In the search for a new trend, Cadillac launched the 2003 CTS after an intensive development on the Nurburgring race-track.
The design was radically changed from what it was known before.

The car looked fresh and ready to tackle the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It was not that old-school looking car. The Cadillac management finally understood that young customers won’t buy a car that looked old even when it was new. The CTS changed that and the Origami Style was a bad surprise for the older customers and good news for the younger ones.

With its vertical headlights and wedge-shaped bodywork, the CTS looked stylish and modern. The square scoops in the bumper were filled with fog-lights and parking lights. The grille started to feature a vague V-shape on the bottom. Viewed from the sides, the raked A- and C-pillars evoked a more dynamic profile.

Inside, the faux-wood trims on the steering wheel, center console, center stack, and door panels looked good. In that department, Cadillac had good designers and knew their job. The audio system featured a tape-player and a CD-Changer. There was enough room both in the front and on the back seat.

The car was engineered with help from the Opel engineers, who knew how to build a car by European standards. Since the CTS replaced the Catera (which was a re-badged Opel Omega with more chrome on it), the result had to be over that. The CTS was offered with a better suspension and drivetrain. A self-leveling rear suspension was offered as an option.