Vehicle Tested
| 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe
Base Price: $47,010
At-Tested Price: $51,030
Built in Lansing, Michigan.
Options
Performance Package
Special Paint
Underhood Appearance Package
Engine: 3.6-liter V6
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Drive Wheels: Rear-Wheel Drive
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In just a few short years, Cadillac's CTS has become the cornerstone of the brand. Where once posh Seville and baroque Eldorado reigned, CTS carries a flag boasting technology, innovation and sport. Regardless of what you think about Escalade, SRX or STS, CTS is the heart of the new Cadillac and a precursor of wreath-and-crest cars to come.
The change in philosophy at Cadillac was born out of necessity. As boomers aged and became empty nesters, the need for big, floaty luxury yachts waned. Instead, the hip-but-graying set sought out technology and style. Cadillac filled that bill with the 2008 CTS, a car that looked every bit the part and had the engineering cred to back that statement on Germany's famous Nurburgring.
Both style and performance were needed because the CTS is designed to go head-to-head with uber performance sedans like the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Infiniti G, Jaguar XF and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Heady company indeed!
Originally available as a four-door sedan, Cadillac added a wagon last year and a strikingly angular coupe this year. The wagon and sedan seat five on twin front buckets and a three-place rear bench. Couple models offer buckets front and rear, which reduces seating capacity to four. Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is available on all body styles but not available on the performance-orientated CTS-V model.
Three trim levels are offered. Sedan and wagons start with the 3.0. Stepping up to the 3.6 yields sedan, wagon and coupe models. Topping the line is the CTS-V, which is also available in all three bodystyles. 3.0 models come standard with a 270-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. 3.6 models get a 304-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. CTS-V models get a 556-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8. Regardless of engine or model, buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Those opting for all-wheel drive must get the automatic transmission.
Standard safety equipment on all models includes antilock four-wheel disc brakes, stability control, tire-pressure monitor, wiper-activated headlights, daytime running lights and dual-front, front-side and curtain-side airbags. A rear-view monitor is part of a luxury package that's offered on 3.0 and above. 3.6 models and above get a rear-obstacle-detection system.
The CTS Coupe starts at $38,165 for the rear-drive model and $40,065 for the all-wheel drive model. Standard equipment includes 3.6-liter V6 engine, six-speed manual or automatic transmission, air conditioning with dual-zone automatic climate controls, OnStar assistance system with one year service, tilt-telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio and climate controls, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, ten-way power driver seat, center console, split folding rear seat, keyless access and starting, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, Bose AM/FM radio with in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, power liftgate (wagon), rear wiper/washer (wagon), automatic headlights, floormats, theft-deterrent system, limited slip differential, sport suspension, fog lights, 235/55HR17 tires and alloy wheels
Next up is the Performance Coupe, it retails for $42,605 with rear-drive and $44,505 with AWD. It adds to the base coupe leather upholstery, heated front seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), Bose sound system with USB port, hard drive, Bluetooth cell-phone link, universal garage door opener and steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights.
On top of the Performance Coupe is the Premium Coupe. At $47,010 with rear-drive and $48,910 with AWD it adds to the Performance Coupe navigation system, rearview camera, heated power tilt-telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel with memory, heated/ventilated front seats, wood interior trim and power sunroof.
Topping the Coupe lineup is the $62,165 CTS-V. It adds to the Premium Coupe uprated brakes, leather/alcantara upholstery, Magnetic Ride Control suspension and 255/40R19 front and 285/35R19 rear tires.
The CTS is built in Lansing, Michigan, and has a destination charge of $875.
Get Up and Go Cadillac's 3.6-liter V6 has good low-speed power and solid passing boost. When prodded, the six-pot mill will push the Caddy coupe from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds, which is more than appropriate for the class. Especially impressive is mid-range response between 30-60 mph.
Obviously, stepping up to the supercharged V8 in the CTS-V will provide better acceleration. But take note, the CTS-V alarmingly quick.
The V6 is as smooth as any in the class and willing revs up to redline.
The six-speed manual is easy to work quickly and has an appropriately meaty feel, but the six-speed autobox is so good, only the hardcore enthusiast will have a hard decision to make. The only thing that would make the automatic more appealing would be steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. Still, it's fun to pop the shift knob to and fro when negotiating your favorite twisty on-ramp.
CTS Coupe's all-wheel-drive system is not intended for off-road use, but it does a good job of sending power to the wheels with the most traction. It should be noted that all premium cars like this come with touring tires that are ineffective in winter, so even if you opt for the AWD system, you'll want to swap out the tires for a set of snow clogs in the winter. Most dealers offer a swap out and storage service for a nominal fee.
EPA fuel economy numbers for the rear-drive V6-powered coupe are 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. That's on the Cadillac-recommended regular-grade gasoline. Those numbers compare favorably to similarly sized competitors like the Audi A5, BMW 335 and Infiniti G37.
In real-world driving you are likely to average about 20 mpg in routine suburban commuting. Expect those numbers to drop into the high teens if you do any rush-hour slogs, though. Straight highway cruising will yield about 26-30 mpg depending on your speed. The faster you go, the lower your economy.
On the Road CTS has a reassuringly solid ride. The chassis feels exceptionally rigid and the suspension, though firm, does a good job of reducing unnecessary body motions. Those favoring a more "traditional" Cadillac need not apply as the CTS Coupe blurs the line between luxury and sport with a Euro-tuned suspension that wouldn't be out of place on a BMW or Mercedes-Benz. Opt for the available Performance Package and the ride grows harder still, bordering on harsh on Chicagoland's frost-heaved pavement.
Though the Coupe tips the scales at a portly 3900 pounds, it feels nimble and well sorted on twisty roads. The steering is delightfully weighted and quite precise. There's little body lean in corners and the brakes are rock-solid strong and provide quick, drama-free stops. Discerning drivers will be able to tell the difference between the CTS Coupe and the substantially lighter BMW 335 coupe, but most will never notice.
Cabin is impressively quiet with the biggest offender being tire roar on coarse concrete freeways. The Performance Package comes with summer tires that are louder than the standard touring tread. The engine is impressively polished and emits a pleasing and throaty bellow at full song.
Behind the Wheel With a strikingly modern design executed in traditional materials, the CTS Coupe interior will please both luxury and performance fans. Materials are top notch and assembly quality is excellent. An optional stitched-leather dash top, a feature found only in very expensive premium luxury cars, is especially impressive.
Despite the abundance of electronic gadgets, basic interior controls are familiar, easy to reach, and clearly marked. Thankfully most of the technology is optional, so people who just want basic luxury don't have to put up with awkward control inputs that are common in other luxury cars.
With firm cushions and deep sculpting, the front seats focus on support rather than comfort. Still, they are long-haul comfortable and offer good support in spirited driving. Headroom can be tight for those more than six feet tall. Leg room is good. With plenty of seat adjustments and a tilt-telescope steering wheel, most drivers will find it easy to find a relaxing driving position. Outward visibility is good forward, but restricted by thick rear pillars and the sloping back glass. Blind-spot assist would be a boon in this car.
The rear buckets are comfortable and nicely finished but quite confining. If the front seats are pushed more than halfway back, knee room is very tight and head room is limited if rear-seat passengers are more than five feet tall.
The smallish 10.5 cubic-foot trunk is further compromised by a small opening, though the rear seat backs fold flat to provide additional cargo room. Interior storage is just adequate as there's a center-console bin and a few cubbies here and there.
Bottom Line CTS Coupe embodies all that Cadillac wants to become--a premium brand that focuses on technology, sport and luxury. Its striking design sets it apart from competitors and shows that Cadillac designers can create a car that's both functional and beautiful.
Prices are steep and the CTS Coupe suffers from traditional two-door compromises of a small rear seat and poor outward visibility. Still, the CTS is a fine automobile and, in the right hands, downright sporting. If you're a traditionalist that think only Europe can turn out a proper touring coupe . . . well you're wrong. Give the CTS Coupe an honest look and you may find yourself as the proud owner of a new Cadillac.
Specifications 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe
| Dimensions
| 2-door coupe
| Engine
| DOHC V6
| Wheelbase,
in.
| 113.4
| Size, liters/cu.
in.
| 3.6 /
217
| Length,
in.
| 188.5 | Horsepower @
rpm
| 304 @
6400
| Width,
in.
| 74.1
| Torque (lb.-ft.) @
rpm
| 273 @ 5200
| Height,
in.
| 55.9
| Transmission
| 6-Speed
Automatic
| Weight,
lbs.
| 3924
| EPA Estimates,
mpg
| 18 city / 27
highway
| Cargo Capacity, cu.
ft.
| 10.5 |
|
| Fuel Capacity,
gals.
| 18
| Manufacturer's
Warranty
| Seating
Capacity
| 4
| Bumper-to-Bumper
| 4 years / 50,000
miles
| Front Head Room,
in.
| 36.9
| Powertrain
| 5 years / 100,000
miles
| Front Leg Room,
in.
| 42.4
| Corrosion
| 6 years / 100,000 miles
| Second-Row Head Room,
in.
| 34.6
| Free Roadside
Assistance
| 4 years / 50,000 miles
| Second-Row Leg Room,
in.
| 35.0
| Free Scheduled
Maintenance
| None
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