General Motors marketing chief Joel Ewanick said that the brand is planning to offer CTS-V sports car in right-hand-drive in the United Kingdom as a part of a renewed commitment to take global markets more seriously.

Ewanick said that when the 556-hp supercharged V8 CTS-V was built it was a “car designed for Europe, but one we haven’t treated seriously in Europe. We’re geared up for right-hand drive now,” he said. “We’re working on it.”

The new Cadillac ATS, which will be available in right-hand-drive, will be the brand’s first car to show renewed commitment to its success outside of the United States.

Click here for our original post on the Cadillac ATS.

“There wasn’t a commitment to the product before and we didn’t design cars to the market demands,” he told AutoCar. “The Germans do this very well. There is now a full resource commitment and a vision to get this right. Bankruptcy refocused GM.”

Ewanick said that all new Cadillac models will be produced with global market in mind.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

In similar fashion to Audi’s S-Line package, Cadillac have announced that they will offer a $2,065+ “Touring” sport and luxury package to non V-series examples of their CTS sedan, coupe and wagon.

The Touring Package, which starts at $2,065, will get you high-intensity discharge headlamps (HIDs), sports suspension, performance wheels and a spoiler. The interior gets an upgrade as well. Additionally, Touring optioned 3.6 models will sport leather wrapped Recaro bucket seats, V-Series aerodynamic center high mounted stop lamp (except Sport Wagon); suede seat inserts, steering wheel and shifter; midnight Sapele wood trim and metal pedals.

Both the 3.0 liter (270 bhp) and 3.6 liter (318 bhp) direct injection sixes remain unchanged, but should you order the Touring package with the 3.6, the grille will be blacked out, the wheels will be 18-19 inches and shod with your choice of high performance summer or all-season rubber.

For 2012 and separate from the Touring Package, all CTS models will come with Bluetooth connectivity as standard with a few new colors: Opulent Blue Metallic (brilliant color, but do they really have to use the word “opulent”?), Black Diamond Tri-coat (attractive, a nearly over the top and sparkly black) and Mocha Steel Metallic (a euphemism for brown). Optional starting this year will be rain sensing wipers and a blind spot monitoring system for those who can’t be bothered with turning their heads.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

General Motors said that it is recalling certain model year 2012 Cadillac CTS models built from Oct. 21, 2011 through Oct. 26, 2011. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration said that the models produced during that time period may have a condition in which the power vacuum brake boost pushrod retention may not be torqued to proper specification.

“If the nut is not torqued to the proper specification, the nut could loosen and allow the pushrod to separate from the brake pedal,” the NHTSA said. “This could result in a loss of ability to brake and a vehicle to crash without prior warning.”

A total of 674 models could be affected.

Top fix the issue, Cadillac will inspect the power vacuum brake boost pushrod retention nut and torque the nut to proper spec. Owners can contact Caddy at 1-800-458-8006.

- By: Omar Rana

These tuners have thrown on a matte black wrap, body kit and a stroker 7-liter V8 LSA belting out 1,001 bhp and 1,000 ft-lbs of torque for this year’s SEMA show. The car will be at the Toyo both and will be wearing Proxes T1R UHP tires: 275/30ZR20 at the front and 345/25ZR20 at the back. Naturally suspension and brakes have received upgrades too.

Click here for more news on the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe.

The car is named Le Monstre, alluding to a ‘50 Caddy 61 series Coupe which Briggs Cunningham drove in the 1950 24 Hours of LeMans.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Source: CarScoop

A new teaser video is out from General Motors’ Cadillac luxury brand. Since Cadillac has been seeing some great success from their latest cars, Cadillac’s pursuit to continue fighting with the top dogs has yet to cease.

Click here for more news on the Cadillac CTS-V.

In the video, you can see a new CTS-V powering around a closed race circuit. It’s competing track mate: a Ferrari 458 Italia. The new ad spot clearly suggests that Cadillac is aiming directly for Ferrari.

