It’s impossible to review the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe and not immediately talk about the engine, a 556-bhp 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 that launches the car from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.0 seconds. See what I mean? There’s no doubt that this mega motor is the main attraction, its power is addictive and effortless. The CTS-V is available as a sedan, station wagon and coupe. A Tremec 6-speed manual is available in all three, though my test car was equipped with the optional Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic.
Several times I had to remind myself I was driving a car with more horsepower than a Porsche 911 Turbo, or Aston Martin Virage. That’s not to suggest the CTS-V Coupe was lulling me to sleep, much like the pillow-soft rides of many classic Cads might. Highway cruising is quiet and composed, the rear-wheel-drive CTS-V felt rock solid even when the weather conditions soured. If you’re after a lithe sports car, the steering could leave you wanting to know more about what’s going on at each corner. But for a 4,200 lb. grand tourer, the balance of ride and handling felt just about ideal in my opinion.
The best news is that all the engineering money hasn’t gone only towards the powertrain. We’ve been down this road before: General Motors builds a great performancecar, but the budget seems to have run dry when it came to classing up the cabin. The Corvette has gotten better and better over the years, the current Camaro is improving, but the CTS-V has things spot-on from the start. The leather-lined cabin is handsome and business-like, which is what you expect in a car that costs approximately $64,535 (including destination).
A large and easy to read satellite navigation screen dominates the center console, which is finished in gloss black wood trim and flanked by vents with just a hint of chrome. Some of the buttons are a little haphazard, but come on, you really have to nit-pick to find serious fault with this interior. I personally fell in love with the suede-covered steering wheel – it’s not too python thick like some sports and GT cars. My most serious complaint is the fuel mileage. Cadillac pegs economy at 12/18 during city and highway driving. I managed a feeble 13.7-mpg during my week with the car.
Related posts:
- Cadillac Returns to Racing with CTS-V Coupe
- Cadillac to unveil production CTS-V Coupe plus a new concept car at the Detroit Auto Show
- Cadillac CTS-V Coupe or BMW M6?
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