My friend bought a 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe.
That may not seem like world-shattering news to you, but Cadillac’s upscale image has always leaned more toward what we’ll call the mature driver. Actually, having a friend who buys one could be a bit unsettling for some who’ve grown up with that mind-set.
One look at the new Cadillac CTS Coupe and you’ll see that long-held perception should be kept in the past along with 8-Track tape players and transistor radios.
This Coupe, the first model in the brand’s new lineup, arrived in showrooms in August. I can’t speak for everyone, but for my friend it was love at first sight.
Apparently others agree, including a critic for Esquire magazine who said of the car, “It’s bold as hell.”
More specifically, that means the styling still has a family resemblance to its older siblings but has a fresh, crisp, muscular look that is sure to be eye-catching. Edgy, picture-perfect, and no bad angle from which to view the car are all comments critics have bandied about and with which I agree. Special note should be made of the exterior’s classic hardtop, angled windshield, sculpted lower front fascia and center outlet exhaust with twin dihedral-shaped tips and a rear spoiler. Yes, “bold as hell” sums it up.
It also sums up the drive. My friend has a model with the standard direct injected 3.6-liter V-6 and automatic transmission with Drive Shift Control, and it moves with the quick, steady and purposeful rhythm of an athlete with a smoothly performing braking system. Enjoy the responsive acceleration knowing that the model is also Earth-friendly. It has an estimated fuel economy rating of 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway plus offers a 25 percent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions.
We could tell you all of the high-tech engineering feats that make the car’s performance and ride crisp but not stiff, but suffice to say the engineers obviously put great care into the car’s engine and suspension systems. The bottom line is this is a responsive, road-hugging champ that includes standard “StabliTrak” — an advanced electronic chassis control system.
Hand-sewn interior door accents, a sporty “cockpit” feel from the optional 14-way adjustable sports seats and contemporary center console complete the package.
An integrated iPod/MP3 system, 40-gig hard drive, pop-up navigation system and adaptive lighting are just some of the high-tech systems included.
The 2011 CTS Coupe is not your parents’ Caddy.