As to what comes from these efforts, is still to be determined.

Click here for our review on the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe.

Have a look at the new spot after the jump.

Review: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe:

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana, Nikolina Kostrevski - egmCarTech.

Review: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe:

- By: Chris Chin

I was never really a big fan of station wagons. I always thought that, while providing a very utilitarian purpose, they were very boring. Something that those pompous folks from Princeton, New Jersey would drive (seriously, it’s almost like Station Wagon World out there), or a family man’s alternative to the minivan.

However, one day, a General Motors press fleet manager gave me a call asking if I would like to get behind the wheel of a Cadillac CTS-V. Having already driven the Cadillac CTS-V Sedan and the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, I was curious to know why he was letting me into another CTS-V model. I quickly found out that it was the station wagon version that he was offering up.

Yes, I’ve already tested the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, but this time it had a ‘V’ at the end – and no matter what the exterior looked like, that meant a 6.2 liter supercharged V8 pumping out 556-hp was under the hood to keep me satisfied.

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon Specifications:

• Base Price: $63,660.
• Price As Tested: $67,735.
• Drive Type: Rear-wheel-drive.
• Engine: 6.2 liter Supercharged V8 – 556-hp at 6,100 rpm / 551 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm.
• Transmission: 6-Speed Manual or 6-Speed Automatic.
• 0 to 60 mph: 4.3 seconds.
• Curb Weight: 4,398 lbs.
• Fuel-economy (city/highway): 14/19 mpg (manual), 12/18 (auto).

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana, Nikolina Kostrevski - egmCarTech.

Exterior:

In my opinion, the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon is already one of the most impressive looking station wagons on the market. The only other models that manage to demand any attention like the CTS Sport Wagon are the Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5-Series Estate, (which has been switched out for the awkward looking 5-Series Gran Turismo in the U.S. market) and that’s really about it.

Included in the bunch of exterior changes is a unique grille that doubles front-end airflow to help enable cooling to the engine. It gets an aggressive front fascia and raised center section of the aluminum hood that provides clearance for the V8 supercharger. Like it’s other CTS-V siblings, the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon flies low on 19-inch forged aluminum wheels available in painted or polished finishes.

The sum of those V model upgrades definitely makes the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon our favorite looking high-performance station wagon.

Interior:

Inside the Cadillac CTS is the same story as the Cadillac CTS-V Sedan and CTS-V Coupe. You’ll find a swarm of upgraded features including LED lighting, hand-cut-and-sewn accents, and performance seats featuring perforated suede microfiber inserts. Like always for V-models, Recaro performance driving seats are optional.

Also in line with the other two CTS-V models, the Cadillac CTS-V Sport wagon gets Obsidian Black accents on the center stack, console, steering wheel and door panels. The production steering wheel and shifter are available in Alcantara, which incorporates the luxurious feel of suede into the driving experience.

Standard features include a navigation system, Bose 5.1 digital surround audio, Bluetooth phone integration, a 40-gigabyte hard drive for storage of music files., iPod/MP3/AUX connectivity and much more.

Most important for station wagon shoppers is the cargo capacity that the CTS Sport Wagon models come with. Just like its slower brother, the CTS-V Sport Wagon offers 25.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 58 cubic feet with the seats folded – virtually doubling the cargo space of the CTS-V Sedan.

Yes, so far if you’re one of those ‘family man enthusiasts’ the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon is starting to sound like a pretty interesting choice.

Performance:

This is where the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon, like other CTS-V models, sets itself far apart from the competition.

Under the hood is the superb 6.2 liter supercharged V8 unit making 556-hp with a maximum torque of 551 lb-ft.  It is the most powerful engine offered in Cadillac’s history, and probably in that of station wagons.

Hitting the closest highway, I felt little, if any, change in the performance of the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon when compared with its Sedan and Coupe siblings. The Magnetic Ride Control system, Brembo brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 performance tires kept me mounted to the road, while keeping me confident when taking sharp turns with my passengers screaming.

