The Cadillac CTS looks great and is relatively roomy inside. It's got lots of poke for the performance enthusiast with the more powerful V6 engine and available all-wheel drive. For those who don't need or want the extra stuff, there's lots of style with the standard V6 and rear-wheel drive. But we recommend checking the box for the all-wheel-drive system regardless of where you live because it adds so much more to the safety margin and it's more fun to drive, even if the car is heavier for it. We could find ourselves infatuated with the awesomely impressive CTS-V but, in actuality, we could be perfectly happy with the CTS and its optional 304-hp Direct Injection V6.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Jim McCraw test drove the CTS in Northern California and the CTS-V near White Plains, New York; with Mitch McCullough reporting on the CTS-V from Sonoma, California.
Model Line Overview
Model lineup:
Cadillac CTS ($36,560); AWD ($39,760); Direct Injection RWD ($37,560); Direct Injection AWD ($40,760); CTS-V ($58,575)
frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, ABS, EBD, Stabilitrak electronic stability control with traction control
Safety equipment (optional):
all-wheel drive
Basic warranty:
4 years/50,000 miles
Assembled in:
Lansing, Michigan
Specifications As Tested
Model tested (MSRP):
Cadillac CTS Direct Injection AWD ($40,760)
Standard equipment:
leather seating surfaces, dual-zone air conditioning, power steering, power disc brakes, keyless entry, power windows, remote keyless entry, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, trip computer, fog lights, AM/FM/CD sound system
Options as tested (MSRP):
AM/FM/CD/DVD/MP3 Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound with 10 speakers and navigation system ($3,145); Luxury Collection ($2,755)
Destination charge:
($825)
Gas guzzler tax:
N/A
Price as tested (MSRP):
$47,485
Layout:
all-wheel drive
Engine:
3.6-liter dohc 24-valve Direct Injection V6
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
304 @ 6400
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
273 @ 5200
Transmission:
6-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
17/26 mpg
Wheelbase:
113.4 in.
Length/width/height:
191.6/72.5/58.0 in.
Track, f/r:
61.8/62.0 in.
Turning circle:
36.0 ft.
Seating capacity:
5
Head/hip/leg room, f:
38.8/55.1/42.4 in.
Head/hip/leg room, m:
N/A
Head/hip/leg room, r:
37.2/54.1/35.9 in.
Cargo volume:
13.6 cu. ft.
Payload:
N/A
Towing capacity:
1000 Lbs.
Suspension, f:
independent, single lower arm, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Suspension, r:
independent, multi-link, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Ground clearance:
N/A
Curb weight:
N/A
Tires:
P235/55R17
Brakes, f/r:
disc/disc with ABS, EBD
Fuel capacity:
18.0 gal.
Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle.
All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) effective as of April 01, 2009.
Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges.
N/A: Information not available or not applicable.
Manufacturer Info Sources:
800-333-4CAD -
www.cadillac.com
