2011 CTS-V Coupe (ahem…Vette)
For those of you worried about the future of performance-oriented 2 door Cadillacs after the discontinuation of the XLR, don’t fret. The 2011 CTS-V coupe will more than fill the void. Making its debut in May of next year with a 2011 model year designation, it proves that even in the present market, there is interest and ability to build high performance with only a couple doors. After doing a little research, I assume that it will provide an overall performance level somewhere between the base Corvette and Z06. In the acceleration department, expect that level to be closer to the latter. Very close.
With the newest version of GM’s LS series V8s, the LSA, it will put down an expected 556 horsepower and 551 wall moving ft. lbs. of torque. That same oomph moves the 4 door CTS-V sedan to 60mph in 3.9 seconds, so I expect a near Z06 time of 3.6-3.7 for the coupe. The quarter mile, according to rumor, will also be oh-so-close to the Zed at 12 seconds flat. With the sedan weighing in at a touch over 4,200 pounds, I sincerely hope that the coupe will dip a noticeable amount below the 2-ton mark. While final specs and details are yet to be announced, we do know that it will use a similar Magnetic Selective Ride Control system from the CTS-V sedan (also an adapted Corvette item). This system will help maintain Cadillac’s historical comfort while having the ability to stiffen up when you throw it around a bit.
In the styling department, look for the same face of the sedan. However, if you’re into big rear ends, you’ll prefer the coupe. Its trunk lid seems likely to be chest level with most of us. Let’s hope a fancy rear view camera system is implemented, as the only thing you’ll see out the back glass will be too far behind to matter. Look for the long-anticipated CTS-V coupe in showrooms next summer at an estimated bargain of $65K. At that price, it’s a worthy and responsible replacement for the $100K XLR. Here are a couple shots of the concept and a spy shot of a late-development model which cements the similarities, courtesy of Left Lane News.
Bottom-line: Everyone can stop griping about the Chevy Corvette interior and build quality now. I’m sure Caddy’s Vette will soon suffice.
