Automotive Insider

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe Review

The Cadillac CTS coupe is expected to hit showrooms in the spring (most likely May) of 2011, and luxury car buyers will not be disappointed. While the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe is not an exceedingly practical vehicle, it doesn’t really need to be: its distinguishing styling and a great performance will surely please even the most discerning luxury coupe buyers.

There are a lot of similarities between Cadillac’s CTS coupe and its CTS sedan. They share identical engines: the two door CTS Coupe will be powered by the same impressive 304 horsepower, six speed, 3.6 liter V6 engine that powers the sedan (while the vehicle comes standard with a manual transmission and rear wheel drive, an automatic transmission and all wheel drive can be optioned). Both cars ride on the same wheelbase, even though the CTS Coupe has a shorter and lower body, and both cars look quite similar from the interior, aside from the missing third seat in the backseat in the coupe model. Unfortunately, the two also share some downsides: rear visibility is poor, and ride quality is on the rough side.

There are some fairly dramatic differences between the two models, however. The CTS coupe can boast improved suspension and handling, but more importantly, it is highly stylized and dramatic in design – some have even described it as a “knockout” and “visually stunning.” The CTS Coupe has a breathtaking rear three-quarter view, which Cadillac achieved by slicing off two inches from the roof to add to the rear track. This creates beautifully flared fenders and attractively wide rear wheels. Another eye catching touch: wrap over taillights. The loss of two inches off the roof also contributes to the CTS Coupe’s sleek appearance – one with which the sedan model could never begin to compete.