While on the subject of performance – engineers inside GM say that the drag coefficient of the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon is actually better than the CTS-V Sedan and the CTS-V Coupe – meaning the wagon is actually, although very slightly, still faster than the other two.

Overall:

What other station wagon out there makes 556-hp from a supercharged V8, runs from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, has a 6-speed manual transmission, has Recaro performance seats , a G-meter on the dash and gets its stopping power from Brembo brakes? Not many – in fact, I can’t think of any besides the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon.

Review: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon:

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana, Nikolina Kostrevski - egmCarTech.

- By: Omar Rana

Cadillac’s already amazing CTS-V has gotten an equally awesome tune. The Hennessey V1000 packs major power, sleek exterior mods, and interior, or lack thereof, upgrades as well.

Getting straight to it, Hennessey got under the hood and tuned the already 556-hp monster up to almost double the horsepower, at 1,000-hp, and 950 lb-ft of torque. With a top speed of 230-mph, the tuner is projecting a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds. The V1000′s twin turbo 427ci LS V8 down a quarter mile run in just 10.9 seconds. Wanna put your slips up against that?

Click here for more news on the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe.

So, I didn’t save the best for last, but there is still more. The body has been widened, the clutch got an upgrade, and stopping power has been upgraded with a set of 15.1″ inch Brembo carbon ceramic breaks. The CTS-V Coupe is also now riding on Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires that wrap a set of Hennessey monoblock wheels.

Weight reduction is another key point in this tune, as it is estimated to be about 200lbs lighter. Seats have been traded for a lighter set, and the rear ones can be taken out completely. Widening is courtesy of a carbon fiber kit.

Click here for our review on the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe.

To top it off, anyone lucky enough to get their hands on one of the 12 being produced will also get a track experience, with a one-day driver training class from John Heinricy, former director of GM’s Performance Division.

Hit the jump for the complete specs.

2012 Hennessey Twin-Turbo V1000 CTS-V Coupe:

Review: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe:

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana, Nikolina Kostrevski - egmCarTech.

2012 Hennessey Twin Turbo V1000 CTS-V Coupe
Limited Production – Only 12 Will Be Produced

Power:
• 1,000 bhp @ 6,400 rpm
• 950 lb-ft torque @ 4,000 rpm

Acceleration:
• 0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds
• 1/4 Mile: 10.9 @ 136 mph
• Top Speed: 230 mph

V1000 Twin Turbo Upgrade Includes:
• 427 cid LS V8 Engine
• Forged Low Compression Pistons
• Forged Steel Connecting Rods
• Callies 4340 Forged Steel Crank
• Balanced and Blueprinted Rotating Assembly
• ARP Main Studs & Head Bolts
• High Flow Cylinder Heads
• Hennessey V1000 Camshaft
• Upgraded Fuel Injectors
• Upgraded Fuel System (Includes Lines, Rails & Pump)
• Twin Ball Bearing Turbochargers
• Dual Wastegates
• Electronic Boost Controller
• Stainless Steel Piping and Exhaust
• Air-to-Air Intercooler
• High-Flow K&N Air Filter
• 160 Degree Thermostat
• Professional Installation
• HPE Engine Management Calibration
• Dyno Tuning & Road Testing
• Hennessey Exterior Badging
• Serial-Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques
• 1 Year / 12,000 Mile Limited Warranty

REQUIRED TRANSMISSION UPGRADE:
• Manual: Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch Upgrade
• Automatic: Performance Build & Torque Converter Upgrade

Braking:
• Brembo Carbon Ceramic Brake Upgrade
• 15.1 inch Carbon Ceramic Rotors (Front & Rear)
• Calipers: 8-Piston (Front); 6-Piston (Rear)

Wheels & Tires:
• Hennessey Monoblock Wheels
• 20×10 inch (Front); 20×13 inch (Rear)
• Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires
• 275/30YR-20 (Front); 345/30YR-20 (Rear)

