Cadillac’s return to Oz
October 16, 2008 by Matt Brogan
Cadillac celebrated its triumphant return to Australia today after a 70 year absence with a fitting Gala event at Sydney’s picturesque Catalina Restaurant in Rose Bay.
The iconic American had its 106 year history retraced in fitting style whilst also highlighting the luxury and performance credentials of the new CTS model with television presenter Laura Csortan being announced as the brand’s official Australian Ambassador.
GM Director of Premium Brands, Parveen Batish, said the re-introduction of Cadillac to the Australian market signaled an exciting new chapter in the brand’s rich history,
“With cutting edge design, serious performance and a comprehensive package of luxury appointments, Cadillac will appeal to Australian prestige car buyers and offer a genuine alternative to the traditional European brands”
An almost infamous pop-culture icon, and the chosen car of bad guys everywhere, Cadillac has made its mark in film and song starring in over a hundred cult classic movies, including ‘The Godfather’, ‘Casino’, ‘Goodfellas’, ‘Reservoir Dogs’ and ‘Terminator’. Clint Eastwood starred in the movie titled ‘Pink Cadillac’ and the CTS had a primary role in the film ‘Matrix’, which was actually shot in Sydney, hence being an appropriate location for the launch.
CTS sedan will hit Australian roads in early 2009 and will be followed by the stunning Cadillac CTS Coupe later that year.
Print it: 
Those things look like they’ve been styled by Chris Bangle after a week long crack binge.
I will however dispense kudos for the seemingly 3 to 4 finger gap Laura Csortan is packing.
Jash
I suppose we’re looking at the $75k mark for the CTS sedan?
Can’t wait for specs/pricing info.
Wierd styling or not; you will know instantly what it is the first time you see one on the road.
Like the 300c. There’s nothing like it.
Laura who? I suppose, at least they didn’t use some overpaid sports or Olympian git as an ambassador…
Ahaha, harsh C-Red, on both the styling cues and the Laura call: it’s a big car.
Not really a fan of these things, far too ostentatious for my liking. Can’t really describe it as pretty either.
Like it or not,at least it has style, something Caddys havent had for 30 odd years.
Hugo Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
I suppose we’re looking at the $75k mark for the CTS sedan?
Can’t wait for specs/pricing info.
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I heard that it would start from the $70k mark which sounds about right considering it won’t have any import duty. Its direct competitors are the Audi A6, Volvo S80, BMW 5 series, and Honda Legend which are in the mid to high $70ks.
I think the CTS will sell up a storm. It has the handling of a German car with the build quality of a Japanese car, at a price that will shame them both.
When i first saw this new look Cadillac styling back in 2004 in Las Vegas i thought it looked great, 4 years i feel its a little dated, however i don’t mind the look of the coupe with its angular, chunky looks.
i’ve said it before and i’ll say it again, i REALLY like this car and would definetly buy it over a 6 cyl bmw, merc or audi
I take it Chucky you’re trying to be ironic by your statement “the handling of a German car with the build quality of a Japanese car”. You’ve essentially highlighted the 2 qualities that this car is guaranteed not to have.
Phillip Says:
October 17th, 2008 at 12:21 am
I take it Chucky you’re trying to be ironic by your statement “the handling of a German car with the build quality of a Japanese car”. You’ve essentially highlighted the 2 qualities that this car is guaranteed not to have.
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No irony here, you obviously haven’t seen the reviews of the CTS. Even the previous model CTS handled well, but the interior wasn’t as nice as the new one. Plus Cadillac are one of the best brands in the JD Power quality surveys.
The Sylvania Waters of car design. Wouldn’t be surprised if the glovebox has a sheet of glass and a packet of straws in it………………
I don’t usually like the look of American styled cars, but I don’t mind the look of these. They will certainly stand out on our roads. Better looking than the 300c.
We dont get the v8 though…if i read correctly in the car news…
And im sorry stunning CTS V Coupe??? WHAT…i guess taste is different to some people…
Not to mention “the handling of a German car with the build quality of a Japanese car”…HOLY DOOLY what a load of bs that is…for an american car? hahahah i cant stop laughin…hahahahhhhaahh aaaaaaaaaaarhhahhahahahahahha I never heard something soooo funny in my entire life…ahahahahahhahahahah…. ohh dear better stop laughing now or a little pee will come out…hhahahah
Marcos – every review i have read on the CTS state that it actually is a very good car in both handling and build and refinement. So pull your head in unless you have actually driven one (which you haven’t)
Richo,
Did you see the official release by Holden of “Active Fuel Management” (displacement on demand)?
Fuel savings are claimed to be only “up to one litre per 100 kilometres”.
So an SS goes from 14 l/100km back to 13 l/100km. Hardly earth shattering, but a small step in the right direction.
I personally don’t know why they bother, people who buy V8’s surely don’t give a stuff about fuel economy anyway do they?
I have always liked the looks of the new CTS since it’s release, and judging by the rave reviews from America and Europe, I had high expectations for this car.
However, after seeing it in the flesh at the Sydney motor show, I was rather disappointed. The interior (despite what most are saying) felt rather cheap. None of the interior panels had that ’solid’ feel. The gauge cluster surround, for instance, was loose, as if it were about to come off.
If Hugo and Chucky are correct in predicting a $70-75k price tag, I highly doubt this will sell in big numbers.
Who knows, maybe it was just an over-abused display model……..