The 2012 Cadillac CTS-V family of cars are world class, performance-inspired luxury vehicles. The CTS-V, with sleek lines and aggressive stance, have all of the American luxury Cadillac owners expect, with the best of American performance. A premium 6.2-liter 556-hp V-8 powertrain commands the range. The CTS-V family includes a sedan, coupe, and sport wagon, all available in one very well-appointed model.
The CTS-V is defined by aggressive styling to match its aggressive powertrain. A low-slanted nose, the prominent shield grille and vertical lights almost synonymous with Cadillac, also featured on the CTS range, help establish assertive design cues for the V family. A sumptuous interior is paired with many normally premium features as standard. Rearview camera and rear parking sensors are standard, as are 19-inch wheels and fog lights. New for 2012 are rain-sensing windshield wipers, and three new colors are available to choose from.
Cadillac's V family embodies the Cadillac spirit of American luxury, and pairs it to the tradition of American muscle. The 2012 Cadillac CTS-V is not practical or fuel efficient, but it's not willing to apologize for any of that. This is Cadillac's top of the range, beating out similarly priced cars, and matching performance of much pricier vehicles. Driving enthusiasts craving some homegrown power should give the CTS-V family a serious look.
The Range
Bodystyles: Sedan, coupe, wagon
Engine: 6.2-liter V-8
Transmissions: six-speed manual, six-speed automatic
Model: Base
What's New
The 2012 Cadillac CTS-V is relatively unchanged from its first incarnation. Rainsense automatic windshield wipers are new to the V family for 2012. Three new colors are also available: Black Diamond Tricoat, Opulent Blue Metallic, and the final color, Mocha Steel Metallic, is available on the sedan and wagon only.
Exterior
The 2012 Cadillac CTS-V family shares many common attributes and design cues, while providing 3 distinct body styles to taste. The CTS-V coupe and CTS-V sedan share the same wheelbase, while the Coupe is a couple inches shorter and lower than its four-door sibling. The CTS-V wagon offers an elongated version of the sedan, and has a sporty European character. While the three differ in body style, a prominent grille, large wheels, vertical taillights, and an aggressive and sporty demeanor characterize all three. Fog lights and 19-inch painted aluminum wheels are standard on all three models.
Interior
While cabin space, seating and cargo all vary within the Cadillac CTS-V family, there are a few common denominators. High-quality soft-touch materials are evident throughout, and fit and finish are competitive with its European rivals. Wood and metal finish accents give the cabin a lavish feel. Keyless entry and start are standard, as are the ambient lighting package, rearview camera system, and dual-zone climate control. The seats are available heated and cooled, although they're surprisingly hard. Outward visibility is poor in the coupe, a casualty of the sporty styling. Cargo room is on the low end for the coupe and sedan, while the wagon fares better. A variety of interior colors and trims are available.
Performance & Handling
The beefy 6.2-liter engine packs veritable punch with 556-hp, allowing for astounding acceleration and power at the ready. The 2012 Cadillac CTS-V offers sporty driving dynamics which may come into contrast with people who more often associate Cadillac with regal land yachts. The firm ride quality, while a departure from smooth sailing Cadillacs of the past, still will get you about town, rocket-boosters in check. While at times the V feels heavy, the muscular V-8 can blister past any obstacle in its way.
Safety
Antilock brakes, driver and passenger front and side airbags are standard on the 2012 Cadillac CTS-V, along with front and rear head curtain bags and rear side airbags. OnStar Automatic Crash Response is also standard. Electronic safety devices include standard Traction Control and Stability Control. Rear camera and parking sensors are also standard equipment on the V family.
EPA Fuel Economy
6.2-liter V-8, manual transmission: 14 mpg city/ 19 mpg highway
6.2-liter V-8, automatic transmission: 12 mpg city/ 18 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Power and performance
- Luxurious interior
- Sporty handling
- Great looks
You Won't Like
- Hard seats
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Heavy for the class
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Rear visibility
Sum Up
Power meets America's best luxury car
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