Today was the first of two days of driving with the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) as part of the Rocky Mountain Driving Experience (RMDE).
As part of this event, we did get some drive time in the CTS-V Coupe packing the 6-speed manual transmission.
Tomorrow will be driving around the mountain roads in the areas around Mt Evans. Assuming we get some more quality time with the baddest coupe of them all – expect a short-take review in the coming days.
Driving tomorrow should also include some competitive products and will result in more competitive reviews as well.
In addition to the previously discovered transmission changes for the 2012 model year (dropping the manual/3.6 combo) we now have GM’s planned alterations to the CTS family as a whole.
Highlights include a newly enhanced 3.6 with 318hp (a 14hp boost), standard Bluetooth connectivity, new style for the standard grill as well as a new grill for the Touring Package (that also includes metal pedals, dark Sapele wood interior trim and sueded seat inserts, steering wheel and shift knob).
Reports out of Cadillac are that the 6-speed manual option, currently available on all powertrains of the CTS (except the AWD models) will be dropped from the 3.6l V-6.
It will continue to be offered with the base 3.0 as well as the V-Series models.
This was the best bargain performance offering of the CTS line and we are sad to see it go.
AutoBild Allrad, a German car magazine, has selected the all-wheel drive CTS Coupe as their Import Car of the Year in the sports car/coupe/convertible category.
This is a huge win for Cadillac that has had several less than successful attempts to crack into the European market. While this certainly doesn’t mean Cadillac is successful in the market – it does mean that buyers are starting to recognize that the brand is at least a player.
The next sign of success would be significant sales.
