Base Price: $65,390
As-Tested Price: $71,485
Drivetrain: 6.2-liter supercharged V8; RWD, six-speed manual
Output: 556 hp @ 6,100 rpm, 551 lb-ft @ 3,800 rpm
Curb Weight: 4,209 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 16/15.4 mpg
Options: Heated and vented Recaro high performance seats, metal pedals ($3,400); black diamond tricoat exterior paint ($995); 19-inch satin graphite wheels ($800); midnight sapele wood trim package ($600); suede steering wheel and shifter ($300)
Buy a New Cadillac CTS at shopautoweek.com
The 2012 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe is world class and can compete with other 500-plus horsepower sport coupes out there especially when you look at the price. At $71k, this is a performance bargain.
The supercharged powertrain is a delight, with smooth linear power delivered locomotive-like. The engine just keeps pulling to redline, then bang, grabs another gear and gets delighted all over again. I had no trouble with heel/toe shifting my only complaint with the car is the clutch pedal was such that I was pushing the lever as much as the pedal. The angle is odd.
The six-speed manual has nice short throws and the Alcantara-topped shifter and steering wheel add to the performance bend of the car.
The Recaros have terrific side bolsters and are infinitely adjustable. They even have really nice lumbar support.
Overall, I would rank this car at the very top of GM cars I'd want in my garage, right along with a Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Few cars in the General's stable pack more of a performance punch along with some edgy styling. The car is an attention-grabber, both for its exterior looks, and from behind the wheel. The CTS-V delights in many ways.
By: ROGER HART
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