn Aura win last year, or was that the year before. Not sure cause I know Camry one recently too.

But anyways, congrats to GM, two COYs recently and with great products.

Although I know most people won't be able to afford this car, at least not people in my age group 26. I would have picked the Malibu because for affordability and the fact that it is not a solid competitor with the Camry Accord. But the CTS was a very good choice. I saw a red one parked yeseterday, and that is one sexy car for sure. I love the white LED strip on the edge of the headlamp. Seems a lot of European styled cars are doing that, namely Audi.

I plan on doing something similar to my Matrix headlight with some white LEDs placed inside. winter project.

Looks good but better than a S5, well I don't think so, not even close.

I don't like it at all, it is far too American for my taste.

BUT

It has a personality, a uniqueness. It's a Cadillac

I wouldn't buy it, but I respect it.

Well done GM.

That the car is "American" is exactly why I bought one. After what seemed to be a never ending stream of dull(to me)cars,(07 IS350, 05 TL,) I was ready to dip my toe back in the domestic market. I have to tell you, I am proud to drive this American Car. I don't need to make excuses for owning one--And for me, I really like the unique Cadillac CTS style. I am 30 years old, and I hope this signals Cadillacs return to greatness. I second "well Done."

CTS:

agree with you. unlike much of the competition (some of which you mentioned) cadillac had the balls to take a point of view. to make a statement with this car. i think it's gorgeous. and it will certainly stand out parked in a lot full of the competitors who are all trying to look like bmw in one way or another.

Well said. If more people shared your manner of thinking there might actually be some quality discussion on this site.

Not as long as the A.W.E.E.M. (AutoSpies WannaBe Euro Enthusiast Majority) remains the in control here...

i'm surprised it beat the Audi S5. In terms of numbers and styling the A5/S5's look beautiful in my opinion. However i'm not taking anything from the CTS though, it's a HUGE improvement over the outgoing models and they deserve some credit. However I was at a Cadillac dealership the other night and it still bugs me that a Cadillac was beside a Chevy Aveo at a GM dealership...

Anyways, great looking car, nice interior, good for Cadillac.

Would never buy this car. I hate it, but what ever, if the people at MT thinks it deserves COTY, then so be it. I like MT less now.

Disclaimer:
Just my opinions, please do not start a flame war or think that german car fans are full of it or are can't take losing. The CTS is not my cup of tea. It has nothing to do with anything, and is only based on my feelings.

why do you hate it? if you have such a strong reaction, you've got to have reasons.

actually, its personal. Just met three CTS owners who made me hate the car.

Well I guess that is pretty scientific.

I don't like the owners so the car is crap?

A lot of people don't like Porsche's because of the image of their owners. Same goes for BMW. Seems valid to me.

What a way to spin the truth Agent 009...

You could become a political campaigner...

I don't recall ever saying that the car is crap. I just said that I hated the car. The last I checked, just because I hate the car doesn't mean that its crappy.

So let me say this in simple terms for you. I hate it! But I didn't Say its crap.

Anything else to say 009? Any other stupid assumptions?

ThierryHenry14 you have to be the most hypocritical individual to ever write on these boards. Get over yourself.

y?

I feel the same way about BMW owners

I think it's a probably a great vehicle, my problem with "Car of the Year" is people will often don't realize what that award really means.

What you're going to see now is a lot of Cadillac ads touting that the CTS just won "Car of the Year", just like Mazda is doing with the CX-9 and the recently awarded "SUV of the Year". The implication is that winning this award is another way of saying "best in class". Does "Car of the Year" mean it's as good or better than the other cars in the class? Absolutely not (though in the case of the Mazda, it actually really is the best in the class). Only brand new or redesigned models are eligible for the award, so when a car that is much much better than what was there before comes along like the CTS, it can win "Car of the Year" despite coming in no better than third place in every comparison test against the rest of its own field.

