Cadillac is getting serious about the European market, and that's evident with the new 2010 CTS Sport Wagon. While wagons have not always been the preference for North American customers, the extra space finds favor with European customers. The wagon was a natural evolution for Cadillac considering the CTS was designed to compete with sedans from Germany such as the Audi A4 and the BMW 3-Series. The more aggressive lines suggest that the CTS Sport Wagon is going after A4 Avant customers.

The base engine in North America will be the 3.6-liter 263 horsepower V-6. Optional will be a the 3.6-liter with added direct injection, which increases output to 304 horsepower. There is also a 2.9-liter turbo-diesel V-6 engine option making 250 horsepower for the European and Asian markets. The gas engine V-6 Sport Wagon’s fuel economy is expected to be similar to the peak rating of the sedan’s 26 mpg highway rating. All will be available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission as well as all-wheel drive.

UPDATE 09/02/2010: Check out our review of the CTS Sport Wagon by clicking here!

Full details in the press release after the jump.

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
• [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Press release

Amidst the beauty and history of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Cadillac treats car enthusiasts to a world premiere of its latest production-car design. The 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon makes its debut this weekend on the Monterey Peninsula, showcasing a dramatic design that elevates and updates the classic wagon body style.

Not unlike many historic Cadillac designs, the new CTS Sport Wagon is an unmistakable and dynamic presence. The car’s intricately cut rear profile injects fashion-forward design into the formerly utilitarian world of wagons. Cadillac’s upcoming wagon offers ample interior space and includes a range of six-cylinder engine choices, making it a compelling alternative to larger utility vehicles.

Based on the hot-selling CTS sport sedan, and a sister vehicle to the CTS Coupe Concept, the Sport Wagon extends the design-driven renaissance of Cadillac. Following this special premiere at Pebble Beach, the CTS Sport Wagon moves to the worldwide auto show circuit this fall – and into Cadillac dealerships in spring 2009. “The addition of this dramatically-designed Sport Wagon is well synchronized with today’s changing consumer tastes as a compelling alternative to SUVs or other larger vehicles,” says Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager.

“This is an important step in Cadillac’s ongoing global expansion, and of course in international markets like Europe, wagons have been and continue to be very significant.” A striking profile is created with the CTS wagon, with a silhouette that suggests speed and aerodynamic efficiency. It rides on the same 113.4-inch (2,880-mm) wheelbase as the CTS sport sedan and is 0.3-inch (7 mm) shorter. However, it offers a generous cargo area of 25 cubic feet (720 liters) behind the rear seats.

Design highlights include: Signature V-shaped deck and tailgate motif Large, vertical taillamps with light-pipe technology Power-opening liftgate (via key fob or in-vehicle button) CHMSL integrated in subtle roof spoiler Integrated roof load management system with cross bars for a seamless appearance Cargo management system with adjustable in-floor containment New 19-inch wheels Larger available panoramic rear sunroof The CTS Sport Wagon, like its sedan predecessor, includes available features such as all-wheel drive, a 40-gigabyte internal hard drive, pop-up navigation screen and a hand-cut-and-sewn interior with Sapele wood accents.

“The CTS Sport Wagon is an important expansion to the Cadillac lineup worldwide,” said Taylor. Design details Dramatic planes highlight the CTS wagon’s design, including a V-shaped motif carried throughout the vehicle and carefully integrated intersections of exterior surfaces. The elements coalesce in a dramatic fashion, creating tension that emphasizes the vehicle’s performance. “It’s a taut design that not only suggests sleekness, but delivers it,” said Clay Dean, global design director for Cadillac.

“Indeed, the drama of the sedan is amplified in the CTS Sport Wagon, as the centerline cue that is part of the exterior and interior is more prominent and plays a stronger role in defining the design at the rear of the vehicle.” The emotion of the CTS Sport Wagon’s design is carried by a number of nuanced details. The liftgate area, for example, is a confluence of angles and planes that typifies the vehicle’s design tension. Cadillac’s “V” motif is most prominent here, culminating in a spine at the center of the liftgate that is accented with a subtle spoiler at the top of the backlight.

