With its exciting styling, excellent power trains, and above average handling, the 2014 Cadillac CTS is picking up awards and accolades. This is a quick take of this fully redesigned luxury sports sedan. A short drive across the rough city streets, as well as a bit of time on a strangely deserted George Washington Parkway and it’s clear that the Caddy deserves the honors.
There are a few powertrain options, but I sampled the naturally aspirated 3.6L V6, good for 321 horsepower and 275 lb/ft of torque. Power goes to the rear wheels via an 8 speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. All-wheel-drive and a 6-speed automatic are also available. EPA fuel ratings are 19 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.
Engines
| 2.0L Turbo DI VVT | 3.6L V-6 DI VVT | 3.6L V-6 Twin-Turbo DI VVT | |
| Displacement (cu in / cc): | 122 / 1998 | 217 / 3564 | 217 / 3564 |
| Bore & stroke (in / mm): | 3.39 x 3.39 / 86 x 86 | 3.70 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6 | 3.70 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6 |
| Block material: | cast aluminum | cast aluminum | cast aluminum |
| Cylinder head material: | cast aluminum | cast aluminum | cast aluminum |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC, four-valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing | DOHC, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing | DOHC, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing |
| Fuel delivery: | direct high-pressure fuel injection | direct high-pressure fuel injection | direct high-pressure fuel injection |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 | 11.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): | 272 / 203 @ 5500 | 321 / 239 @ 6800*(gas) | 420 / 313 @ 5750 (SAE-certified) |
| Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): | 295 / 400 @ 1700-5500 | 275 / 373 @ 4800* (gas) | 430 / 583 @ 3500-4500 (SAE-certified) |
| Recommended fuel: | premium recommended but not required | regular unleaded or E85 | premium required |
| Maximum engine speed (rpm): | 7000 | 7200 | 6500 |
| Fuel economy (GM-estimated city / hwy): | 20 / 30 RWD 19 / 28 AWD | 19 / 29 RWD 18 / 26 AWD | 17 / 25 |
My test model was the Performance trim line, starting at $60,100. Optioned up with the advance security, driver assistance, and performance seat and cluster packages, along with 19” polished aluminum wheels, and the majestic plum metallic paint – the final price was $67,130.
The interior is beautifully crafted, with clean lines and unfussy details. Its largest problem is in the reliability of its infotainment system, CUE. It’s operated by swiping your finger across various controls and offers haptic feedback when you get it right. I always had to swipe multiple times before the system would respond, although my drive partner never had a problem.
The Cadillac has an optional sport mode which noticeably tightens up the already precise and excellently weighted steering. Power is delivered smoothly through the 8-speed transmission, although the paddle shifters are located awkwardly directly in front of the two accessory stalks. Wind the CTS up and you’ll be rewarded with a growly exhaust that would scare your grandpa. At 245 pounds lighter than the 2013 model, the CTS is nimble around corners. With any luck I’ll get this “Radillac” soon for a full review.
Watch this fun and informative TFL video muddy mashup involving a 2012 Cadillac CTS AWD:
