Car Reviws |
| 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe Performance Collection, an AW Drivers Log: Posted: 11 Jan 2011 08:38 AM PST       
EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART: The CTS coupe is one of my favorite General Motors products at the moment. I like the look, both inside and out, and I love the way the car drives. Naturally, the CTS-V really ramps up the performance, but with 304 hp underhood in the base model, it's no slouch. While this car was fitted with a six-speed automatic, I think I'd opt for the six-speed manual. There's nothing wrong here with this trans, but I think you could wring a bit more out of the manual box. This did have steering-wheel-mounted shift buttons but I let the computer do all the shifting. The interior is very nice with three simple round gauges in the IP and the center stack, topped by a pop-up navigation screen, is all pretty straightforward. I'm not a big fan of the push-button electric door latches, a carryover from the Chevrolet Corvette and the now-defunct XLR. It seems silly, actually, considering they have to put a manual release along the floor, just in case the power goes out so that you can get out of the car. But the electric switch does allow for a door with no visible door handle, which makes for a very sleek side look. The CTS stands up well to the BMW 3-series coupe and the Audi A5. ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR CHERYL L. BLAHNIK: I really like how this car stands out in a parking lot. The car looks smooth with sharp lines that give it personality. And the nice thing is that the design doesn't drop off once you get inside, with a strong, bold look. Everything is clean, built from high-quality materials, and it's comfortable. Driving this car was fun, even though my commute was through soggy conditions. But even so, the car handled confidently in the wet with good stopping grip. Sure, it's not the supercharged V version, but 304 hp isn't anything to sneeze at. This car felt plenty fast. I had no problems blasting away from stoplights and the car easily hustled up to speed when merging onto the expressway. EXECUTIVE EDITOR--AUTOWEEK.COM BOB GRITZINGER: This is a sweet and stylin' piece of machinery, with plenty of poke from the V6 and a stealth-fighter level of panache in its wrapper. The car isn't exactly gorgeous in the classic Cadillac sense, but it's spectacular in the sharp creases and cuts that make it look for all the world like something out of science-fiction--like it might sprout wings and fly at any moment, even when it's sitting idle in the driveway. I love the pearl white paint, along with the hidden door handles that only add to its mystique. Inside it's equally good, with nice stitched-leather appointments, a bit of carbonlike trim, aluminum and some materials in all the right places. The center stack can seem a little busy at first, but once the main controls are located and learned, it's a cinch to manage. I really liked the seating position, the layout and the overall comfort, but I admit I never even attempted to use the back seat for real human beings. But it's a sport coupe--if you need to haul foursomes or more all the time, look elsewhere or get your buddy with the 'Burban to drive. The powertrain isn't quite BMW I6 smooth and strong, but it's awfully close, and that's saying something for a company that's been living on pushrod V6s since the early '60s. The car packs ample punch, gets up to speed quickly, likes to be run through the gears via the paddle shifters, corners flat and rides reasonably for all its sporting intentions. My only concerns center on what seems like a too-tight turning radius at low speeds, which creates some bad tire dragging and scrubbing noises, and an extremely tight trunk space and configuration. Otherwise, the car is excellent, inside and out. 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe Performance Collection Base Price: $43,430 As-Tested Price: $48,845 Drivetrain: 3.6-liter V6; RWD, six-speed automatic Output: 304 hp @ 6,400 rpm, 273 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm Curb Weight: 3,924 lb Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 21/19.6 mpg Options: Navigation system including premium audio, 40GB hard drive, satellite traffic ($2,145); 19-inch summer performance tires, wheels, steering-wheel-mounted shift controls, performance cooling system, performance disc brakes ($2,090); white diamond tricoat paint ($995); underhood appearance package ($110); highway safety kit ($75) |
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