2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

Cadillac's resurgence has been a marvel to watch. The latest move away from "old rich guy's car" is the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe. With the new CTS Coupe, Cadillac is making a serious stab at the sports coupe realm, which has been pretty much owned by the Europeans (with a few Japanese exceptions) for the past 20 years or so. The 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe will arrive in four different configurations priced from $38,990 to $62,990 (plus options), each with a 4 year/50,000 mile basic warranty, a 5 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty, and EPA fuel economy estimates from 17 city/25 highway to 18 city/27 highway. Let's drive.

Cadillac brought me (and a bunch of other automotive journalists) up to Napa Valley, California to drive some late pre-production examples of the 2011 CTS Coupe. The production vehicles are scheduled to go on sale in early August 2010 in the United States. Napa Valley in mid-June was the perfect venue to unveil the Coupe. The sleepy wine-growing region has a split personality. It is quaintly rural and agricultural, with sun baked pickup trucks parked in front of faded red barns, and rows of chest-high grape vines lining the fields. The rural front barely conceals opulent wealth, with manor houses lurking in the hills, world-class restaurants on the main streets, and wealthy weekenders strolling the sidewalks.

The CTS Coupe has a very angular, almost avant garde look. Cadillac bragged that it is virtually identical to the 2008 concept car (link goes to photo) that inspired its production. The Coupe shares virtually no sheetmetal with the CTS Sedan, wearing a lower roofline, a steeper windshield, a one-piece stamped roof and rear fender piece and a wider rear track. Front and rear fenders hug the wheels tighter on the Coupe than on the Sedan; door handles have been shaved off and replaced with recessed electromechanical switches. The rear deck looks higher, by virtue of a super-cool integral center high mounted stop light (CHMSL in designer-speak) that also forms a rear spoiler on the trunk. Cadillac's now signature vertical LED taillight array dresses each rear corner. This is a design that demands attention, and presents a different look from each angle of approach.

In the Driver’s Seat: Cut and stitch

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe interior

Though Cadillac's exterior designs have gained much attention during its recent resurgence, recent improvements in its interiors have left me most impressed. CTS Coupe's dashboard is a thing of beauty, with luxurious cut and stitch covering, a great mix of textures and feels, and scarcely a wrong note anywhere. The instrument panel above the steering wheel is a model of simplicity, with three cylindrical gauge pods housing mostly analog instruments. Every CTS Coupe that I drove was equipped with a navigation package, which meant that it also got a cool, James Bond-esque control screen that rises up out of the center console when activated.

CTS Coupe's front seats are a far cry from the sofa cushion ambiance of your grandfather's Cadillac. They are firm, supportive and comfortable, with good side bolstering and nice, long thigh support. I have long legs, and for once, I didn't have to use up all of the driver's seat travel in order to get room to drive. The front passenger seat similarly has miles of legroom available.

The back seat is another story. Consider it for emergencies only, more suitable for carrying a briefcase than an adult human being. I did contort my body and climb into the back, if only to prove that it could be done. I needed help getting out, even though my contemporaries still consider me to be spry. If you use your second row for passengers on a regular basis, you'll probably want to look at the CTS Sedan. The Coupe setup results in a trunk with 10.5 cubic feet of capacity, smaller than almost all of its competitors.

On the Road: Hang on, it's gonna get bumpy

Aaron Gold will certainly review the V-Series version of the CTS Coupe when it becomes available. That's the real hot ticket in this lineup. Cadillac only brought out the Premium Package level of Coupe for my group. It comes with a 3.6 liter V6 with direct injection and variable valve timing, and is rated to produce 304 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, which feels pretty well-matched to the 3909 lb curb weight for the rear-wheel drive model that I drove. All-wheel drive models are a couple of hundred pounds heavier.

Which brings us to CTS Coupe's Achilles Heel, as far as I was concerned. All of the Coupes we drove were equipped with Cadillac's "FE-3" suspension package, with 19" wheels wearing summer tires. "FE-2" vehicles get 18" wheels and all-weather tires. The FE-3 Coupe was great on smooth roads, and felt quite sharp during assertive cornering and tight maneuvers. But on rough roads, or during normal freeway cruising, the FE-3 suspension setup was harsh, transmitting road feel in more detail than I wanted. I wished for a "sport/comfort" selectable transmission, like you'll find on some of the competitive vehicles (Audi A5, Mercedes-Benz E-Class). An either/or choice like the FE-2 vs. FE-3 means that you have to choose between relative comfort and relative sport, not a happy choice.

CTS Coupe's brakes are excellent for street driving, with good feel and no noticeable fade. A full array of safety features abounds on the vehicle, including very lenient traction control and electronic stability programs that don't jump in too early when you're having fun.

Journey’s End: To Coupe or not to Coupe?