Thank you

At least you understand the Uselessness of the award to consumers & the Importance of the award to the Cadillac Marketing Department.

it's not a useless award as you say. being picked the best new car is an impressive achievement.

again, great job cadillac! love it!

exactly, too much bling..the grill..too much chrome imo..too boxy..great job but not 4 me

I agree with 001 somewhat. It does seem that when a car company dumps a butt load of money into the M.T.’s advertising it does help there standings. Just look at the SUV of the year the Mazda CX-9. I can not believe that Motor Trend picked that for SUV of the year. It may be a good SUV but SUV of the year? Give me a break. So, when I see a lot of Ford and Mazda adds in the Motor Trend it makes me wonder.
However, I totally agree that the CTS deserve this even though they had some very good competition with the A5/S5. All the awards in the world will not help in the long run though. If the CTS sells well and continues to sell very well after next year, that will determine whether it’s a great car or not.

I'm 33 years old, and the competition for the CTS are all very nice vehicle, but none can come even close to the unique- ness of the new CTS. I can honestly say that I love driving my new CTS as much as I love looking at it.

enjoy! it's a beautiful car.

yeah..that grill is not too nice imo

Like the Knight Rider theme instead..eh?

I'd say the CTS definitely deserves this award. The car looks great, the interior is very very much improved and looks great, plus the engine is up to date with the competitors of its class. The Audi A5/S5 is a nice car, but the CTS is the one that deserves the award.

My guess would have been the Accord becasue when MT compared the 08 Accord and Camry (07 COW), the Accord won. Nontheless congrats to Cadillac and sales should do well based on this!

Anyone making a car purchase decision "based on this" should have his/her head examined (to put it nicely). COTY is the dumbest award since there could only be one car competing in one class and still get the award. Someone mentioned that only those new car models compete and that is absolutely true.

It can do mid 5`s, i dont know how thwy got 6.3

Congrats to Cadillac :)

Cadillac deserves the number one spot - the CTS is a winner!

So what. I still wouldn't pay $1 for a Cadillac. I'd take the $50K Audi anyday of the week.

Let's wait until tomorrow when another mag will have completely different results and then you can WOW to that too. I would have taken the 2 Audi's, C-Class and even the Accord over the Cadillac. Nothing against Cadillac, as I consider them the best American luxury brand (ANY American brand segment for that matter), but Cadillac doesn't really compare (yet) with any of the big three German brands. List all the racing victories, awards, comparos, etc of Cadillac over all three German brands in the last 5 years and if that percentage is higher than 5% I'd be surprised.

Ignorance is bliss.
It`s a shame really.

Do some research on Cadillac and their great history.

well deserved. this is a tremendous turnaround for GM...a company that many of us thought was hopeless.

the CTS is a great looking car inside and out. and it performs admirably too. pretty impressive for roughly $40,000 or so.

why in the world did i get deboosted multiple times in seconds for this comment? say something in response you spineless deboosting twits.

It's called having an opinion, apparently something you don't understand enthusiastx11. No one has to justify their actions here to you!

It is definitely nice to see a Caddy win this award again. However, it seems to go against the tradition of what this award is for. The car isnt judged against its competitors on the list, but against it competitors in the real world. Exactly how does the CTS beat the 3, C, IS, A4, G35 (did I miss any), in any capcity except maybe interior voulme?

Unfortunately not much on this list is world class. Just about every car has competition that is as good or better already available. So why not give the Caddy the win. good job, GM.

thats subjective.....bottom line good job cadillac...it deserves this award not only has GM created a car that is light years ahead of the car it replaces but from reading reviews it does all things well, its not to small, excellent handling, competitive price, outstanding features, high quality, and eye catching styling with the dynamics to match. It is a big statement for GM in what an American luxury can be without doing what everyone else did and try and chase down the 3 series, and out do BMW at being BMW, and just make a great Cadillac....excellent effort

most americans choose Cadillac over Audi, not a surprise to me, Audi is does not get the respect of cadillac in the US, few people say wow nice Audi.

They do when they seen an S5.

"In my opinion, the CTS is better than almost everything on the list but it's hard to believe it could beat the A5/S5."

I agree, and I think patriotism played a role in this, but the CTS is undoubtedly an amazing car. The S5 is a sexy coupe, but the CTS is an all-rounder. It is easier to attain, easier to get in/out of, great to look at and comfortable to live with. Its great handling doesn't hurt, either.

Great job, Cadillac!

