For the fourth consecutive year, the Cadillac CTS family has been named to the Car and Driver 10Best list. This year, the award recognizes the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Sedan, CTS-V Coupe, and CTS-V Wagon.
In the January 2011 issue of Car and Driver editors explained their focus on the CTS-V line:
“In forsaking the mainstream CTSs, we are saying yes to psychedelic power, yes to organ-shifting g-forces, yes to the great, mind-expanding duality of Cadillacs that make the 0-to-60 sprint about as fast as a Ferrari 599…. These are hard-core performance cars, but they are also Cadillacs, with all of the seamlessness, refinement, and content that implies.”
The CTS-V line features a supercharged 6.2L V-8 delivering 556 horsepower (415 kW) and 551 lb.-ft of torque (747 Nm). Power is delivered to the rear wheels through either a standard six-speed manual or available six-speed automatic transmission. Other high-performance features on the CTS-V family include standard Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes, and 19-inch forged-aluminum wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires.
Introduced as a 2010 model, the CTS-V Sport Sedan is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.0 seconds, and lapped the famed Nurburgring in Germany in 7:59.32 minutes.
The CTS-V Coupe, which went on sale this summer, pairs that performance with classic hardtop styling defined by the lack of a traditional B-pillar, the steeply raked windshield angle, and the long, nearly horizontal backglass. The Coupe also features concept-car details, such as the rear spoiler integrated into the center high-mounted stop lamp and the center-outlet exhaust with twin tips that pass through the rear fascia.
The CTS-V Wagon, which goes on sale this month, pairs that performance with accommodations for up to 58 cubic feet of cargo.
“We sincerely appreciate Car and Driver’s continued recognition of the CTS as one of their favorite cars,” said Don Butler, vice president, Cadillac marketing. “The CTS is an example of the performance, design, and luxury that have made Cadillac a leader among luxury brands.”
The Michigan-built Chevrolet Volt was also named to the Car and Driver 10Best list for 2011. General Motors was the only American automaker to earn two spots, and tied with Honda for the most vehicles from any manufacturer, on the prestigious list.
