First Drive: 2013 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Cadillac has been producing the CTS since 2002. In 2004, Cadillac started making a high performance version of the CTS, the CTS-V, in 2004. Production of the first generation CTS-V occurred between 2004 and 2007. The first generation CTS-V was a front engine, rear-wheel drive sedan. Cadillac did not produce the CTS-V in 2008 since the second generation CTS came out that year. The second generation CTS is available as a four-door sedan, a two-door coupe and a five-door sports wagon. In 2009, Cadillac started producing the second generation CTS-V, which is also available as a sedan, coupe and wagon. The most popular car brand for test drives at the 2013 Houston Auto Show was Cadillac. There were several occasions when all eight Cadillacs were on the road and not parked at the Cadillac test drive area. I test drove all eight Cadillacs that were available for test drives, including three Cadillac CTS-Vs. The rule with Cadillac is that you have to drive either the ATS, XTS, SRX, CTS, or Escalade before you can get behind the wheel of a CTS-V. Once you test drove one CTS-V, you can get back in line and test drive the other CTS-Vs. After test driving the Cadillac CTS, I got behind the wheel of the CTS-V Coupe. This version of the CTS-V is a front engine, rear-wheel drive two-door coupe. The version I drove features a six-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the CTS-V.

The CTS-V Coupe features a sporty, sleek styling. I love the side profile of the car. I also like the double grill, which adds some aggressiveness to the CTS-V. There is a "V" badge on each door. The interior is of the CTS-V Coupe is luxurious with a sporty flare. There is leather everywhere and it does not feel cheap. The CTS-V Coupe features an infotainment system that includes a screen that rises up from the dashboard. The CTS-V Coupe also features an analog clock, which is a staple for luxury vehicles. The CTS-V Coupe features Recaro seats that adjusts fourteen different ways. I have never been in a car seat where the upper back support moves in and out. I had good amount of head room and leg room behind the wheel. But the low roofline of the coupe minimizes headroom for rear passengers.

The CTS-V Coupe is powered by a supercharged 6.2L V8 that produces 556 hp and 551 lb-ft of torque. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and reaches a top seed of 179 mph. The CTS-V Coupe feels fast. The CTS-V Coupe has a big engine, yet it is very quiet inside the car. Also, for a sporty car, the CTS-V Coupe has a smooth ride. This is caused by the magnetic ride control. Ferrari borrowed this technology and used it in the Ferrari 458 Italia. When a legendary supercar manufacturer uses your technology for one of its cars, you are doing something correct. The CTS-V Coupe is the best two-door car I have ever driven. Prices for the CTS-V Coupe start at $64,515. A fully-loaded CTS-V Coupe can fetch over $74,000. The CTS-V Coupe is one of the most expensive cars I have driven, but you get a great car for the price.

The CTS-V Coupe has been featured in Alex Cross, The Defenders, Chuck, Auto Esporte, Top Gear USA, A Gifted Man, Running Wilde, Charlie's Angel, Jack and Jill, Criminal Minds, Switched at Birth, and the Office. The CTS-V Coupe is playable in Forza Motorsport 3, Car Town, Forza Motorsport 4, Forza Horizon, Asphalt 7: Heat, and Car Town EX.

Overall, the CTS-V Coupe is one amazing car. I have driven the entire CTS-V line up, and all three cars are amazing. These cars are an experience. As far as the CTS-V Coupe compared to the other two, it is my least favorite. There is not enough head room for rear passengers. But the CTS-V Coupe is still the best two-door car I have ever driven. I have driven a Ford Mustang 5.0, Chevrolet Corvette Camaro SS, and the Scion FR-S, and none of those cars can compete with the CTS-V Coupe. The CTS-V Coupe has a comfortable ride, power, performance, handling, and yet it is quiet inside the car. The CTS-V is not a cheap car, but if you can afford to spend over $65,000 for a car plus gas and insurance, definitely give the CTS-V Coupe a test drive. I highly recommend this car, even with the limited head room for rear passengers. This car borderlines supercar performance.

Next time, I cover the CTS-V Wagon.

CarJunkie
Photo was taken by a digital camera.

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