I agree, mostly. Just don't downplay the S5. I saw a gray one two days ago, and WOW, did it look hot!

I agree, the new Cadillac CTS is the way better looking than the Audi S5. It is a huge improve over the last gen CTS, the new CTS is just absolutely Gorgeous. I saw a white pearl and red one two day ago, man it is absolutely gorgeous.

I'm Not sure how it drive but it look better than car the cars in it category for sure.

Congratulation Cadillac for a Job Well Done!

"I agree, the new Cadillac CTS is the way better looking than the Audi S5."

Calm down, and wait until you see the S5. The CTS is awesome, for a sedan. But the S5... beautiful. Gorgeous. Stunning. It's a coupe. They simply cannot be compared.

Hopefully it drives a lot better than the Cadillac DTS, we rented it when going to California in september, and drove it to Nevada, Arizona and Utah, the worst car i have ever driven. I normally dont get sick driving, but this made me sick. It is to soft in the suspension. I drive a BMW 3 e46, that does not make me sick.
We try to go back to the USA next year, but will rent another car.

Please give me a break here....The CTS beats an Audi S5 as Car of the Year? I don't think so. Personally, I would be embarrassed to drive a CTS. You want to break with the past as Jaguar are doing? Lose the erzats heraldic elements, the chrome and plastic wood and focus on handling and performance. Of, right...that's what an Audi A5/S5 is...

enthusiast and others who didn't agree

By saying typical i meant that over use of chrome and weird angles.It maybe not exactly retro but it's definately an evolution of retro/retro-like.

I think other posters like sevorbusty described it better than me.but i meant the same.

It's not my taste and belive me outside America many will not like it/place it above the cool and modern BMW,Lexus and Infiniti which appeal to almost everyone...etc

It's not a universal car but more of a one regional(American).

Therefore I think A5/C CLass/Accord should be placed above CTS and one of them should have gotten the MT COTY Award.

JUGNU

What is so special about the IS and 3 series designs. They both look average at best.
And that BMW interior is just horrendous.

jugnu:

it's possible that the CTS will be a regionally-favored (i.e. american market) car like lexus. will be interesting to see...

The CTS is more important to Cadillac than the A5/S5 and therefore has a greater impact on the brand/industry. It deserves the award, because GM really got it right this time. With that said, it doesnt have to be or beat the BMW 3 series to GET IT RIGHT!

I think it's well deserved!! And on the money playing a role question, I think GM has always thrown a lot of money into MT ads, but this is the first COTY for a GM car since like 1998. Almost 10 years since it's last COTY is good enough proof to me that MT doesn't let money sway them too much as I am sure there have been OK GM contenders and lots of GM ad money spent on models up for COTY in the last 10 years.

As for the A5/S5 question, I personally don't like it. Too much Tiberon in it's design. I am sure it's a good car, but I know of nothing it's bringing to the table other than being a new coupe for Audi?? The 2008 CTS has some industry firsts for it's segment and atleast one first for any car with the infotaiments hard drive and radio DVR or DRR or whatever fuctionality. The cut and sew dash and I am sure a few other things are first for it's segment. What does the A5/S5 has as a first??

Oh and the Light pipe use in the head and tail lamps on the CTS are a first for any car also. Expect the use of those in such locations to be seen on the competition in years to come.

This would b my choice. Saw it at the autoshow and it is a NICE ride!

Is it just me or the car looks so similar to the previous model?

Three cheers for the Caddy!!

Congratulations to Cadillac. They have transformed all their models’ exteriors into a cohesive, consistent, original “design language” over the past few years. The new CTS is the finishing touch. All their vehicles are instantly recognizable as a Cadillac. Audi is the best at this – very well-refined throughout their model range. BMW diverged from theirs when Bangle took over, but as a whole the Europeans exhibit a more consistent design language than the Americans or Japanese. I’m not saying this is a good or bad thing, just an observation.

A friend of mine is a Cadillac salesman. He said this new CTS has been VERY much anticipated (within Cadillac) for the past 6 months.

