Cadillac Terminates What Once Was Its Most Badass Model

Jul. 05, 2019 5:00 PM ET by Jay Traugott / 2 Comments

But the news isn't entirely sad.

Cadillac is undergoing some major changes. Not only has it launched its CT4 and CT5 sedans, but it's also dropping their respective predecessors due to sluggish sales. The ATS sedan was dropped last year and its coupe counterpart will depart shortly. The larger CTS is also a goner, which we already knew. But Cadillac Society has confirmed the very last CTS has just rolled off the production line in Michigan.

The last Cadillac CTS ever is painted in Black Raven gloss and, as far as we know, no ceremony was held. It's not a completely sad affair because CTS production ended in order for CT5 and CT5-V (and CT5 Blackwing?) production to begin. CarBuzz has also reached out to Cadillac to confirm this report and we'll provide an update if we hear anything different.

Cadillac

The first generation Cadillac CTS launched for the 2003 model year and despite being a better mid-size luxury sedan than the Catera it replaced, it still lacked the goods to take on the Germans. The first CTS-V, which eventually came powered by a 6.0-liter V8, was impressive but, again, missed the target. That began to change with the second-gen model in 2008. Thanks to a new platform, this CTS was not only bigger than its predecessor but its design inside and out was a massive leap forward.

The second CTS-V arrived the following year with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 good for 556 hp and 551 lb-ft of torque. Not only could you get a six-speed manual, but there were two body style alternatives, a coupe and a wagon. All three were offered as CTS-Vs. The CTS-V Wagon was an all-around badass.

Cadillac

The third-gen CTS went on sale for the 2014 model year and despite generally positive reviews from the media, it never caught on with buyers. At the same time, however, the SUV crossover craze really began to go into high gear. It's not that the latest CTS was a bad car, it's just that it was the wrong vehicle for the time. Cadillac hopes to correct course with its now nearly complete lineup of new sedans, the CT4, CT5, and CT6. So, farewell Cadillac CTS and here's to a job a well done.

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Cadillac Terminates What Once Was Its Most Badass Model

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Cadillac Terminates What Once Was Its Most Badass Model

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