The rear quarter panels extend slightly beyond the inward-angled planes of the V, creating a distinctive W shape at the rear of the vehicle. Large, prominent vertical taillamps – with Cadillac’s signature light pipe technology – are the final, dramatic touches to the rear-end styling. “The more you study the rear of the CTS Sport Wagon, the more you see,” said Dean. “Functionality was certainly a guiding factor during development, but so was the idea to inject emotion into the normally sedate wagon category.” One of the more interesting integrations of form and function is found in the seamless roof load management system.

Rather than stylized stanchions, brackets and cross bars that protrude above the roof line, the CTS Sport Wagon’s system blends with the roofline, maintaining an uninterrupted appearance. The center section of the roof panel angles downward inside the roof edges, allowing an unobtrusive placement of the cross bars – and creating a subtle fin effect at the trailing edges of the rear panels. “They’re not fins in the classic sense, but they work to help disguise the cargo load system and, yes, they acknowledge Cadillac’s design heritage,” said Dean.

The interior of the Sport Wagon is common with the much-acclaimed sport sedan, including streamlined instrumentation, LED lighting and hand-cut-and-sewn accents with French stitching. Powertrains Direct injection technology helps the CTS offer more power while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions. It delivers fuel more precisely to increase the efficiency of combustion. This means less fuel is consumed and lower emissions created. With the CTS Sport Wagon’s 3.6L V-6, direct injection translates to 304 horsepower (227 kW)*, no loss of fuel efficiency and a 25-percent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions. It also runs on less expensive regular unleaded gasoline.

The Sport Wagon’s fuel economy is expected to be similar to the peak rating of the existing sport sedan’s 26 mpg highway rating. The standard 3.6L VVT engine that produces 263 horsepower (196 kW) and 253 lb.-ft. of torque (343 Nm) serves as the base engine in North America. Just like the CTS sport sedan, the V-6 engines are matched with fuel-saving six-speed transmissions, including an Aisin six-speed manual or an electronically controlled Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic. As is the case on the sport sedan, CTS Sport Wagon includes AWD as an option. An efficient 2.9L turbo-diesel engine is being developed for CTS models primarily in European and Asian markets. It is a compact, dual overhead cam, four-valve V-6 engine from GM’s family of diesel engines that delivers optimal fuel economy as well as reduced emissions and noise. The engine is rated at 184 kW (250 hp).

Driving dynamics The robust and dynamic CTS chassis infuses the new wagon with a great balance of performance and luxury. It uses an independent short/long arm ( SLA) front suspension system and a multi-link rear suspension. The multi-link rear suspension features a fully isolated subframe that helps deliver excellent suspension kinematics, contributing to a superior ride and excellent handling. Advanced chassis technology in the form of Cadillac’s StabiliTrak electronic chassis control system integrates the car’s standard four-channel ABS with the full-function traction control, hydraulic brake assist and engine drag control systems to deliver a safer, more confident driving experience. Additional chassis details include a structure-enhancing tower-to-tower brace under the hood; large, four-wheel disc brakes and premium steering.

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Design details

“It’s a taut, sleek design,” said Clay Dean, global design director for Cadillac. “The drama of the sedan is amplified in the wagon, as the centerline cue that is part of the exterior and interior is more prominent and plays a stronger role in defining the design at the rear of the vehicle.”

One of the more interesting integrations of form and function is the seamless roof load management system. Rather than stylized stanchions, brackets and cross bars that protrude above the roof line, the CTS Sport Wagon’s system blends with the roofline, maintaining an uninterrupted appearance. The center section of the roof panel angles downward inside the roof edges, allowing an unobtrusive placement of the cross bars – and creating a subtle fin effect at the trailing edges of the rear panels.

“They’re not fins in the classic sense, but they work to help disguise the cargo load system and they acknowledge Cadillac’s design heritage. Functionality was certainly a guiding factor during development, but so was our desire to inject emotion into the normally sedate wagon category,” said Dean.

Like other historic Cadillac designs, the new CTS Sport Wagon has an unmistakable and dynamic presence. Dramatic styling, ample interior space and a range of fuel and emissions-efficient, six-cylinder engines are expected to make the CTS Sport Wagon a compelling alternative to larger luxury sport utility vehicles and luxury wagons.