Oh my God. What the f^%&*???? I have seen and read it all. A Cadillac CTS beats an Audi S5 that is sold out for the next 8 months to a year. The most advanced suspension, engine, best interior/fit/finish, LED daytime running lights, Bang and Olufsen sound system, and the most beautiful look of any two door coupe on the road beaten by a Cadillac. Do you understand how stupid this sounds?????? This is proof that Motor Trends COTY is tied to advertising. There integrity and credibility is gone. Good job Cadillac in closing that deal, you need it sense your losing your entire market share to Lexus. Now, let’s do a smart thing and go pick up a European publication and check out what really compares to an S5.

The A5/S5 has nothing other than maybe some design advantages, which are totally opinion based, over something like the new 3-series coupes. The LED lighting is nothing fancier than the light pipes and other fancy lensed lighting on upper model CTS's. If you haven't sat in the new CTS, you need to as it rivals or betters the S5 with it's new cockpit design with cut and sew dash. The CTS really is as much car as an S5 and actually has more firsts than the Audi in the Lux segment. Particularly considering the CTS is an entry level priced car where as the A5/S5 start about there the CTS is done being optioned up and you can get about any option an A5/S5 has on a CTS. In a year or two there will also be a CTS coupe and that is when the A5/S5, 3-series coupe, and other coupes from germany are really going to need to start watching out.

"The LED lighting is nothing fancier than the light pipes and other fancy lensed lighting on upper model CTS's."

Really? How? The mood lighting is also used in the Ford Focus, and even the Mercedes S-Class. LED headlamps are trendsetting, save energy and look awesome. It's become an Audi signature, and many other brands are going to start using them, too (Lexus).

"If you haven't sat in the new CTS, you need to as it rivals or betters the S5 with it's new cockpit design with cut and sew dash."

I haven't sat in either of them, but neither is a clear improvement over the other. The S5 provides an intimate, posh, stylish and still sporty interior that has all the right controls in all the right places. The CTS breaks new ground for Cadillac by having an elegantly simple layout, top-notch materials and a comfortable driving position... but remember, all of those things have also been perfected by Audi.

"The CTS really is as much car as an S5 and actually has more firsts than the Audi in the Lux segment."

Prove it. Facts.

"Particularly considering the CTS is an entry level priced car where as the A5/S5 start about there the CTS is done being optioned up and you can get about any option an A5/S5 has on a CTS."

The A5/S5 really isn't in the same class as the CTS. It's more of a high-end coupe, but without the full high-end pricing. The S5 tops out at $56K. For a 354hp V8 engine, a gorgeous interior and exterior, six-speed manual transmission, useful rear seat, confident handling and a visceral appeal that isn't found in any sedan, I'd say that's pretty damn good.

Congrats to Cadillac! They've come a long way since the Catera. The interior is by far the greatest improvement.

Its a good effort for cadillac,but will only keep them from loosing more market share.They need to keeping out much more product than just one car,everything else sucks in their car line up.

AGENT001 - Def give us a long term review after 10K miles :) Oh yeah..do not forget to fill out questionaire for Consumer Reports!

Any other wise comments 009?

What a great car, it so American. Very bold, nothing wannabe about it. Can't wait to replace my 06, but I will hold my self back until the coupe appears.

I am delighted. I have had three MBs and three Lexi (?)however as soon as my lease is up I am buying a CTS AWD.
- 190" is my size
- large interior and trunk ( GS ! ? )
- great handling
- A serious AWD that can transfer 100% front or back
- Limited slip
- Adequate power
- Comfortable ride. Each of the three suspensions have the same spring rate but differ in sway bar strength and the FE3 has more shoch control. The FE2 with AWD is excellent for my tastes and I have driven one extensively.
- I would not have had a 2007 or before because of the interior, it was down on power and GM did not have it all together
- I like the new chisled look. I am tired of the teardrop look and that is where everything has gone
- It runs from $10,00 to $13,000 less than a Lex or MB with equal equiptment
- I can order it up pretty much like I like it and get it in 90 days or less. Try that with a Lexus. They want $10,000 down and MSRP plus some silly stuff for inconvenience
- The Tacoma dealer is very accomodating. Fully equal to Lexus and MB
- After a decade of foreign cars I will take pride in buying American.

who'd buy a STS?? CTS ftw. Its a good direction for cadillac but sadly, rappers will abuse it.