Wagons ho for Cadillac CTS

Cadillac revealed the practical side of its upcoming CTS range this week when it unveiled the new Sport Wagon variant at the Pebble beach Concours d'Elegance in California.

Showing some similarities to Holden's also-new Commodore Sportwagon -- in more than just the name -- the Cadillac focuses heavily on style and presence, more than on boxy functionality.

Among the connections with Holden's equally slinky Sportwagon is the minimally intrusive tailgate that swings up from forward-mounted roof hinges -- Chrysler 300C style -- to maximise the opening area while reducing the chances of being struck under the chin as it swings upwards. The power-operated Sport Wagon tailgate somehow manages to also integrate a small spoiler.

The Cadillac comes with adjustment cargo restrainers as well as what General Motors describes as "Integrated roof load management system with cross bars for a seamless appearance."

The Sport Wagon can also be optioned with a larger "panoramic" rear sunroof that appears to be an extension of the regular sunroof.

Inside, the Sport Wagon matches the sedan with "streamlined" instrumentation, LED lighting and "hand-cut-and-sewn accents with French stitching."

The CTS Sport Wagon - which is to be built at GM's Lansing Grand River plant in Lansing, Michigan - rides on the same 2880mm wheelbase as the sedan model although, despite a 720-litre load area aft of the rear seats, body length is actually 7mm shorter.

The wagon's sports aspect is accentuated by chunky 19-inch alloy wheels and, as with the CTS sedan, all-wheel drive is optionally available.

Standard powerplant in the CTS Sport Wagon is GM's advanced 3.6-litre direct injection V6, developing 196kW in US tune, along with 343Nm of torque.

US transmission choices include two six-speeders -- an Aisin manual, or an electronic HydraMatic auto.

GM says the Sport Wagon returns similar fuel consumption figures to the sedan, which is quoted at 26mpg (9.1L/100km) for the "highway" rating. GM also says the new V6's direct injection technology means a 25 percent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions.

A 184kW 2.9-litre DOHC V6 turbodiesel, developed primarily for European and Asian markets -- and, one would imagine, for Australia -- is on the way too.

Holden's Premium Brands division is expected to unveil the E-Class Benz-size Cadillac CTS sedan for local consumption at this year's Sydney International motor show in October.

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