2010 Cadillac CTS Coupe

After spending some time with the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe, I had to sit and think for a while. I tried to picture the right buyer for the vehicle, and I couldn't conjure up a vision of that person. Was it that empty nester who didn't need the passenger capacity anymore, but wasn't quite ready to take the sports car plunge? Was it the young professional who wanted luxury and sport, but needed more class than a muscle car or pony car provided? Or was it the avowed sports coupe buyer who just had to have an American car? I realized that I don't really know any coupe buyers, and I couldn't put my finger on the right buyer for this car.

The challenge is that the competition is so very good. The BMW 3-series Coupe is spectacular, sleek and sporty. The Audi A5 ripples with appeal, style and grace. The Infiniti G37 bursts with technology, attitude and ability. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe brings heritage to the plate, hearkening back to a long line of businessmen's coupes.

Cadillac is trying to break new ground, and they seem realistic about the niche appeal of the CTS Coupe. But they're committed to bringing out a car with few compromises, a car that embodies the passion that they have for their business. And the CTS Coupe does that. I'm eager to drive the CTS-V when it becomes available (if Aaron will let me), which promises to bring even more passion and technology to the table.

In the meantime, we're left to ponder the CTS Coupe. Perhaps you are the buyer they seek. Get in line at your local Cadillac dealer. I'm sure they'll be very happy to see you.

Details and specs:

• Body style: 2-door coupe                                                                       
• Seating capacity: 4
• Trim levels: Base, Performance, Premium, V
• Price range (including options): $38,990 - $62,990
• Base engine: 3.6 liter V6, 304 hp @ 6,400 rpm, 273 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm
• Optional engine: 6.2 liter supercharged V8, 556 hp @ 6,100 rpm, 551 lb-ft @ 3,800 rpm
• Premium fuel required? Recommended, not required
• Transmission: Six-speed manual, six-speed automatic
• Driveline: Front engine, rear- or all-wheel drive
• EPA fuel economy estimates: V6 automatic: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway; V6 manual: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway
• Where built? USA
• Standard safety equipment: Dual-stage front airbags; driver and front passenger side seat-mounted pelvic/thorax side air bags; roof-rail side curtain air bags; front safety belt pretensioners; tire pressure monitoring system; body structure with strategically-placed high-strength steel; OnStar 9.0.
• Optional safety equipment: None
• Major standard equipment: 18" wheels, performance suspension, rear park assist, Bose audio, MP3 input, EZ Key, remote start, power driver and front passenger seats
• Major options: Performance Collection adds HID Xenon headlamps, adaptive forward lighting, 10-way power leather seats, Bose 5.1 Surround Sound, USB integration, 40GB hard drive; Premium Collection adds interior ambient lighting, rear-view camera, heated/vented front seats, heated steering wheel, wood trim, Bose 5.1 Surround Sound with navigation, sunroof; V-Series adds 6.2 liter supercharged V8, paddle shift controls, Brembo brakes, Magnetic Ride Control, 19" wheels with performance tires.
• Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper 5 year/100,000 mile powertrain
• Roadside assistance/free maintenance: 5 year/100,000 mile roadside assistance

Best rivals:

• Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe
• Infiniti G37 coupe
• Audi A5

Review of Top Cars Built 2012

Review of Top Cars Built 2012

For drivers waiting for the best cars in 2012, there will not be much more of a wait. The new cars have already begun to roll out onto many dealerships and lots, and the best new cars for 2013 will continue to roll out until the end of 2012. So, if you have been putting of your new car purchase, so you can have the latest models coming out, if your car already has not been released, it will not be much more of a wait for the best vehicles for 2012 models to pop up on the market in the coming months.

Many 2011 new cars, have already begun the work on their 2012 model, so, drivers can expect to see the car they have been waiting for, in the next coming months. So, if you are looking for the best place to find your 2011 new cars, or the newest and best cars 2012 models, there are many sites online which can help drivers find their car for purchase.

 

The Best SUV 2012

For one of the best suv 2013 models, drivers can expect the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, which will be released in September this year. This best suv 2012 model will feature a 6.4 liter hemi V8 engine, and as much as 500 hp for drivers to get the ultimate ride. With seating for up to 8, and this kind of power, the wait will not be much longer for those looking for a new SUV for the coming year.

And, if you are going for a little more luxury, Fiat (which owns Jeep), will be introducing a Maserati 4X4 based on this Jeep platform, which is a little touch of class for 2013 best SUV drivers out there.

New Cars for 2012

For a little twist on new cars for 2012, hyundai will be introducing its Veloster in November of this year. This car iwll be a little larger than the Scion tC on the inside, yet still offer that small sedan look on the exterior. Not only that, if you are looking for fuel efficiency in your 2012 new cars, this Veloster will get you 40 MPG, so you can keep driving past the pump. And another little twist on this car, the driver’s side, only has one door, while the passenger side offers both a front and back door. For a fun and quirky new car, with a low MSRP (around $20,000), plus fuel efficiency any driver would love, the 2012 Veloster is something for drivers to look forward to in the new 2012 models.

