Cadillac heading 'down under'

Cadillac has announced that, with the new CTS, they will be bringing Cadillac to the Australian market. Initial offerings will be just the direct injection 3.6l V-6 mated to the 6-speed automatic and available with 2 suspension packages. Availability of the lesser V-6es or the European market's diesel, manual transmissions, or all-wheel drive have not been announced (though could easily be added as demand warrants (though plenty of sites are reporting that the diesel is a definite for the 2009 model year). Sales begin in the 4th quarter 2008. Check out the entire press release below: DETROIT– Cadillac announced today that the all-new CTS will be the first Cadillac sold in Australia when the luxury brand makes it debut there in the fourth quarter of 2008. Cadillac is in the midst of a global expansion, with a growing portfolio of luxury vehicles that aim to compete at the highest levels in markets around the world. “The all-new CTS embodies all of the hallmark Cadillac cues: a striking design, entertaining luxury and rewarding performance,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “We’re confident that this CTS will meet the discriminating tastes and demands of luxury customers, no matter where they live.” Sales Momentum The new CTS is expected to be a strong contributor to Cadillac’s global growth. “Cadillac sales have exceeded our expectations and have been growing steadily,” said Taylor. “We believe the CTS will be an appealing choice for those seeking a compelling combination of luxury and performance.” In total, sales of Cadillac luxury vehicles have increased in the Asia Pacific region by 98.4 percent, by 45.3% in Europe, and by 49.4% in Latin America, Africa and Middle East. With the demands and needs of luxury buyers in mind, the CTS was developed and tested on city streets and country roads across China, North America and Europe, including the famed Nürburgring track. The result is a finely tuned car that combines power with smoothness, efficiency and technical sophistication. In fact, the CTS was recently named “2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year” by the editors of Motor Trend magazine, one of the world’s premiere automotive authorities. The rear-wheel drive Australian CTS will be powered by a 3.6-litre V-6 direct injection gasoline engine with variable valve timing, which generates 304 hp (227 kW)* and 273 lb.-ft. (370 Nm ) of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Direct injection fuel delivery enables very efficient combustion, helps reduce emissions and allows higher compression ratio for better fuel economy. Australian customers will have the choice of two performance-tuned suspension packages. Introduction dates for additional Cadillac models for the Australian market have not been announced.