This week I’m testing a 2011 Cadillac CTS Performance Coupe provide by Crest Cadillac of Plano.
You can find my short summary after pickup here.
The test car is a Cadillac CTS Performance Coupe with the luxury and navigation package, so it has all the extras and the pop-up nav system. I prefer a couple of stations on XM radio, including Watercolors Jazz (71); I was pleased to find that the test car had XM turned on, so that I could enjoy my music during the test. Thanks XM!
For my next Cadillac I am shopping for a 2010 Cadillac CTS Sedan — the 4-door version of the CTS as opposed to the test model, which is the 2-door Coupe. The Coupe has some beautiful styling touches, and I only *need* 2 doors most days. So a Coupe could fit for my current empty nest lifestyle. However, the Coupe started production in 2011, and the budget I care to spend on my next Cadillac only stretches to a 2010 model.
So how does the CTS Coupe drive in real life? It is a marvelous car. Beautiful, stylish exterior, with plentiful acceleration, and an amazing 6 speed automatic. My 2005 CTS has a Corsa aftermarket exhaust, and so is louder, but the new CTS is much more refined in general as well. I would prefer a bit more exhaust note, but I appreciate the work Cadillac has done in refining noise, vibration, and harshness.
The 304 hp LLT 3.6L V6 is an ideal power-plant for this car especially if you are the one buying the gas. Now, that said, I do recall that during my CTS-V test drive I wrote that any gas that car needed served its purpose, due to the high level of fun the V generates. At my house the difference between a Sedan budget and a V budget is significant, so I’m focused on the sedan or coupe. If the V ever comes within reach, then I’ll figure out how to pay for the gas too perhaps.
The view out the back of the Coupe is supplemented by a rear-view camera that displays on the navigation system screen. I find that this is useful for an initial review of what is behind the Coupe before moving, but then prefer to look directly out the back window while backing. The Rear quarter windows are smaller in the Coupe, and I have to lean forward to peer to the rear quarters, but that is probably a familiarity thing that would become natural with use.
The CTS Coupe makes a perfectly delightful daily driver. I love the Crystal Red Tint-coat on this car and highly recommend it.