Suspension:
• Lowered 1″ (Front & Rear)
• Factory Magnetic Ride Control Tuned by John Heinricy

Body:
• CarbonAero CTS-V Widebody Upgrade
• Carbon Fiber Front Splitter
• Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser
• Carbon Fiber Front Fenders
• Carbon Fiber Extractor Hood
• Carbon Fiber Rear Fender Flares

Interior:
• Alcantara Headliner
• Carbon Fiber Door Sills
• Upgraded Leather & Stitching
• Hennessey Embroidered Heardrests
• Hennessey Premium Floormats

Buyers Will Also Receive a One-Day Driver Training / Track Experience with John Heinricy.

For More Information, Please Call (979) 885-1300 or Email Sales@HennesseyPerformance.com Today.
Performance figures based on 93 octane fuel and 6-speed manual transmission. Not 50-state emissions compliant.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Before I even sat inside the new 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, I thought to myself “(insert profanity here) Cadillac you have my attention.” Coming out of the Cadillac CTS Coupe and having driven the Cadillac CTS-V Sedan, my expectations of the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe were extremely high. So before we even get into everything here, it not only met my expectations, it surpassed them.

The 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe goes to battle with the BMW M3, Audi RS5 (set for release in the states in 2012) and the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe. That’s a bold statement for Caddy, which is entering this segment where the Germans have competed for generations. So is 556-hp of American muscle good enough to take them on? Let’s find out.

Review: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe:

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Specifications:

• Base Price: $63,660.
• Price As Tested: $68,135.
• Engine: 6.2 liter Supercharged V8 – 556-hp at 6,100 rpm / 551 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm.
• Transmission: 6-Speed Manual or 6-Speed Automatic.
• 0 to 60 mph: 3.9 seconds (4.1 seconds as tested).
• Curb Weight: 4,209 lbs.
• Fuel-economy (city/highway): 14/19 mpg.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana, Nikolina Kostrevski - egmCarTech.

Exterior:

Taking a step up from the standard Cadillac CTS Coupe, the CTS-V Coupe is, visually, fairly comparable to the CTS-V sedan. Yet the CTS-V Coupe still comes with its own distinctive aesthetic touches.

The front and rear fascias have been enhanced with subtle detailing that amplifies the overall sporty appeal of the car. Complimenting the lines of the front end, the supercharger gets some necessary breathing room courtesy of a raised center section in the hood. Another front-end feature is a unique grille that doubles the car’s air intake volume. Special rear fascia traits include a twin outlet for the exhaust, which is centered like on the CTS Coupe, currently featuring a single exhaust.  A rear-track nearly an inch wider than the sedan also creates a more aggressive look.

The car rides on Michelin Pilot Sport 2 performance tires that wrap 19-inch cast aluminum wheels. Painted and polished finishes are both available. The CTS-V Coupe has looks that definitely stands out from its aforementioned German crowd. The eye-catching, aggressive sport style certainly had people flocking to get a closer look everywhere we went.

With no question that it looks like an outstanding performer, did it actually perform, or was it all show and no go? We will get there, but we have to get inside the CTS-V Coupe before we can drive it, right?

Interior:

Visually on par again with the Cadillac CTS-V Sedan, the Coupe’s interior only significantly differs, naturally, in size.

Comparatively, the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe still lags behind its competition due to its use of plastics that tend to create minimal, although present, squeaks in the center console. This minor quality issue aside, this is still where any performance enthusiast would want to be, particularly those seeking a sporty yet luxurious interior.

Performance:

Inside and out, I’d say we’ve had a solid start with the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V, but this is where this car really shines, and even outshines, the competition.

Under the hood is Cadillac’s LSA 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine. As for power, the motor pumps out an impressive 556 horsepower with a maximum torque of 551 lb-ft. Mated to a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual with a dual-disc clutch and a Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic with paddle-shift control, the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe hits 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, or at least that’s what GM says.

