Cadillac announced the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, which debuts at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It combines the new Cadillac CTS Coupe’s dramatic design with the 556-horsepower (415-kW) supercharged V-8 engine from the Cadillac CTS-V sedan.
Production of the CTS- V coupe in Lansing, Michigan, should start next summer shortly after that of the regular V-6 model, with pricing expected to be in the $65K neighborhood.
Key design features include:
- Classic hardtop styling, with no conventional B-pillar
- Touch-pad operation for the doors removes the need for conventional door handles
- Faster windshield angle (62.3 degrees) and a nearly horizontal backglass enable an aerodynamic profile
- Signature vertical lighting, highlighted with LED light pipes
- Signature center high-mounted stop lamp functions as a rear spoiler
- Aerodynamic roof-mounted antenna for OnStar and XM Satellite Radio
CTS-V includes sophisticated braking and tire systems, in partnership with two companies renowned for high-performance technology: Brembo and Michelin. A pair of six-speed transmissions is offered in the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe: a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual with a dual-disc clutch and a Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic with paddle-shift control.
Bad news for BMW and Porsche in particular. They are struggling with lower sales and with each other against Audi. Last thing they needed was a new car to contend with.
But isn’t this GM cross competition with the CTSV Sedan, Pontiac G8, Corvette C6, Z06, ZR1, and Camaro SS? And personally think that they need to step back from the drawing table and consolidate what will sell, what is worth keeping and trim what will not get new buyers.
