2011 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon
Credit: Auto Week (www.autoweek.com)
By WES RAYNAL
What is it?
As the name implies, the CTS-V wagon is the limited-production V version of Cadillac's excellent CTS wagon. That means the car gets the V's supercharged 6.2-liter V8 cranking out a stout 556 hp and 551 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through either a standard six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.
The car, which is 15 millimeters (0.59 inch) lower than a standard CTS, looks terrific in wagon form, with chiseled lines that look like nothing else on the road. There's all the standard V stuff: magnetic ride control, Brembo brakes, 19-inch aluminum wheels, Michelin Pilot Sports. There is also 58 cubic feet of cargo room. The standard-equipment list is impressive and includes heated buckets, nav and a rockin' Bose stereo. You can also step up to the Recaro buckets for another $3,400, if you wish.
What is it like to drive?
Like a CTS-V coupe or sedan, which is to say we had a blast. We've been writing superlatives about the Vs we've driven for a while now, so there shouldn't really be any big surprises here. We spent three-quarters of a day blasting up and down Highway 1 near Monterey, Calif., and did some hot laps at the challenging Mazda Raceway. The car drives as good as it looks, nimble and poised. There's just a ton of raw power that comes on smoothly and is well refined. The ride is terrific even in sport mode and the car handles well; magnetic ride control really works. And the car will cruise around town as nicely as you please and gobble highway miles smoothly. It does it all.
The interior is among the best we've seen from General Motors with high-class materials and controls that feel robust. Well done.
Do I want it?
Absolutely. This will be a very limited edition, basically built to order. GM officials say they are hoping to get customers who have never considered its luxury division before. If you want to try a Cadillac, this would be a great place to start. Besides, doesn't every household need a 556-hp family truckster?
2011 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon
Price: $62,990
On Sale: Now
Layout: Five-passenger, front-engine, rear-drive wagon
Drivetrain: 6.2-liter V8, 556 hp, 551 lb-ft; six-speed manual (six-speed automatic optional)
Weight: 4,390 lb
Performance: 0-60 mph: 4.0 sec; top speed: 190 mph
Credit: Auto Week (www.autoweek.com)
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