Having only driven the latter of the three, I can only offer a true comparison between the Bavarian coupe and the CTS-V Coupe. While the BMW M3 Coupe gives you more confidence in overall driving, the Cadillac also has a respectable steering feel courtesy of its Magnetic Ride Control technology, designed to take road-handling performance to new levels. The 0 to 60 time comparison proves that the CTS-V Coupe’s off-the-line acceleration is superior. Stopping power on the Caddy proves to be finer, as well, thanks to a huge set of Brembo brakes.

So is it better, in totality, than the BMW M3 Coupe? I’d say it is a very close call. In the end, the Cadillac CTS-V is only held behind its German rivals by its weight, being the heaviest of the bunch, and a lagging automatic transmission. (Be sure to choose manual if you are inclined towards purchasing the Caddy.)

Overall:

Cadillac continues to prove that it can hold its own on German turf and even frighten the completion with its capabilities. In short, the CTS-V Coupe destroys any negative misconceptions you may have about the Cadillac brand. The CTS-V Sedan also notably holds on strong to its “fastest sedan in the world” title. Prices for the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe start at $63,660. Our test model with all the extras totals $70,435. Is it worth the price tag? Every single penny.

Review: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe:

- By: Omar Rana

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana, Nikolina Kostrevski - egmCarTech.

Speaking to reporters today before GM’s first annual shareholders meeting since its IPO last fall, GM CEO Dan Akerson said that the company plans on building Cadillac vehicles outside the United States by the end of 2012 as a part of making the luxury brand a true global nameplate.

Akerson said that overseas Cadillac production would drop the risk of foreign-currency fluctuations and will allow GM to better manage its supply chain.

While Cadillac is currently sold in other markets, it is only produced in North America.

“We’re going to try to define a slightly different brand and product strategy by having a global premium brand, Cadillac, and a global value brand, Chevrolet,” Akerson said.

Think of Cadillac as GM’s Lexus and Chevrolet as it’s Toyota.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoWeek

Welcome to our third ‘Let’s Talk Numbers’ where we take two or more vehicles and do a straight number battle and leave it up to our visitors to decide which is a better buy. Yesterday, it was the battle of large luxury sedan hybrids with the 2011 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid vs. the 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7.

Today we’re pinning the new 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe against the benchmark, the BMW M3 Coupe.

Let’s get started.

2011 BMW M3 Coupe:

• Style: Coupe.
• Drive Type: Rear-wheel-drive.
• Power: 4.0 liter V8 / 414-hp  at 8,300 rpm – 295 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm.
• Transmission: 6-speed manual; 7-speed transmission Double Clutch Gearbox w/ steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
• 0 to 60 mph: 4.7 seconds.
• Top Speed: 155 mph.
• Fuel-economy: 14/20 mpg (city/highway).
• Price: $58,900.

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe:

• Style: Coupe.
• Drive Type: Rear-wheel-drive.
• Power: 6.2 liter Supercharged V8 / 556-hp  at 6,100 rpm – 551 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm.
• Transmission: 6-speed manual w/ a dual-disc clutch; Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic w/ paddle-shift control.
• 0 to 60 mph: 3.9 seconds.
• Top Speed: 189 mph.
• Fuel-economy: 14/19 mpg (city/highway).
• Price: $63,660.

Let us know which model you think wins this number comparison in the comments section.

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe:

2011 BMW M3 Competition Pacakge:

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe:

2011 BMW M3 Competition Pacakge:

- By: Omar Rana

2011 Lincoln MKX

All-wheel-drive vehicles are becoming more and more popular – so much so that Ford and General Motors have turned to all-wheel-drive models to boost the appeal of their Lincoln and Cadillac brands respectively.

GM says that about 50% of the CTS models Cadillac sells have AWD. Lincoln offers all-wheel-drive on every model it sells – about a quarter of all MKZ sedans drive off the dealer lots with AWD.

