(6.2L V8 Supercharger 6-speed Manual)
What our ratings include
Driver:
Date Driven: 8/24/2010
Performance
You'd have to possess much deeper pockets or smaller suitcases to find another coupe with the straightline performance of the 556-hp CTS-V coupe. Not long ago, 12-second quarter-mile times were only available in the supercar realm.
Driving Dynamics
Though lacking the feel and feedback of a sports car, the CTS-V coupe provides commensurate grip and agility. Multi-level driver-adjustable stability/traction controls thankfully can be turned completely off for full Hooligan mode.
Ride Comfort
Standard two-mode self-adjusting magnetorheological dampers offer a nearly unparalleled ability to smooth out little bumps and the car's long-ish wheelbase takes care of the big ones.
Quietness
Standard high-performance low-profile tires are slightly louder than typical tires, but are still tolerable. Wind noise is commendably low.
Ergonomics
Sound overall ergonomics with only a couple 'Why'd they do that?' miscues. Combination of hard buttons plus touchscreen offers a wide variety of input options/flexibility on the center stack with standard hard drive-based infotainment system.
Visibility
Prominent rear/side blind spots from large sail panel and distorted image from rearview mirror through steeply raked, rear window. Luckily, back-up camera is standard, but could benefit from blind-spot monitor (unavailable).
Seat Access & Space
Better-than-most front-seat comfort/support may be further upgraded with Recaro option (for a price). There's nothing that can be done to improve deplorable rear-seat access or comfort; both of which are far below average -- even for a coupe.
Cargo & Storage
Very little in-cabin small storage compounded by a small-volume trunk with a small aperture, high lift-over height, and luggage-crushing goose-neck hinges.
Build Quality
Since the intro of the 2008 CTS, GM has already proven that Cadillac knows how to design/build a luxury car. There are yet details that need to be addressed before the CTS can be put in the same league as similarly priced German cars.