“The addition of this dramatically-designed Sport Wagon is well synchronized with today’s changing consumer tastes as a compelling alternative to SUVs or other larger vehicles,” says Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “This is an important step in Cadillac’s ongoing global expansion, and of course in international markets like Europe, wagons have been and continue to be very significant.”

There is no mistaking the CTS Sport Wagon for anything but a contemporary Cadillac. Signature exterior cues include horizontal spline lines and dihedral, v-shaped hood. The CTS Sport Wagon strikes a sporting stance, with a wide track.

Functionality was a guiding factor during development, but so was the idea to inject emotion into the normally sedate wagon category. An intricately cut rear profile injects fashion-forward design into a distinctive silhouette that suggests speed and aerodynamic efficiency.

In the rear, the Cadillac “V” motif culminates in a spine at the center of the power-opening liftgate, accented with a subtle spoiler at the top of the backlight. Large, prominent vertical taillamps – with Cadillac’s signature light pipe technology – are the final, dramatic touches to the rear-end styling.

The CTS Sport Wagon rides on the same 2,880mm wheelbase as the CTS Sport Sedan, but offers a generous cargo area of 720 liters behind the rear seats. Further design highlights include new 19-inch wheels and the option of a large panoramic rear sunroof.

An interesting integration of form and function is found in the seamless roof load management system. Rather than brackets and cross bars that protrude above the roof line, the CTS Sport Wagon’s system blends with the roofline, maintaining an uninterrupted appearance.

The center section of the roof panel angles downward inside the roof edges. This allows an unobtrusive placement of the cross bars and creates a subtle fin effect at the trailing edges of the rear panels.

The interior of the CTS Sport Wagon is common to the much-acclaimed sedan, including streamlined instrumentation, LED lighting and hand-cut-and-sewn accents with French stitching. Again combining form and function, an integrated cargo management system offers adjustable in-floor containment. The CTS Sport Wagon includes available features such as a 40-gigabyte internal hard drive, rear view camera, pop-up navigation screen and a hand-cut-and-sewn interior with Sapele wood accents.

Powertrains

Direct injection technology helps the CTS Sport Wagon offer more power while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions. It delivers fuel more precisely to increase the efficiency of combustion. This means less fuel is consumed and lower emissions created. Direct injection reduces hydrocarbons produced by up to 25 percent on cold starts.

The CTS Sport Wagon features Cadillac’s 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine that produces 304 horsepower (227 kW), while operating on regular unleaded gasoline. A smaller, 3.0L version of the direct injection V-6 engine will be added as the new standard engine for the CTS Sport Wagon in the summer of 2009, offering improved fuel economy.

As is the case on the sport sedan, CTS Sport Wagon offers AWD as an option.

An efficient 2.9L turbo-diesel engine is being developed for models primarily in European and Asian markets. It is a compact, dual overhead cam, four-valve V-6 engine from GM’s family of diesel engines that delivers optimal fuel economy as well as reduced emissions and noise. The engine is rated at 250 horsepower (184 kW).

The power unit is complemented by either a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel shift controls or a six-speed manual transmission. Meanwhile the chassis features Brembo brakes, Magnetic Ride Control suspension with two modes and race car-proven Performance Traction Management, which manages torque for optimal traction.

Driving dynamics

The robust and dynamic CTS chassis infuses the new wagon with a great balance of performance and luxury. It uses an independent short/long arm ( SLA) front suspension system and a multi-link rear suspension.

Advanced technology in the form of Cadillac’s StabiliTrak electronic chassis control system integrates the car’s standard four-channel ABS with the full-function traction control, hydraulic brake assist and engine drag control systems to deliver a safe driving experience. Additional chassis details include a structure-enhancing tower-to-tower brace under the hood; large, four-wheel disc brakes and premium steering.