“All-wheel drive will take on an even bigger role as we introduce new models,” said Jim Vurpillat, Cadillac global marketing director. “It will probably exceed 50% of our total model line.”

“AWD is a core part of what we offer,” said Lincoln director of product development Scott Tobin. “People see value in the option, both for its benefits in adverse weather and because it provides better performance and handling in normal conditions.”

According to Paul Lacy, a consultant at IHS Automotive, about 30 percent of all vehicles sold in the United States by 2015 will be all-wheel-drive. “The trend is driven by the growth in all-wheel drive cars and crossovers,” Lacy said.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Free Press

Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept

Joining its other luxury competitors, Cadillac plans on offering 4-cylinder engines in a number of future models, according to sources.

Speculations suggests that the upcoming Cadillac XTS and the entry-level ATS sedan will offer turbocharged Ecotec 4-cylinder engines. The engine is also being considered on the SRX crossover and the next-generation lineup of Cadillac CTS.

Speculation says that the 4-cylinder units could produce between 220-hp and 260-hp.

Mercedes-Benz recently starting offering the 2012 C-Class with a 4-cylinder turbo and later this year BMW will offer the Z4 with its new 2.0L TwinPower turbocharged inline 4-cylinder making 240-hp/260 lb-ft.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CARandDRIVER

2012 Cadillac CTS Coupe

For the 2012 model year, the Cadillac CTS Sedan, CTS Coupe and the CTS Sport Wagon will be getting an upgraded V6 engine, a new grille and a new Touring Package edition.

The new 3.6L V6 will give the 2012 Cadillac CTS a total of 318-hp and a peak torque of 275 lb-ft. That’s a 14-hp increase over the current 304-hp V6. Even with the power increase, Cadillac says that the 2012 CTS will keep its EPA estimated fuel-economy of 18/27 mpg (city/highway).

“CTS has established itself as a world-class line of luxury sports cars, but to remain on top, we have to continually make improvements,” said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac marketing. “The changes for the 2012 model year give customers a fresh take on the CTS’s bold front grille and provide enhanced driving performance without sacrificing fuel economy.”

The Touring Package on the 2012 Cadillac CTS adds an exclusive grille with a dark finish, metal pedals, dark Sapele wood interior trim and sueded seat inserts, steering wheel and shift knob. On the CTS Sedan and Sport Wagon, the package adds chrome door handles. The 3.6L version will have 19-inch polished wheels and Recaro 14-way adjustable performance seats. The 3.0L version will have 18-inch wheels with a pearl-nickel finish.

Other upgrades for the 2012 Cadillac CTS including standard Bluetooth phone connectivity on all models and side blind-zone alert technology available on the CTS Coupe.

2012 Cadillac CTS Sedan:

2012 Cadillac CTS Coupe:

- By: Omar Rana

2011 Cadillac CTS

It’s an absolute shame that manual gearboxes are far less mainstream than they used to be. As they get more and more exclusive, it seems like manuals will be obsolete before we know it. And even though Cadillac has been doing a great job reinventing its image with great cars such as the most recent CTS, they’ll no longer be offering a manual for the 2012 3.6L V6 CTS.

For the upcoming model year, the Premium and Performance models are only available with a six-speed auto-tragic – I mean, transmission. Of course, all versions of the top of the line CTS-V will still be offered with a manual but as it is rumored, the manual was ditched just because they weren’t selling.

Click here for more news on the Cadillac CTS.

Only 2011 models will still be available with a manual so if you’re looking to get a CTS with a 3.6L V6 and a six-speed manual, better scoop yours up soon! Let’s hope that they’ll bring it back to keep the enthusiasts interested.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Inside Line

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

Owners of the BMW 3-Series Coupe, Audi A5, Infiniti G37 Coupe, and Mercedes E-Class Coupe (including those planning on buying the new C-Class Coupe), have long been considered owners of the road when it comes to two-door mass production performance vehicles. They now have a new classmate, and she’s storming in mightily aggressive.

