2011 Cadillac V-Series Overview Change Vehicle

This 2011 Cadillac CTS-V review explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2011 CTS-V, and includes Cadillac CTS-V safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

Cadillac fleshes out the CTS-V lineup for 2011, adding new coupe and sport wagon variants. A reversing camera is standard this year, and a Cadillac Premium Care maintenance plan is included, providing free scheduled service for the first four years or 50,000 miles of ownership. The OnStar telematics system gains improved voice recognition software for 2011, and a set of 19-inch Satin Graphite staggered-width wheels and yellow brake calipers is optional. A new Black Diamond Special Edition model combines those wheels and brake calipers with Recaro seats and Black Diamond Tri-Coat premium paint. If that doesn’t suit you, other new colors include Carbon Flash Metallic and Evolution Green Metallic.

As the flagship of the Cadillac CTS lineup, the V-Series is focused on world-class performance. Among the items contributing to success on that front are a supercharged V8 engine, beefed-up manual and automatic transmissions, Brembo performance braking components, performance-calibrated steering, an adaptive Magnetic Ride Control suspension system, and a Competitive Driving mode for the StabiliTrak stability and traction control system, all riding on lightweight 19-inch wheels shod with P285/35R19 performance tires.

Outside of mechanical upgrades, the CTS-V comes standard with nearly everything you might want. Heated and ventilated sport seats wrapped in leather, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, and a Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround audio system with satellite radio, an auxiliary audio input jack, and a USB/iPod connection are included in the price. Additionally, the CTS-V is equipped with adaptive bi-Xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a reversing camera, and an OnStar telematics system with one free year of service.

An automatic transmission is available as an option, and the CTS-V can be equipped with a set of heated and ventilated 14-way power adjustable Recaro sport seats, a navigation system, and an Ultra View double sunroof. Additional upgrades include microfiber suede for the steering wheel and shift knob, and a set of 19-inch staggered-width Satin Graphite wheels paired with bright yellow brake calipers.

A new Black Diamond Special Edition model is also available for 2011, and combines the Satin Graphite 19-inch staggered-width wheels, the yellow brake calipers, and the Recaro performance seats with Black Diamond Tri-Coat paint.

Packing a de-tuned version of the Corvette ZR1’s supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, the Cadillac CTS-V generates 556 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 551 pound-feet of torque at 3,800 rpm. A standard six-speed manual gearbox feeds motive force to the rear wheels, and if you can’t operate a clutch pedal Cadillac offers an optional six-speed automatic transmission with shift buttons on the steering wheel. Premium fuel is required, and the CTS-V gobbles gas at the rate of 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission, and 12-city/18-highway with the automatic.

The Cadillac CTS-V is a very fast automobile, which means a sound package of standard safety equipment combined with capable structural engineering is of paramount importance. In addition to six standard airbags, the CTS-V is equipped with a serious set of four-wheel ventilated-disc antilock brakes with brake assist. Cadillac’s StabiliTrak stability and traction control system is also standard, and offers a Competitive Driving Mode that allows for a wider performance envelope under appropriate conditions.

In addition to these safety-related features, the Cadillac CTS-V is equipped with standard adaptive bi-Xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a reversing camera. One free year of OnStar telematics service is also included, equipped with Automatic Crash Notification service that activates in the event of an airbag deployment and which puts a live operator in touch with the car’s occupants while speeding rescue to the CTS-V’s exact location.

If a crash does occur, know that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) calls the Cadillac CTS-V Sedan a Top Safety Pick for its top-rated protection in frontal-, side-, and rear-impact collisions, as well as for its roof crush strength. The IIHS does not rate the coupe or the sport wagon.

For 2011, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has modified its crash-test program to make it harder for automakers to achieve a 5-Star rating. The NHTSA has not tested the CTS against the new standards; therefore, the only data available is a 4-Star rollover resistance rating that applies to the sedan and wagon.

Consumer Reports says the standard CTS models are expected to provide excellent dependability over time. The research organization makes no predictions specific to the CTS-V.

Car enthusiasts may comprise a minority of all car buyers, but they sure are a vocal bunch, passionate and knowledgeable about cars and serving as a point of information and advice within their circles of family, friends, and colleagues. Cadillac knows this, and builds the stunningly capable CTS-V for them, hoping that positive associations with the rest of the appealing CTS lineup will ultimately produce sales. With the addition of a new CTS-V Coupe and CTS-V Sport Wagon for 2011, car enthusiasts must certainly be rejoicing. We at Vehix sure are.

By Christian Wardlaw