2011 Cadillac CTS-V Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Cadillac's 2011 CTS-V storms into the sports sedan arena ready to take on the best in the world. All-new in 2009, the CTS-V features no major changes for 2011, but still combines angular good looks with neck-snapping power. Buyers of elite uber sedans like the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG should take care in challenging the CTS-V to a stoplight drag race, as they could easily be embarrassed by a much less expensive American upstart.

The first-generation CTS-V, though admirably quick, suffered from a lack of development and iffy build quality. Cadillac's engineers made sure their second act was a more well-rounded effort, fine-tuning the CTS-V's handling on Germany's legendary Nurburgring race track. With last year's redesign of the CTS lineup, the V model also received crisp new styling and a swanky interior. The refinements lavished by Cadillac on its sportiest model vault it into the realm of legitimate competition for Europe's finest.

As before the 2011 CTS-V features Corvette power, now in the form of a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 borrowed from the top-dog ZR1 trim. Despite featuring an old-tech OHV layout and only sixteen valves, this fire-breathing powerplant makes 556 hp and 551 lb-ft of torque. The incredible low-end torque offered by its Roots-type supercharger makes the V8 tractable around town and a monster off the line. 0-60 times of under 4 seconds have been measured, and the CTS-V tops out at an ungoverned 191 mph, besting even its pumped-up German competition. Expensive Brembo brakes use 15-inch rotors and six-piston calipers to bring the heavy Cadillac to a stop with supreme confidence.

The 2011 CTS-V's rip-snorting V8 is mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a conventional automatic. The manual gearbox features a positive action (further refined this year) and a firm yet easily modulated twin-plate clutch. Though some would wish for a slightly more precise shifter, the stick is a welcome addition in a field now dominated by electro-hydraulic F1-style transmissions. The automatic 'box, dubbed the 6L90, also offers six ratios and is beefed up with high-strength components. While it removes the joy and involvement of shifting for oneself, the automatic actually improves the CTS-V's acceleration times by permitting easier full-throttle launches.

Sitting atop stylish 19-inch wheels, the 2011 CTS-V features a confident, capable chassis setup. The four-wheel independent suspension uses control arms in front and a multi-link setup in back to deliver 0.92g of cornering grip. In addition to expert tuning on the racetrack, the CTS-V benefits from the incorporation of GM's proprietary MagnaRide technology. By using a specially charged magnetic fluid in its shocks, the CTS-V can instantly vary their damping rate, providing tight control of body motions in the corners and a relatively compliant ride on the freeway. While it still trails the class-leading M5 in precision (mainly due to its less organic steering) the 2011 CTS-V is among the best-handling sedans extant and will run circles around AMG Mercedes-Benzes.

Yet performance is not the 2011 CTS-V's only attribute. Its elegant yet aggressive styling and posh interior will surely impress passersby and passengers alike. Outside the crisply folded sheet metal and lowered stance manage to convey the CTS-V's sporting intentions without seeming sophomoric. The restrained use of chrome and the fine mesh grill are a new direction for Cadillac, while the stylish 19-inch wheels amply fill out the fenders. Inside a combination of fine leather and sporty Alcantara suede covers the available Recaro seats, and the dashboard offers optional Dark Sapele wood trim accents that lend a classy air.

While it's most at home on a twisty road, the CTS-V is plenty capable of shuttling the boss to lunch or taking the kids to school in the morning. The up-market interior seats five and features plenty of legroom in back for passengers. Trunk space is generous, owing to the high rear deck, and the seats fold down to accommodate outsize parcels. Given its status as Cadillac's flagship, the 2011 CTS-V is chock-full of standard equipment, including power heated and ventilated seats, a powerful Bose stereo system and keyless start. Also standard are an excellent touch-screen GPS navigation system, xenon lights and a nifty lateral acceleration gauge package. Notable options include full-leather seats (for those who don't favor Alcantara) and a panoramic power sunroof with acres of tempered glass.

Safety features for the 2011 CTS-V are extensive and aim to protect the ham-fisted from the car's stupendous power. The standard StabiliTrack program features several modes designed to keep the car under control during aggressive cornering. Antilock brakes, daytime running lights and a full suite of airbags (front, side and head) ensure that the CTS-V's occupants will be well protected. In Insurance Institute crash testing, the CTS-V has received the highest rating of Good in both front and side impacts.

For 2011 the CTS-V gets a slight price bump to $62,165. While out of reach for many buyers, this significant sum really is a bargain, especially considering that both the BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG start at a shade over $85,000. For the CTS-V to be legitimately mentioned in the same breath as such exalted German machines speaks to the incredible renaissance that has taken place at Cadillac. We can only hope that some of the CTS-V's world-class performance and style trickles down to General Motors' other offerings.