2012 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe/Sedan/Wagon
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This is perhaps a surprise inclusion on the list. Cadillac hasn’t exactly been working on truly great sports cars. They almost lucked into the sheer fun and excitement that the CTS-V became. The Sedan was introduced first. The power and brutality of the car combined with the elegance brought some great sales. Thanks to this, there was enough demand to create the other versions that were actually even better than that pretty incredible sedan.
Luxury Power
Cadillac executives just decided they wanted a high-performance luxury car to compete with some of the Mercedes AMG and BMW M class vehicles. Well, they found a way to do it. They took the V8 out of the Corvette ZR1 and put it into the CTS-V. The resulting supercharged engine was pushing out 556 horsepower. That kind of power for around only $60,000 is arguably even a bargain! If you’re looking at something similar from one of the German manufacturer’s, you’re probably going to have to pay twice the price. Cadillac used to be considered the ultimate expression of American luxury on wheels. The CTS-V proved that they could be the ultimate expression of American excitement.
Hot Hatch? Bring on the Warm Wagon!
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the CTS-V was that it came in three trims. The coupe was probably the best pure car of the bunch. It felt fun. However when it comes to family cars, is there a better wagon that’s ever been created than the CTS-V Sports Wagon? IT provided all the usefulness and cargo space of a people hauler with the same ridiculous engine in the other versions of the car. It didn’t look nearly as good as the Coupe. The Coupe’s looks are surprisingly great. The Wagon not so much. However being able to drive the fastest, least fuel-efficient wagon in the world has to feel pretty darn good.
