This is the car Batman drives just for kicks. Forget the Tumbler, the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe is where the real fun can be had. 556HP and 551 lb-ft of torque from a supercharged V8 and a robust navigation, hard drive-based media system complete with a pounding Bose system? Yessir, Mr. Wayne. Your ride is ready.
This not-so-modest coupe is in our very capable and awaiting hands for the next week. Winter might be setting in here in mid-Michigan and the CTS-V might have performance rubber wrapping the V-spoke 19-inch wheels, but that’s going to do little to settle my teenage boyish tendencies that might include burnouts. It’s not everyday that a car touted as a BMW M-series killer rests mere feet from my front door.
Now, a coupe might not be your thing. It certainly doesn’t fit my lifestyle as a father of two young kids. No, the CTS-V wagon is more my thing, but the wagon, sedan, and coupe all come with the same electronic and mechanical equipment for the same starting price of $63,495. Either way, there’s still a 6.2 liter LSA V8 based on the powerplant from the Nürburgring-killing Corvette ZR1 powerplant at the heart of them all.
Our tester is fitted (regrettable) with a wet 6-speed automatic gearbox that includes “steering wheel-mounted shift controls” that aren’t quite paddle shifters. Think more along the lines of large buttons mounted on the backside of the steering wheel. A traditional three-pedal six-speed manual is actually the standard build equipment, but chances are most buyers will opt for the family-friendly slushbox that’s available for no additional charge — besides the cost of extra weight of course.
I’ve only been around town a few times so far and the CTS-V coupe feels confident, tame and almost pedestrian, besides the low rumble from the massive engine. But, the one time I mashed the pedal to the floor while exiting a parking lot, the CTS-V quickly warned that such actions will result in losing control of the rear wheels and cause enough tire spin to warrant a noise violation ticket if heard by a passing policeman. So yeah, save any intervention by the ol’ bitter hag Mother Winter herself, this should be a good week for myself and the local gas station.
Expect a video look at the interior electronic systems shortly followed by a comprehensive review after a few days.
Base package — $62,195
- Supercharged 6.2L V8 556 HP
- Performance Brembo Brakes
- 19-inch wheels
- Bose 5.1 Surround System
- 40GB Hard Drive Media Jukebox
- XM Radio
Options
- Automatic Transmission
- Recaro High Performance Seats — $3,400
- Gas Guzzler Tax — $2,600
- Midnight Sapele Wood Trim Pkg — $600
- Suede Steering Wheel & Shifter — $300
Price as tested — $69,890