Category Archives: Cadillac Models

Specifying Performance for the Cadillac CTS

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I have written about my recommended engines for the Cadillac CTS — I would like to see the LLT DI 3.6L 304hp V6 as the Standard Engine, and the L94 or LS3 403 or 426 hp V8s as the Performance/Premium powerplant.

Let’s put these more in performance specification form.

2010 Cadillac CTS

The Current top non-V CTS Performance Sedan will go 0-60 mph in 6.3-6.5 sec, and corner at 0.87-0.9 g on a 200 ft skidpad.   The base CTS sedan with 270 hp V6 is a bit slower and does not corner quite as well; so say 0-60 mph in 7 sec and 0.83-0.85 on a 200 ft skidpad.

I would like to see the current Performance Sedan as the ‘base’ model.  The counter-argument is that some people want the fuel economy of the 3L and are not that focused on Performance, so I am willing to compromise on this point.

For a CTS Performance Sedan with sizzling performance in today’s market Cadillac needs to attain 0-60 in under 5.5 sec, and a consistent skidpad result above 0.9g.  I believe that the easiest way to get there is to put in one of their current excellent off the shelf V8s, but I would be equally happy with a forced induction V6 that brings the power.

The skidpad / cornering issue is weight.  Until the next CTS refresh that seems fixed.  What can be altered is adding more rubber.

With the retirement of the STS this year, now would be a good time to bring the MR suspension to the CTS Performance sedan.  With the right tires and the right tuning that should keep it over 0.9g on the skidpad.

A true CTS Performance Sedan with 0-60 in under 5.5 sec and that corners at 0.9g would still not match the super car CTS-V performance, but it would be a terrific value and aspirational model at its current price point.

Metal to Molded Cadillac Art and Science and Cost

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The 1st generation CTS-V had a stainless steel mesh front grill.  This became a hallmark of the V-Series.  You can quickly and easily tell if a Cadillac is a V-Series by looking for the mesh upper grill and other highlights, such as V Series badges.

2nd Gen CTS-V Sedan

When the 2nd Generation CTS-V arrived in 2009, the front grill looks like a stainless steel mesh, but is a molded plastic piece.  Some Critics were quick to claim that this was done to save money, and was an inferior solution to the metal mesh of the first generation V.

1st Gen CTS-V Mesh Grill on a CTS

Actually, the Designers at Cadillac changed to the molded piece in order to attain a 3-dimensional grill for artistic purposes.    The stainless steel mesh looked great from front on or at an angle, but in close up photos or direct light one could see right through the stainless mesh to the mechanical bits beneath.  I like mechanical parts, as I am a function over form guy.  But from an artistic point of view, one function of the grill is to have some depth to it to hide the internal mechanical bits.  The new molded V-Series grill gives the same great mesh look, but also has some depth to it so that it looks great from a variety of angles, and doesn’t expose the mechanicals behind it.

In terms of cost, the Wags assume that a molded “plastic” grill  is less expensive than stainless steel mesh.  In fact the new grill may be MORE expensive, but it also improves the appearance of the V-Series.  That is what I like to see — continuous, thoughtful improvements in these great Cadillacs.

I have met the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

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Cadillac’s Nick Twork was on his way through Dallas from Detroit in a new, pre-production 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe and was nice enough to slow down and spend some one-on-one time with CaddyInfo.com.  Here is a photo of me and the V-Coupe; looks like we would be a good match!

Bruce Nunnally of CaddyInfo.com and the soon to be released Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

I like to think *I* look better in person than in photos, but the CTS-V Coupe DEFINITELY fits that description. In photos the rear of the Coupe especially seems very tall vertically, but in person it seems very well proportioned.

This example has the CTS Coupe specific Saffron interior, which is a two-tone yellow and black interior.  It looks very good in person.

There is a button on the top of the back of the passenger seat that makes it easy to electrically move the passenger seat forward to make space to climb into the back seat.   Once seated, the back seats are comfortable but have reduced head room compared to the CTS Sedan.  If you need rear seats and frequently have people in them, you should really get the Sedan instead.  If you really love the look of the CTS Coupe and want a 2-door but need back seats occasionally, welcome to the Cadillac CTS Coupe.

Rear Seat Access requires some flexibility

The back seat is also well detailed once you get into it (I climbed right in back for a size check).  There is plenty of leg room.  Because there are no rear door grab handles in the Coupe, it has trick pop-down hooks for hanging a suit jacket or other garment on either side.   These are a very nice touch.  The detailing of the rear seating area is very attractive.

The View from the Rear Seat of the CTS-V Coupe

Beneath the skin, the CTS-V Coupe has all the super car gear from the CTS-V Sedan — 556 hp Supercharged 6.2L V8, MR suspension, Brembo brakes, the whole package.

Outside, the CTS-V Coupe is a rolling work of art.

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Rear

There is a group of Cadillac Buyers who want the room of a full-size, four-seat Cadillac, but who also insist on two-doors.   To some people that is a hallmark of a personal luxury car — the space of the Sedan, with the personal convenience and style of the Coupe.  I am glad that Cadillac is making this car and I hope that they sell a lot of them.

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Rear

With storms along the way, Nick’s travel time became harder to predict.  When he called to link up, I was out sitting by the pool at a friend’s house, so after we met I headed back to enjoy the tranquility of the afternoon.

Relaxing by the Pool