2012 Cadillac CTS-V Review

Overview

Cadillac CTS-V was introduced in 2004 to compete with the BMW M3, M5, Mercedes- Benz C55 AMG and E55 AMG. In the last six years, the Cadillac CTS-V sport sedan has become the brand's ultimate expression of performance and luxury. The Cadillac CTS-V enters into 2012 with standard Cadillac Premium Care Maintenance which covers scheduled oil changes, tire rotations, replacement of engine and cabin air filters and a multi-point vehicle inspection for four years or 50,000 miles. There are also a few minor updates for this model this year.

Power and performance

The 2012 Cadillac CTS-V is powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine that delivers an estimated 556 horsepower. The transmission choices include either a six-speed manual or an exclusive six-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. It also includes a comprehensive suite of technical and design enhancements, including Magnetic Ride Control and an industry-first Performance Traction Management program.

Body and styling

The CTS-V is a high performance variant of the well known CTS model. Rear-vision camera is now standard on CTS-V. All models feature new fender vent design and new inside rearview mirror design. It rides on 19-inch forged aluminum wheels available in silver painted or polished finishes. Its interior highlights include a standard Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound audio system with 10 speakers, DVD-Audio, a 40GB Hard Drive Device and both USB and auxiliary MP3-player jacks while on the exterior 19-inch alloy wheels, run-flat performance tires, and a sport suspension with Magnetic Ride Control are standard.

Safety Features

Like other CTS models, the 2012 Cadillac CTS-V comes standard with dual front air bags, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact air bags, and front-to-rear head curtain side-impact air bags. Traction control, 4-wheel disc with 4-channel anti-lock brakes, and optional performance traction management are also standard.