2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe
04/01/2011
Shahed Hussain
Cadillac's lineup has lacked a coupe since the departure of the Eldorado nearly a decade ago. While luxury coupes have traditionally been a small segment, they often set stylistic standards for the brand. With the introduction of the CTS Coupe, Cadillac is the only American brand offering a premium 2-door alternative to the Audi A5, BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Series Coupe and Infiniti G37.
Priced slightly above the base CTS sedan, the Coupe is offered in three models. MSRP for the base 2-door starts at $38,365, followed by the Performance Collection model ($42,805), and the range-topping Premium Collection coupe ($47,201). Instead of the standard 3.0L V-6 installed in the CTS sedan, all Coupe models are powered by a 3.6L V-6, coupled to a 6-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is a $1,900 option on all models. Our test vehicle was the midlevel CTS Performance Collection equipped with the Performance Luxury & Navigation Package ($4,020), 19-inch Summer Tire Performance Package ($2,090), and Tuscan Bronze Chromaflair paint ($995). The total sticker price added up to $50,585, which places the CTS Coupe in the midst of some formidable competition from the BMW 335i, Infiniti G37, Mercedes-Benz E350, and to a lesser extent, the Audi A5 2.0T.
Despite its positioning as a premium 2-door, the entry-level CTS Coupe is equipped with leatherette (vinyl) upholstered seats. Moving up to the Performance Collection model adds genuine leather upholstery, which we consider essential for a luxury coupe. Other notable upgrades include xenon HID headlights, Bluetooth phone connectivity and heated front seats. For performance-oriented customers, Cadillac offers an optional 6-speed manual gearbox, combined with the mandatory 19-inch inch Summer Tire Performance Package for $44,220. Most customers will prefer the convenience of the standard 6-speed automatic, and by adding the Performance Luxury Package, a nicely optioned CTS Coupe can be had for $47,700.
Cadillac's interior design uses wood, chrome, and leather trim to convey an appropriately luxurious ambiance. Drivers will appreciate the bright electroluminescent gauges for the 160-MPH speedometer and 8,000 RPM tachometer, inset in individual pods. Smaller gauges for fuel, coolant and oil temperature are nestled within another pod to the right of the speedometer. A 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel houses buttons for audio, cruise, and Bluetooth controls. Dual paddles behind the steering wheel allow convenient transmission shift control. Sapele wood trim adorns the steering wheel and shift lever; slim spears of wood veneer span the dashboard and upper doors.
The center console has three chrome-rimmed knobs and large pushbuttons for audio and HVAC controls. A prominent analog clock nestles between the audio knobs on the upper center stack. The motorized LCD display rises to show navigation data, or retracts for abbreviated audio system information. Although the LCD touch screen eliminates many buttons, it becomes more difficult to program the navigation system or access some audio settings while driving. Behind the console-mounted shift lever are dual cupholders and a storage bin; rear passengers get their own cupholders in a center console between the seats. The massive C-pillar and slit-like rear window restrict visibility, but the optional rear-view camera aids parking maneuvers. Oddly, the rear-view mirror renders objects disproportionately narrow.
A Bose 5.1-channel/10-speaker audio system is included with the CTS Coupe Performance Collection model. With a CD/DVD player, MP3-capability, 40 GB hard disk, and XM satellite radio, the Bose system provides virtually every audio and video source available. Optional heated and cooled 10-way power seats offer a multitude of settings, including power lumbar adjustment. The front seats should accommodate most drivers, but the flat thigh bolsters provide limited lateral support. Getting into the rear seats is inconvenient, especially since the front seatbelts obstruct access. Although legroom is adequate, the unyielding seatback compromises comfort, while headroom is lacking for occupants taller than 5'10". Trunk capacity is a paltry 10.5 cu. ft., further limited by bulky deck lid hinges that intrude into the cargo area. Folding rear seats allow some larger cargo to fit inside the passenger compartment.
Cadillac's 3.6L direct injection V-6 develops 304-bhp @ 6,400 RPM, and 273 lb.-ft. @ 5,200 RPM. A Hydra-Matic 6L50 6-speed automatic is standard, but customers can order an Aisin manual gearbox and save $1,300. The automatic is a silky-shifting transmission that works seamlessly with the V-6. Full throttle downshifts take a couple of seconds, so we used the paddles on the steering column for faster response. The selected gear is shown in the trip computer display on the speedometer. Fuel consumption with the automatic transmission is rated at 18/27 MPG, city/hwy. We averaged 18-19 MPG in mixed urban and highway driving.
The front and rear suspensions consist of short/long arms (SLA), coil springs, electromagnetically controlled dampers, and stabilizer bars. Our test vehicle was equipped with the optional Summer Tire Package, which adds larger diameter vented brake rotors, 19 x 8.5-inch alloy wheels, and wider P245/45ZR19 (front) and P275/40ZR19 (rear) Continental tires. ABS, traction control, and StabiliTrak stability control are standard. The bigger brakes provide confident fade-free stopping power, especially impressive considering the nearly two-ton curb weight.
For a relatively heavy coupe, the CTS tracks around curves with minimal body roll. Credit the low profile tires and firmly damped suspension for this Cadillac's competent road manners. Tire noise is subdued on asphalt, but become noticeably louder on concrete pavement. Bumpy roads highlight the lack of suspension compliance and the substantial unsprung mass of the optional 19-inch wheels and tires. The standard 18-inch wheels and the taller sidewall Michelin all-season tires should ensure a less jittery ride more suitable for a luxury 2-door.
The CTS Coupe is a logical addition to Cadillac's lineup, and a competitive alternative to German and Japanese luxury sport coupes. While the BMW 3-Series and Infiniti G37 Coupe skew toward the sporty end of the spectrum, the Cadillac is an alternative to the more expensive Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe. As an American alternative to the E350, the CTS measures up as a better value, although we aren't sure that Benz buyers would consider a Cadillac, regardless of its merits.
