Cadillac CTS Coupe a GO for 2010

If the Cadillac CTS Coupe concept that debuted at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show made your heart beat faster, then here's something that might make it explode. GM will put this dramatic display of its Art and Science design language into production in 18 months' time.

While Ed Welburn, GM's vice president of Global Design, told reporters at the CTS coupe's press conference "this vehicle really wasn't supposed to exist," the new luxury coupe has been part of GM's plan since at least the middle of 2006. Code-named GMX226, the 2010 Cadillac coupe will start rolling down the assembly line at the Lansing Grand River plant in early June of 2009. Annual production is expected to be in the range of 15,000 to 20,000 units.

Don't expect the production model to differ much from the concept. In back, the very short rear deck lid, angular taillights and sculpted sheet metal will appear on the real coupe. One thing the production model will have, that the concept does not, is a lip spoiler with an integrated middle brake light. The center-mounted exhaust will also be swapped out for a more conventional setup.

In the front, we're expecting a moderately toned down lower fascia and a pair of headlights with a few less LEDs. The side skirts may not make the transition to production and a hood with fewer creases will also be in order.

It's still too early to say exactly what GM will call this car; however, "CTC" was the logical guess floating around the Detroit show floor.

What this means to you: If you long for a two-door Cadillac without the XLR's hefty price tag, your dream becomes reality next summer. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor