Cadillac CTS Part 3: Performance Review

The new Cadillac CTS has a tough assignment. It must compete in arguably the most competitive arena in the luxury car marketplace: the entry-level performance sedan segment.

This is a niche filled with strong German and Japanese opposition, but short on worthy American contenders. In fact, the second generation CTS brings the total to one.

The first generation CTS was a replacement for the Cadillac Catera - remember that one? It was the Cadillac that zigged - yeah, not so much. But the first CTS did in fact zig pretty well. And this new second-generation effort raises the bar even further. Our test car came equipped with two optional performance packages, which include among other things, a firmer sport suspension, summer performance tires, and a limited slip differential. Those elements help the CTS handle like a true performance sedan and allow it to hold its own against its European competitors.

Though a bit softly sprung for my personal taste, the Cadillac CTS strikes what will be a good balance between sporty handling and comfortable ride quality for most buyers in this segment. While the luxurious ride would have you think the bias is toward luxury, the limited slip differential sways the scales back toward sporty handling. Either way, the car has excellent traction - especially with the optional summer tire package - as well as one of the best stability control systems on the market.

The CTS is based on the GM's Sigma chassis, and when coupled with the FE3 suspension package, the Michelin Pilot Sport tires, and GM's StabiliTrack yaw control system, this thing can really carve up a twisty road.

And while the steering is not as communicative as you might want, it does have a pretty quick rack for a car in this class.

The CTS is available with two V6 engines. Both have 3.6 liters of displacement, but one - the one in our test car - has direct injection. It makes 304 hp and is mated to a six-speed automatic. Consistent with its performance-luxury mission, the transmission works well in both aggressive driving and in relaxed cruising - the manual mode allowing you to select gears for yourself. Although the push-to-upshift, pull-to-downshift orientation is incorrect in my opinion. Can't we just standardize this already?

So it not only has the looks to compete with the European and Japanese entries in this highly contested category, the Cadillac CTS also has the moves. It delivers luxury and performance in equal measure, and in a uniquely American way.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience

Cadillac CTS

Performance
- Acceleration: Direct injected V6 pulls adequately (at best) - if you want planet-destroying power, get the 550 hp CTS-V
- Handling: Good compromise between sport and luxury - leaning toward the luxury side of the equation
- Braking: A bit more dive than expected, but effective nonetheless

Design
- Exterior: The best execution of Cadillac's Art & Science design language so far
- Interior: Nothing short of the best American car interior

Utility
- Comfort: Larger cabin than its obvious competitors with every convenience option imaginable
- Space: Bigger than a 3-series BMW, smaller than a 5-series makes for a good amount of space inside

Safety
- Dynamics: Good, stiff chassis has the moves to get you out of trouble
- Technology: Airbags in all the right places, plus one of the best stability control systems out there

Value
- Price: Well positioned given its size and content
- Mileage: Direct injection helps the engine deliver decent mileage - that you can use regular unleaded also helps

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: While a great looking American sedan, there's not much in it emotionally - if you need an adrenaline shot, get the "V"
- Fun to spank: A bit underpowered to be really naughty behavior, but the limited-slip differential helps a ton

SPECIFIACTIONS

Layout: Front engine / Rear wheel drive
Engine: 3.6 liter, direct-injected, DOHC V6
Power (SAE): 304 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque: 273 lbs-ft @ 5200 rpm
Redline: 6500 rpm
Gearbox: 6 speed automatic
Curb Weight: 3980 lbs.
0-60 mph: 6.0 sec.
1/4 mile: 14.5 sec.
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 17 city / 26 highway
Base Price: $42,105
Competitors: BMW 335i, Mercedes-Benz C350, Infiniti G35