For 2011, GM has added a coupe to join the Cadillac CTS sedan and station wagon in the lineup. The “CTS Coupe is the new focal point of Cadillac, expressing both our design and technical capabilities,” said Don Butler, Vice President of Cadillac Marketing. “It is intended to appeal to a new generation of car enthusiasts.”

But can the Cadillac CTS Coupe steal some spotlight from its competitors? Let’s find out.

Hit the jump to read more and to view our high-res gallery (at the bottom of the article).

Review: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe:

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe Specifications:

• Base Price: $38,165.
• Price as Tested: $48,395.
• Engine: 3.6L direct-injected V6 – 304-hp / 273 lb-ft.
• Transmission: 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic.
• Curb Weight: 3,924 lbs.
• 0 to 60 mph: 6 seconds.
• Top Speed: 144 mph.
• Fuel-economy (city/highway): 18/27 mpg.

All Photos Copyright © 2011 Omar Rana, Nikolina Kostrevski - egmCarTech.

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe - Exterior

Exterior:

When viewed head-on, the CTS Coupe shows heavy design influence from its sedan and station wagon brethren. When you pass the B-pillar however, the car takes on an identity all its own, with an amplified aggressive silhouette that features sharp details which cascade into a rear-end that stands overly broad, yet not overdone.

Other features that enhance the car’s styling and offer a clean profile include the touch-pad operated doors and trunk that remove the need for conventional door handles, sculpted lower-front fascia with unique vents that serve to cool the brakes, center-placed rear exhaust with twin dihedral-angled tips that pass right through the rear-fascia, and rear-spoiler that flows seamlessly with the integrated, signature center-mount brake lamp.

One thing certain to draw design controversy is the rear-fascia, though we think it rounds out the aggressive profile, and does a fantastic job of distinguishing the CTS Coupe from other cars on the road.

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe - Interior

Interior:

Though upon entering the cabin one will notice that many of the components are shared with the sedan and wagon, the coupe retains a decidedly more sporty feel, welcoming to even the most discerning enthusiast. The low-mounted seats sink you a full inch lower into the dash, and provide for a cockpit feel, which empowers the driver, making him feel as though he is driving a truly purposeful car. Given the performance orientation, particularly with regard to the seating, we found the CTS Coupe to provide for an extremely comfortable driving experience.

Our test model was trimmed at the Premium level, and came fully-loaded with features that included; integrated iPod/MP3 capability, 40-gig hard drive, which provides the ability to store music, or record and playback live radio, pop-up navigation system, adaptive forward lighting, bluetooth connectivity, rearview camera, and a badass Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround audio system.

The top doubt on the minds of fans of this segment when it comes to the interior is sure to be material and build quality, which BMW, Audi, Infiniti, and Mercedes are world-renowned for. To the doubters, we say this: There are certainly some materials that need improvement, but the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe is a great start in the right direction for a company that has struggled in the past with quality. That being said, the cabin of the CTS Coupe is a pleasure to be inside of, and is well-equipped enough to keep the most tech-savvy person satisfied, and hardworking individual comfortable.

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe - Engine

Performance:

Given the segment in which it competes, performance is sure to be the primary concern of those awaiting this vehicle. The rear-wheel-drive CTS Coupe certainly does not fall short of expectations in this category. For the coupe, Cadillac decided to do away with the 270-hp 3.0L V6 offered as the entry-level motor on the sedan and wagon. As such, the coupe carries with it only one engine option; the 3.6L V6.

Drivers who live in snow and ice-logged areas needn’t despair about the rear-wheel-drive configuration however, as an all-wheel-drive option is available for an extra $1,900.

All things considered, the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe provides for a very refined drive with solid handling and a smooth ride that can easily take on any sleek maneuvering. The competition offers arguably better options with regard to handling and a sporty driving dynamics, but the CTS Coupe offers tremendous bang-for-the-buck in performance driving.

