Its ultra-rakish roofline, ending in subtle tailfin-taillamps, will be controversial. The '10 Cadillac CTS coupe's styling will polarize, which should make the car successful in North America and Europe. Cadillac is calling it a "concept," yet despite denials that it has decided to produce it, the CTS coupe will launch in 12 to 18 months alongside a wagon version intended mostly for Europe. Car czar Bob Lutz says it's the one North American International Auto Show debut that GM managed to keep secret.

"To be honest, this vehicle wasn't supposed to exist," design chief Ed Welburn says. His designers drew the second-generation CTS sedan (2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year) and kept drawing. Credit for the drawing that led to the "concept" goes to Bob Munson, a "quiet designer" who just goes about doing his job, Welburn says. The roofline has no break from the c-pillar to taillamps atop a kind of bustle-butt. Doors are frameless and the door handles are electric buttons behind an aerodynamically correct opening, like on the Cadillac XLR. Forward of the a-pillar, the CTS coupe is virtually the same as the sedan, and overall dimensions are nearly identical (the super-rakish roof makes it look like a car with a longer wheelbase and short rear overhang).

cadillac cts coupe concept

cadillac cts coupe concept

cadillac cts coupe concept