2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

It would have been less complicated for General Motors to do what car companies usually do when introducing new vehicles to the buying public: trot out a stunningly beautiful concept at an auto show, only to tone down the production version before it makes its way to market. It's the old design-to-reality bait-andswitch. The production version of the CTS Coupe gives Cadillac's “Art and Science” design language a refined accent—the edges are still there, but they're tempered with curves that convey a handcrafted look. Of course, the CTS Coupe owes much of its design to the CTS Sedan, including the entirety of its bold front end.

The 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe is the latest addition to the lineup of Cadillac's best-selling cars. The 2-door coupe joins 4-door sedan and wagon body styles, which see no major changes for 2011. The coupe seats 4 while other versions seat 5. The sedan and wagon reprise 3.0 and 3.6 trim levels. Depending on body style and drivetrain, trim levels include Base, Luxury, and Performance. The coupe comes as the 3.6. The 3.0 uses a 270-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine. The 3.6 has a 304-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on 3.0 sedans.

It's offered as a credit option on 3.6 coupes and sedans. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard on all wagons, coupes, and 3.6 sedans while remaining optional on the 3.0 sedan. Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is available on all body styles. The high-performance CTS-V is offered in all body styles as well. The coupe and wagon are new for 2011. All are powered by a 556-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8. It teams with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The CTS-V has GM's Magnetic Ride Control suspension, which automatically adjusts firmness within two driver-selectable modes. "Performance Traction Management" is available on CTS-V.

This system is similar to GM's Stabilitrak antiskid system, but it is set to aid performance in spirited driving. The V has an upgraded interior that includes available Recaro-brand seats with 14-way adjustment and a suede-like microfiber wrap for the shift lever and steering wheel. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Available features include steering-linked headlamps and keyless entry and ignition. A navigation system is standard on the CTS-V, optional otherwise.

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe Specs

Model: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe
Engine: 3.6-liter V6
Horsepower/Torque: 304 hp @ 6,400 rpm/370 lb.-ft. @ 5,200 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with manual
Wheelbase: 113.4 in.
Length/Width/Height: 188.5 x 74.1 x 55.9 in.
Tires: P245/45R19 (F)/P275/40R19 (R) no spare
Cargo volume: 10.5 cu. ft.
Fuel economy: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway/18.3 mpg test
Fuel capacity: 18.0 gal.
Curb weight: 3,907 lbs.

The Bottom Line: Cadillac has expanded the CTS line with this coupe, it has great styling and performance that doesn't quite live up to it’s a+ styling, but still isn't bad.