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Specifications

Engines

Transmission

• Type: 6-speed, RWD/AWD, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive with torque converter clutch
• Gear ratios (:1):
• First: 4.06
• Second: 2.37
• Third: 1.57
• Fourth: 1.16
• Fifth: 0.85
• Sixth: 0.67
• Reverse: 3.20
• Final drive ratio: 3.23 (AWD)/ 3.42 (RWD)

Chassis/Suspension

Brakes

Exterior Dimensions

• Wheelbase (in / mm): 113.4 / 2880
• Length (in / mm): 191.3 / 4859
• Height (in / mm): 59.1 / 1502
• Width (in / mm): 72.6 / 1842
• Track (in / mm): 61.8 / 1570 (front); 62 / 1575 (rear)
• Weight distribution (% front / rear): 51 / 49 (RWD); 52 / 48 (AWD)

Interior Dimensions

• Legroom (in / mm): 42.4 / 1078 (front); 35.9 / 913 (rear)
• Headroom (in / mm): 38.8 / 986 (front); 37.2 / 944 (rear)
• Shoulder room (in / mm): 56.7 / 1441 (front); 57.4 / 1390 (rear)
• Hip room (in / mm): 55.1 / 1400 (front); 54.1 / 1375 (rear)

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Prices

Packages

Options

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Competitors and press reviews

"Oh, but the car. Yes, we plan on saying many things about this unjustly doomed car. The car is good. First, we think the CTS Sport Wagon looks fantastic. We love the center crease of the tailgate. We love the little quasi-tailfins created by the peaked taillamps. We love the overhanging center high-mounted brake light. We even genuinely like the odd D-pillar that is thicker at the top than where it meets the body. Also, it drives like any other CTS, which is a very good thing. And it looks fantastic." (InsideLine)

"Like any CTS, the Sport Wagon offers a luxurious and entertaining driving experience. Rear visibility is a bit tunnel-like, but not as badly impeded as you'd imagine when looking at the design from outside—the rearmost pillar aligns roughly within the area already blocked by rear headrests. We'd think twice about choosing the 19-inch wheels—we noticed an SUV-like ride harshness and noise level that would make the all-weather utility of the smaller wheels our choice." (PopularMechanics)

"If any more than two adults will be riding in your CTS, the Wagon's the winner over the CTS sedan for sure. Mainly, it's because of the vertical height and longer rear doors. The CTS sedan can be a tough clamber for big guys and gals; the cutouts for feet are particularly small. The Sport Wagon's relatively easy to enter and exit, and that makes all the difference for those extra passengers. However, the SRX still sits taller and has larger door openings, and a touch more leg and head room in back. It's a good thing those features don't mean as much for the crew fascinated by the CTS Sport Wagon's features, handling and its artfully glitzy look. If you want rear-drive balance and feel, there's simply nothing like the Sport Wagon in Cadillac showrooms." (MotorAuthority)

Competitors

Audi A4 Avant

The 2010 A4 Avant s offered with a 2.0 TFSI four cylinder engine, mated to a fast-shifting Tiptronic 6-speed automatic transmission and quattro® all-wheel drive. The engine delivers a total of 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Prices for the A4 Avant start at $35,350 and go up to $44,550.

BMW 3-series sports wagon->ke290

The 2010 BMW 3-Series station wagon is offered in two different versions: 328i Sports Wagon priced at $35,700 and 328i xDrive Sports Wagon priced at $37,700. Both are powered by a 3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine with an output of 230 hp.

Lincoln MKT

The 2010 Lincoln MKT will be offered with a choice of two engines: a 3.7-liter V6 that delivers 268 hp at 6,500 RPM and 267 ft.-lb. of torque at 4,250 RPM; and a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 that delivers 355 hp at 5,700 RPM and 350 ft.-lb. of torque at 3,500 RPM. The upgraded EcoBoost engine should provide similar fuel economy as the standard (non-turbo) 3.7-liter engine. Both engines are mated to a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. Prices start at $44,200.

Conclusion

Until recently we were skeptical when it came about station wagon. But lets face it, there are families out there you want more than a spacious family car. And for them Cadillac creates the CTS Sport Wagon. You will ask why the station wagon and not the sedan? Simple, because with the station wagon version you get the same entertaining driving experience as the sedan, but much more space.

Like any other CTS model the station wagon comes with the same excellent handling, brakes, and steering, the same luxurious interior and the same technologies. There is only one request we have for Cadillac: we want a CTS-V Sport Wagon version!