In an Italian accent: "What-sa behind me is not important." Throws the mirror out of the car.
Better than: 1985 Coupe DeVille
But not as good as: CTS-V Coupe
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 75.34
Cadillac Coupes have been with us for decades, with many past models dripping with style and grace. Well, a two-door model has finally been added to the CTS platform.
While the V8-powered CTS-V model is grabbing most of the headlines, the coupe also comes in V6 guise. The direct-injection V6 is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Our test car, by the way, also had the Premium package and optional 19-inch summer tires ($2090).
Sure, this one is a luxury automatic, but it's still a pretty potent machine. I had a blast leaving cars in the dust at stoplights. It'll get you where you need to go, and you’ll feel fancy doing it. The body styling is edgy and exciting for a Caddy, but the cockpit doesn't take any cues from the exterior.
Despite Cadillac's reputation for being the good life on wheels, the interior didn’t quite deliver in that regard. In some ways this car seemed like the Cadillac version of “roughing it”--sacrificing the brand’s usual cushy comfort and gobs of space for, well, a little less comfort and a little less space. The seats were rather stiff, maybe in a conscious attempt to highlight the car's sportiness. Screw lumbar support, you’re driving here, not lounging on your Italian sofa.
Also, changing lanes with this car was an exercise in faith and bravery. If strapped to a lie detector, I would fail if I said I was certain there were no cars, kittens or pedestrians in my blind spot during lane changes.
I am digging GM's latest offerings. I know that the CTS sedan makes more sense, but the coupe is striking. The biggest negative could be the blind spot over your shoulders. It's not as worst we have encountered, but I won't lie and say that the CTS Coupe has the same visibility as a 911 or E30 BMW.
Other than that, the CTS make a nice driver. It's smooth, comfortable and powerful enough. GM's interior details have taken a quantum leap, and that trend continues with this one. From the dash material to the fiber optics found on the door panels, the whole package is just nice.
And for those who like things a bit sillier, there's the CTS-V. Does this mean that luxury coupes are really back? Please say yes.
I didn't spend any time driving this car, but I did enjoy glancing at it every time I walked by in the parking lot. Coupes are cool. That said, I've gotta say there's some similarity between this and the Acura ZDX we had a while ago: Style overriding some pretty basic functionality when it comes to seeing out of the thing, for example.
Perhaps I'm getting old, or maybe it's just the parent in me, but the CTS Coupe is the least attractive model in the CTS lineup. I loved the Sedan and really want to spend some quality time with the wagon, but a two door sports coupe simply isn't the droid I've been looking for. I'm genuinely glad to see it as an option from Cadillac, but for entirely practical purposes it becomes the last choice for me from the CTS line.
Scott compared the Cad-do to the ZDX. The problem with that logic is the ZDX has four doors and claims to offer "Utility". By definition, coupes are inherently less practical. Coupes are all about the driver and his/her fashion statement. With that said, Cadillac's design team got a little carried away with the rear deck height and resultant lack of rear visibility. If you suffer from clinical paranoia, pop an extra chlorpromazine before driving the CTS coupe. You can probably hide Air Force 1 in that blind spot.
The four-door CTS is one of my favorite sporty-luxo cars. It handles well, looks great, and offers loads of comfort. This coupe makes less sense to me, as it is more style than function. If carmakers are so concerned with safety, shouldn't they make cars that you can, you know, SEE out of?! Maybe we wouldn't need back-up cameras, distance warning alarms, and 50 airbags if new cars offered better visibility.
It doesn't matter, I guess, as long as it gets that five-star crash rating to appease the safety-conscious. This CTS Coupe is the latest in a long line of new cars that offer little or no visibility over the right shoulder. I think it is overdue for the NHTSA to include outward visibility as a testing parameter.
For me, I'll take the CTS or CTS-V in wagon form. I think it is the best-looking of the CTS line and the most useful to boot!
In an Italian accent: "What-sa behind me is not important." Throws the mirror out of the car.
CTS defines what an American Luxury car is. The roomy and elegant cabin, seemingly endless options, and available "all wheel drive" make this secure handling car a must see in the mid size luxury sedan category. CTS models for 2010 are rear wheel drive and come standard with a six speed manual transmission. A six speed automatic are optional drive trains. But aside from the performance and durability, Cadillac repair is also easy with the presence of auto repair manuals. Wit these, you can do the job on your own without even consulting the mechanic at all.
Cadillac Coupes have been with us for decades, with many past models dripping with style and grace. Well, a two-door model has finally been added to the CTS platform.
While the V8-powered CTS-V model is grabbing most of the headlines, the coupe also comes in V6 guise. The direct-injection V6 is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Our test car, by the way, also had the Premium package and optional 19-inch summer tires ($2090).
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