On the track, we found the CTS-V to be a rocket, fast and predictable. We were quickly able to drive it very hard while still well within our driving abilities. It is a car that inspires confidence. The CTS-V is a superb car, capable of running against the best sedans from Germany and Japan.
Summary
The Cadillac CTS looks great and is relatively roomy inside. It’s got lots of go for the performance enthusiast. And all-wheel drive is available for wintry climates. For those who don’t need or want the extra stuff, there’s lots of style with the standard V6 and rearwheel 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 3.6-liter 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 Infineon Raceway at Sonoma, California.
Model Line Overview
Base Price (MSRP) $36,730
As Tested (MSRP) $51,550
Model lineup: Cadillac CTS 3.0 ($36,730); 3.0 Auto AWD ($39,930); 3.6 Auto ($43,825); 3.6 Auto AWD
($45,725); CTS-V ($60,720)
Engines: 270-hp 3.0-liter V6; 304-hp 3.6-liter V6; 556-hp 6.2-liter supercharged V8
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic; 6-speed manual
Safety equipment (Standard): 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
2010 Cadillac CTS Review, Prices, Photos: New Car Test Drive Page 4 of 5
Model tested (MSRP): Cadillac CTS 3.6 AWD ($45,725)
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: AM/FM/CD/DVD/MP3 Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound with 10 speakers, HDD-based
navigation, XM NavTraffic, and USB connectivity ($2,145); Performance Luxury Package
($2,855)
Destination charge: ($825)
Gas Guzzler Tax: N/A
Price as tested (MSRP): $51,550
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: 18/27 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, upper and lower arms, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Suspension R: independent, multi-link, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Ground Clearance: NA in.
Curb weight: 4118 Lbs.
Tires: P235/55R17
Brakes, f/r: vented disc/vented 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 17/Aug/2009.
Prices do not include manufacturer’s destination and delivery charges. N/A: Information not available or not applicable.
