General Motors has been working hard to widen the appeal of its Cadillac brand for the past decade, and the CTS-V program has done wonders to promote the storied nameplate to a whole new generation of buyers. When I was a kid the only Cadillac products in my neighbourhood were driven by wealthy grandparents and the local lumber baron, but now I see the company’s cars being piloted by a full spectrum of drivers so the hard work must be paying off.
Cadillac Coupe with Polorazing Styling
To many observers, the CTS-V Coupe is an odd-looking machine. Some even think it is downright ugly. I have mixed feelings about the styling of this futuristic-looking Cadillac coupe as during my photo session I could see how its visual appeal seemingly transforms as I explored its many angles from different vantage points and perspectives.
From the front, it carries Cadillac’s clean, familiar lines. Still, when viewed from the side profile, it begins to look heavy and ungainly as the tall rear fenders are exaggerated by the narrow greenhouse, long doors, and what appear to be rather small diameter wheels (in reality, they are 19-inch). Â Â
If you shoot the rear of the car from a low angle it looks enormous as the rear window disappears among the huge sheets of metal that have been carefully creased and folded into one of the most unique automobiles to ever come out of Detroit. Luckily, a sedan version is available for those for whom the Coupe’s styling fails to excite.
Performance styling cues include an aggressive front fascia which includes two chrome mesh grilles, a split front spoiler, and twin air intakes. The car’s menacing stance is enhanced by the enlarged fenders, bulging hood, and overall wedge shape.
The graphite colour of the ten-spoke, lightweight alloy wheels gives the car an upscale tuner look and helps to draw the eye to the bright-yellow Brembo brake calipers which are emblazoned with the V logo. The Brembos are standard fare on the CTS-V, but having them painted either yellow or red is a popular option. At the rear of the car, twin, center-mount exhaust outlets protrude from the bodywork to trumpet your departure and arrival.
Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Interior
The doors on the CTS-V Coupe are opened using electric buttons, much like in a Chevrolet Corvette. Slipping behind the wheel, you will immediately notice the compact gauge cluster, suede-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, and tidy instrument cluster. The look is more European than Detroit, but my one complaint would be the overuse of fake carbon fibre, textured metal, and shiny plastic trim pieces. The wide-rimmed steering wheel offers a host of secondary controls and delivers an excellent road feel during use.
I found the fit and finish of my test vehicle to be on par with other vehicles in this price category, especially when it comes to the quality of the leather and stitching, and the cabin seems well insulated from road, engine, and wind noise.
Standard equipment includes all the electronic accessories and safety equipment one expects in an executive car. Highlights include navigation, HID headlamps, Magnetic Ride Control and the aforementioned Brembo brakes.
My test vehicle featured the optional, wing-backed Recaro sport seats which feature both heating and ventilation capabilities. These units are well bolstered and proved comfortable enough for extended use. The same cannot be said for the rear seats unless you are short and owner of small feet. I gave my six-year-old nephew Owen recon duty, and he confirmed that he was certain children would be comfortable in the rear compartment. In his words, it felt like he was in a space pod! Kids.
Rear visibility is a challenge due to the wide rear roof buttresses, tall rear end, and severely raked rear window, but in a car as potent as the CTS-V, you will be more wary of what is ahead of you than what lies in your wake.
Popping the rear trunk, I was surprised to find such roomy quarters for my cargo and gear. The opening is quite narrow, however, and the lift-over height, as well as the paint, may be a concern for shorter individuals. Larger items can be transported by folding the rear seatbacks down (60/40 split).
CTS-V Horsepower & Performance
Under the hood, the CTS-V Coupe features GM’s supercharged LSA V8 motor. The LSA is a marvel of engineering that effortlessly produces a prodigious 556 horsepower and 551 lb-ft. of torque. Buyers can choose either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. With a little practice, it is possible to rocket to 100 km/h from a standstill in just over four seconds, a number that will embarrass many more expensive machines.
Three years following this model, Cadillac revealed a more powerful version with the 640-horsepower 2016 Cadillac CTS-V, putting down 630 lb-ft of torque with a top speed of 200 mph.
Driving Impressions
The CTS-V Coupe is rear-wheel drive, so handling can be tricky when the car is pushed to its limits through the corners as it has a tendency to over steer. However, with experience and practice, the CTS-V’s tail wagging can be reigned in enough to leave you almost craving it rather than fearing it.
This is a really fun car to drive! The car features an advanced traction control technology called Performance Traction Management which works to regulate torque delivery to best match the available tire grip for maximum acceleration.
The CTS-V Coupe is rear-wheel drive so handling can be tricky when the car is pushed to its limits through the corners as it has a tendency to over steer.
On the road, the CTS-V Coupe tracked straight and true and the ride never seemed harsh on irregular road surfaces. Ride comfort is preserved by GM’s incredible Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) suspension system, which utilizes special shock absorbers controlled by electro-magnets rather than mechanical valves and is lightning-quick to react to road irregularities. A series of electronic sensors constantly monitor the four wheels and adjust damping as required to maintain the ride quality selected by the driver.
Takeaway: is the 2013 CTS-V Coupe worth buying?
A Cadillac CTS in any form is worth consideration if you are looking for a luxury machine perfectly suited for the tight confines of the modern urban environment. A car like the CTS-V Coupe, however, with its distinctive style and raucous rumble, will guarantee that you always make an entrance and reveal a lot about your character.
Pro
- Unique styling will help you stand out from the crowd
- The brute of a muscle car in a luxurious package
Cons
- The odd styling may not have legs and could hurt resale value
- Rearward visibility is horrendous
2013 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Specs and Photos:
- Type: 4 Passenger coupe
- Layout: Front engine, rear-wheel-drive
- Engine: 6.2 litre, 32-valve, supercharged V-8
- Horsepower: 556-hp @ 6,100 RPM
- Torque (lb-ft): 551 @ 3,800 RPM
- Transmission: 6-Speed Tremec manual or optional 6-speed electronically controlled automatic
- Brakes: Four-wheel ventilated discs; Brembo
- Suspension: Independent front and rear
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 4.9 seconds (average of performance runs at AJAC Testfest)
- Cargo volume (L / cu. ft.): 297 / 10.5
- Fuel economy (L / 100km/h): Manual – City-14.9 (19 mpg) / Highway 10.5 (27 mpg)
- Automatic – City-17.7 (16 mpg) / Highway 10.7 (26 mpg)
