GM offers triple play of performance, safety

[Bruce Nunnally]

CADILLAC: The third automotive member of GM’s current lineup. “The Cadillac CTS-V coupe is the most desirable Caddy in decades,” Motor Trend reports.

Already auto writers who have test driven “the V” say it’s the best-handling performance four-door this country has ever built. Ed Piatek, the CTS program engineering director, says the coupe’s body is “significantly stiffer” than the sedan’s.

The coupe’s rear track has been widened, which “allows you to power out of corners more quickly,” Piatek said. The CTS-V coupe will be identified by its unique grille that doubles air-intake volume and its V-only front and rear fascias.

Another unusual feature of the CTS-V is a center-mounted stoplight, which is “pretty pronounced” and doubles its function as a rear spoiler. The base price for this front-engine, rear-wheel drive, five-passenger, two-door coupe is $62,000.

EPA fuel economy is estimated at 12-14 mpg in the city and 18-19 mpg on the highway. A final comment from Road and Track: “Cadillac limits the CTS-V automatic’s top speed of 179 mph by not allowing it to upshift into sixth gear (manual versions can hit a claimed 191 mph). After coming close to 180 mph on the autobahn, German correspondent Jueren Zoellter declared the Cadillac … 'the king of the autobahn.' His decree may put his citizenship in jeopardy."

Read More: http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/sep/18/spauldng/