- The 2012 Cadillac CTS will offer modest changes, including a revised grille, but one significant mechanical alteration for the new model year will be the absence of a six-speed manual transmission on the CTS 3.6-liter-equipped sedan and coupe.
- The 2011 Cadillac CTS 3.6-liter-equipped Performance and Premium versions of the sedan and coupe can be ordered with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
- The 2012 CTS-V coupe, sedan and wagon will continue to offer a manual gearbox.
DETROIT — The 2012 Cadillac CTS will offer modest changes, including a revised grille, but one significant mechanical alteration for the new model year will be the absence of a six-speed manual transmission on the CTS 3.6-liter-equipped sedan and coupe.
For model year 2012, the CTS 3.6-liter Performance and Premium models are expected to be available only with a six-speed automatic, a well-placed General Motors source confirmed to Inside Line, although the 2012 CTS-V coupe, sedan and wagon will continue to offer a manual gearbox, as will the base CTS 3.0-liter sedan.
The 2011 Cadillac CTS 3.6-liter Performance sedan and coupe with rear-wheel drive can be ordered with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, while the CTS wagon equipped with the 3.6 V6 is equipped only with the automatic. The manual gearbox option also is offered for 2011 on the CTS Base and Luxury sedans with the 3.0 V6 and rear-wheel drive.
Inside Line says: GM declined to specify why the six-speed manual is being phased out, but it is likely that installation rates in the CTS were too low to justify its continuation on all but the high-performance V-series models and the base sedan. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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tfarrell60 says:
06:58 PM, 10/07/2011
I just purchased (took delivery on Monday) a 2012 Cadillac CTS Sedan, Premium Addition. Black with Cashmere Interior. I also own a 2005 Porsche 911 4S, and a 2011 Audi A-4 (wife's car). I previously owned (all new): a 1996 Audi A-4 2.8L Quattro, a 2001 BMW 330i, a 2003 Audi A-6 4.2L Quattro, and a 2004 BMW 330i (Performance Addition). Before purchasing the CTS I test drove the Audi S-4, the new Audi A-6, and the 3 and 5 series from BMW. I chose the Cadillac. I was tempted to go with the V, (550 HP!) but 314HP seemed adequate. If I want to go really fast (and live dangerously) I have my Porsche. The CTS just seemed better than the Audi and the BMW. My opinion, of course, in terms of looks and a more attractive interior. Out here in California you do not see many CTS's. BMW's are everywhere. The CTS is not as agile as the S-4 or the 3 Series BMW but, as my commuter car, that wasn't the over riding decision maker. The CTS just looks meaner and so cool, there, I said it!
tbone85 says:
03:55 PM, 04/19/2011
The problem with anecdotes is, they are anecdotes. Our VP of sales has a 2007 with nearly 70k on it and it looks and sounds brand new. Based on that sample I could jump to the conclusion that Cadillac has perfect quality.
nutsaboutcars says:
01:58 PM, 04/17/2011
What caddy needs to do is improve the quality of this car big time. My neighbor has one a 2010 with only 13,500 gentle miles on her and there is squeaks and rattles like you wouldnt believe and the audio system sucks. When is caddy going to practise what they preach (standard of the world) !
jmaroun says:
12:14 PM, 04/16/2011
A manual transmission goes against the ethos of this car anyways.
Stock curb weigh is 4222 lbs !! This is a mean cruiser, having lush and spacious
back seats more comfortable than a your living room couch.
lexuslvr says:
07:00 AM, 04/16/2011
"GM is back at its old game again"
Some of you are dumb. GM offered a 6-speed manual in the CTS for 10 years. People aren't just buying them(except for the base and CTS-V buyers) so it would be dumb for them to continue to offer it. They should however utilize some sort of dual clutch automatic in the future.
cz_75 says:
10:17 PM, 04/15/2011
It ought to be available for special order, but the truth is that the CTS is a bit too portly to be fully competetive with Audi and BMW unless it has a blown V-8 under the hood.
ambee514 says:
07:55 PM, 04/15/2011
GM Contrary to popular belief there are people who like manual transmissions.
rhizhiy says:
03:36 PM, 04/15/2011
Is CAddy getting the same 3.6 2012 Camado will? 330hp...
bengal3200 says:
11:50 AM, 04/15/2011
Hey, this may be a silly question, but are Paul and Anita Lienert married or related or something?
lions208487 says:
10:05 AM, 04/15/2011
Significant changes will only occur for the 2014 model year when the ATS is launched in spring of 2013. The new engines will include a 270 HP, 250 FT LBS i4 Turbo, 3.6 DI 330 HP, 280 Ft LBS V6, and an ATS V naturally aspirated @ 470 HP, 438 FT LBS V8. The new larger 2013 CTS build on the upcoming revised chassis shared with the 2013 Camaro with yield the 3.6 DI engine at 330 HP 280 Ft pounds and of course the XTS big daddy car to compete with the 7 series.
http://www.leftlanenews.com/photos/cadillac-ats-sedan-picture-1-0.html (2014 ATS Specs)
Until this change happens, be smart and buy the 2011 model. I have had the lucky pleasure to drive the Turbo 4 & 6 cylinder A4, 335i, TL, G37, and C 350 I can honestly say that if the CTS wasn't optioned out like a 3 series, that I would most likely buy the 3.6 DI performance package CTS over the rest. The G37 is a very nice car, but the exterior is becoming bland and the 328 HP VQ strains at higher RPM's, and the Caddie keeps pushing even at higher revs.