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe - Rear

Overall:

The 2011 CTS Coupe stands as solid competition against the comparative offerings from Audi, BMW, Infiniti, and Mercedes. The question remains however, will the consumer market see it as such? We think it will.

There’s no question that this car will help Cadillac appeal on a broader level to a younger generation of car-buyers than it has in the past, but we think that the more passionate enthusiasts will need some extra convincing from GM to acknowledge the fact that much of the German competition is offering less power, performance, and technology, for a higher price.

If you’re still not convinced that the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe offers tremendous power and performance for its price, I encourage you to check back in a few days for our review of the 2011 CTS-V Coupe, and be reminded that the sedan remains the fastest sedan in production today, having bested the much celebrated BMW M5 around the Nurburgring.

Review: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe:

- By: Stephen Calogera

All Photos Copyright © 2011 – Omar Rana, Nikolina Kostrevski - egmCarTech.

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

It has been long reported that the next-generation Cadillac CTS will be based on General Motors’ new Alfa rear-wheel-drive platform, which will also underpin the next-generation Chevrolet Camaro and the Cadillac BMW 3-Series fighter, internally known as the ATS. It was also reported that the next CTS will come as a sedan only and will grow in size. The thinking behind that is that the Cadillac ATS better fits within the size of the BMW-Series, Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4 category than the CTS and is more able to accommodate a coupe and convertible version.

However, since the launch of the Cadillac CTS and the Cadillac CTS Coupe, both models have become a huge success and play a major role in rebuilding Cadillac’s brand image. With that being said, executives have decided not to kill the CTS Coupe even if the next model gets larger with the Alpha platform.

Word has it that GM’s design department has come up with some stunning design proposals for the new CTS Coupe and are also working on a convertible variant of the car. The next-generation CTS Coupe will be larger in size and will give Cadillac some time to finish up a low-volume model that will see a six-digit price tag.

The next-generation Cadillac CTS Coupe is expected to debut sometime in 2014.

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Motor Trend

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Car on the Track

Last month, Cadillac took its new CTS-V Coupe Race Car to Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Fla. for some hot laps in preparation of for the Sports Car Club of America World Challenge GT series later this year,

Cadillac Racing yesterday returned to the Sebring International Raceway for a second round of testing prior to the beginning of the 2011 Sports Car Club of America World Challenge GT season. For the first time, both versions of the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe race cars hit the track with full exterior colors, decals and numbers.

“We’re here fine-tuning the cars, validating components and vehicle dynamics,” said Jim Vurpillat, Cadillac global marketing director. “It’s our first opportunity to get both cars on the track at the same time, in full race trim. Besides looking incredible on the track, the cars are performing at an exceptional level.”

Driver Andy Pilgrim will pilot the No. 8 car for Cadillac Racing, and teammate Johnny O’Connell will be behind the wheel of the No. 3 coupe.

Hit the jump for the most recent video of the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Car hitting up the track.

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Car on the Track:

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Car on the Track:

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Car:

- By: Zain Haq

Cadillac CTS Coupe AWD

There is no doubt (especially if you live in the Northeast) that snow fall this year was a huge pain in the – you know what. The move has probably forced many citizens that live in cold weather areas to purchase all-wheel-drive vehicles.

According to General Motors, more luxury buyers are turning to Cadillac for its AWD models.

“Cadillac retail sales of AWD versions of the SRX, CTS and Escalade have increased a combined 38 percent in the past two years,” Cadillac said in a statement. “AWD models now account for one-third of SRX, almost half of CTS and three-quarters of Escalade retail sales.”

“Cadillac’s investment in advanced AWD systems across the line-up is enhancing the brand’s reputation for performance,” said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac marketing. “We’re able to offer luxury buyers exceptional ride, handling and control on a wide range of road conditions.”

- By: Omar Rana