With its big (6.2-liter) supercharged V8 cranking out 556 horses, you'd expect the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe to provide performance that borders on the ridiculous (and we mean that in the best possible way). And it does -- it can rocket to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. The fact that this Caddy can show its taillights to some considerably more pedigreed nameplates may surprise some folks. But this hot-rod Cadillac surprised us in a couple of ways that had nothing to do with burning rubber or whipping around little orange cones.
With the non-"V" CTS Coupe, driving enthusiasts can opt for a Summer Tire Performance package which not only features 19-inch summer tires but also includes a sport suspension with the requisite firmer calibrations. But buyer beware; the ride quality with this setup has been described -- even by one of our guys who drives a Lotus Elise -- as harsh compared to other cars in this segment (such as the BMW M3). The CTS Coupe's seats add insult to injury by being too hard and oddly contoured in the backrest area.
The CTS-V, then, must be an absolute bear, right? It is after all the ultra-high-performance variant, so surely an even stiffer suspension and correspondingly worse ride must be part of the price paid for increased athleticism. Amazingly, quite the contrary. Thanks to its adaptive suspension, the "V" not only handles even better but also provides a significantly more supple ride than the Summer Tire Performance package-equipped CTS coupe. And, if you spring for the V's optional Recaro seats (shown above), the comfort advantage becomes even greater. In other words, the hyperformance CTS-V Coupe actually makes a better daily driver. Who knew?
For more on the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, keep your eyes peeled for our upcoming full test.
By 1487
on July 22, 2010
06:45 AM
I really question if the CTS with the 19s is much more firm riding that the average sports sedan/coupe with such large wheels. None of its competitors are going to be plush riding over potholed roads. Sports suspensions plus large wheels and summer tires equal very firm rides that could be intrusive over anything but smooth roads. Few have tested the CTS since the 19s became available but MT did test such a sedan months ago and they didnt seem to find the ride to be unacceptably firm.