The 2012 Cadillac CTS Coupe takes its forward-leaning styling inspiration from an archer’s arrow. That sharp-edged ethos helps this distinctive coupe cut through the crowd of look-alike designs. The buying public has welcomed Cadillac back to the coupe business since the car went on sale in 2010. The CTS Coupe has become the best-selling midsize luxury coupe in America, and it’s close to claiming the crown for the entire luxury coupe segment, big or small.
With styling that’s almost directly lifted from the show car that provided the concept, the Cadillac CTS Coupe (MSRP of $38,715) packs 2+2 seating under a dramatic roofline that features classic hardtop styling with no visible B-pillar. The CTS Coupe shares its wheelbase with the more upright CTS sedan, but, as you might expect, the two-door is two inches lower and the same amount has been trimmed from its overall length. A faster, 62.3-degree windshield angle further underscores the drama the CTS Coupe aims to create.
.jpg?i=102411160702)
Available trim levels for the 2012 Cadillac CTS Coupe are Base, Performance and Premium Collections, and Bluetooth connectivity is now standard across the line. Power for all is provided by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that has been revised for 2012 to produce 318 hp while weighing in 20.5 pounds lighter than earlier versions. Fuel economy reaches 27 mpg on the highway, even with the five percent increase in horsepower, and city economy stands at 18 mpg. Rear-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive available.
Every 2012 CTS Coupe carries StabiliTrak® Electronic Stability Control, and the performance looks are underscored by equipment like a limited-slip rear differential and six-speed automatic transmission with clutchless manual shifting capability. The precise rack-and-pinion steering system is boosted by a ZF Servotronic® steering rack and 18-inch premium alloy wheels. A balanced chassis is enhanced by the addition of a front strut tower brace that keeps the tires firmly in contact with the road by reducing chassis flex that would compromise road holding.
Suspension is fully independent with a short/long arm (SLA) front design rendered in aluminum to save weight. A multi-link independent rear suspension system is mounted on a fully isolated subframe that enables it to manage road conditions without transmitting undue noise and harshness to the cabin.
Speaking of the cabin, the environment is finely crafted with a metal-finished center stack creating a cockpit atmosphere and blending into the dashboard with a sweep that belies the serious sport and luxury of the CTS Coupe. Eyes will find details that delight such as French stitching on the instrument panel, door inserts and seats. A Bose® audio system with eight-speakers and iPod integration is standard. OnStar Directions and Connections comes standard, as do SiriusXM Satellite Radio, steering wheel audio, cruise and Bluetooth controls, keyless access and start, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist and eight-way power-adjustable front bucket seats with articulating head restraints. Added utility comes with the high-speed styling of the CTS Coupe – its rear seat folds to open up more real estate for cargo.
To an already deep list of standard features, Performance Collection models add High Intensity Discharge headlamps, the Adaptive Front Lighting system, Rearview Camera System, Remote Start and foglamps. Heated leather seating surfaces and 10-way power-adjustable front seats with power lumbar are also standard for Performance buyers. The Bose audio system moves up to a 10-speaker 5.1 surround system with a 40GB internal hard drive as well. Drivers are aided by the addition of the Side Blind Zone Alert system, seat memory for two different drivers and an integrated home remote system.
Take all of that and add ventilated seats that incorporate “thin seat” technology to maximize comfort and rear-seat passenger space, automatic cabin filtration, ambient interior lighting, deep, lustrous Sapele wood trim, RainSense automatic wipers, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, a navigation system that rises up from the dashboard and includes a 10GB hard drive, plus Pause and Play live radio, and you’ve got the Premium Collection.
A Touring Package is new for 2012; it includes Recaro performance seats with 14-way power adjustment, 19-inch polished aluminum wheels and the Summer Tire Performance Package with high-performance cooling, sport suspension and braking systems. Paddleshifters are also part of the Touring Package, along with distinctive Midnight-finished Sapele wood trim, sueded steering wheel and shiftknob, alloy pedals and a sport grille and rear spoiler. Premium Collection buyers can opt for the Touring Package to create what’s essentially the ultimate CTS Coupe.
All 2012 Cadillac CTS Coupes will be easy to spot. There’s a new grille design and three new paint colors: Black Diamond Tricoat, Opulent Blue Metallic and Mocha Steel Metallic. What’s made the CTS Coupe a sales success hasn’t changed at all – sumptuous style and luxury and supported by stunning performance. Contact us today for a test drive.