 

List of Best Cars 2012

For one of the most trusted manufacturers on the market, and a sporty looking best cars for 2012 and 2013, the toyota FT-86 Sports car is something you can expect to see on the market in December of this year. It is extremely light weight, offers a 2.0 liter four, RWD, and about a 250 hp engine. This car offers a great exterior sports look, yet, drivers don’t have to pay the sports car price. The car will be featured at only about the mid $20,000 range, and drivers will still get that sports car ride and look, minus the price tag.

Another of the best cars 2012 is the sporty Camaro by Cadillac, which will be released in January of 2012. With a 6.2 liter V8 engine, it will boast 550 hp, for one of the most powerful rides imagineable. It can reach 0 to 60 in just under 5 seconds, and with a RWD, it is guaranteed to give you that race car feel. It will come at a higher price tag though, with the estimated range between $42,000 and $48,000.

No matter what you are looking for in your 2013 new cars, there is a mix of cars to look forward to. So, get online, get to your dealerships, and start your search today, in order to be ready to make the purchase when your 2012 comes out.

Browse through this website for much more information on the Best Cars 2012 offers and many more information on Best SUVs for 2012 and other 2012 new cars.

Chevy Corvette C7

Chevy Corvette C7

When: Fall 2013
How Much: $50,000 and up

We know more about the next Vette than we did just a few months ago. Gone are thoughts of a split rear window, a turbocharged V-6, or a midengine design. It now appears that the C7 will debut at this coming winter's North American auto show in Detroit with a 5.5-liter V-8 that still uses pushrods. However, thanks to direct injection and higher compression, it's reasonable to expect the new Corvette to put out 440 hp, so it could match or best the outgoing 6.0-liter.

The car will be visually arresting for certain. Inspiration will come at least in part from the present Camaro. One sure bet—GM will finally, praise heaven, give its $50,000 Ferrari slayer an interior that's gorgeous, and with seats that hold the driver comfortably on track day.

2014 Audi A3

2014 Audi A3

When: Mid-2013
How Much: $30,000 and up

The forthcoming A3 will be based on the VW Golf. It would be nice if the U.S. got the hatch, but that's unlikely. We probably will get a diesel A3, though, and the four-door sedan will come in a hotter S3 version that's also a possibility for North America, though an über-powerful RS3 is highly unlikely.

Hopefully the chassis that underpins the new Audi will be more modular than previous versions. That would allow integration of hybrid tech and front-drive or AWD setups that could shave weight on various Audis and Volkswagens, helping engineers to increase fuel economy while downsizing displacement

2013 SRT Viper

2013 SRT Viper

When: December 2012
How Much: TBD
Our Guess: $100,000

With a 640-hp V-10 and a body made of magnesium, aluminum, and carbon fiber, we're expecting greatness from Chrysler's supercar. And at 100 grand, it'd better be great—there's already a Corvette ZR1 in this price range that can eat Ferraris, and the C7 will only up the ante. Plus there's a certain new Mustang that's far cheaper and should be mighty impressive too. And even if the Viper is faster than the Ford or Chevy in a straight line, it must improve its handling over the outgoing model. While SRT folks are claiming a scorching 0-to-60 time of 3.5 seconds and a 206-mph top speed for the new car, the last Viper was time-warp-fast too—and also saddled with unpredictable handling and frequent maintenance headaches.

Haunted by those ghosts of Vipers past, Chrysler engineers started over. They lowered the car's weight by about 140 pounds and made its chassis 50 percent stiffer. (That alone tells you how far Chrysler had to go to make a Viper that's world class.) The Tremec-supplied six-speed manual (no automatic, at least not yet) is said to have far lower clutch effort, while bringing tighter ratios and more precise feel. The suspension is entirely new, again with the aim of more predictable handling. And there's a multi-setting stability-control system with a full-off mode for the track. That could be great, but only if the car doesn't actually need the electronic assist to handle like a supercar.

That will be key. This Viper is designed to challenge cars that can reach nine tenths of their potential without technological guardrails. The SRT needs to get in that ballpark to be a real winner.

2013 Dodge Dart R/T

2013 Dodge Dart R/T

When: October 2012
How Much: $23,290

Most of the new front-wheel-drive Dart models go on sale this summer, and we like what we've driven so far. But the fastest of the breed, the R/T, holds off for a fall launch.

Like its less muscular brethren, the R/T rides on a Fiat chassis borrowed from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, with a fully independent suspension. We expect that suspension to be a little lower and stiffer in the R/T. The car will get the most horsepower of the lot, with a 184-hp 2.4-liter four under the hood.

At this point it's unclear if the R/T will come with only a six-speed manual or with a dual-clutch automatic as well. We do know that the R/T, like the Sonic RS, is going to face stiff competition from slightly pricier models, including the Ford Focus ST, the expected Fiesta ST, and the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. Even if these sporty cars are bunched around $25,000, slightly above the Dart R/T, their performance chops could put a pinch on sales of the Dodge

2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

When: Late summer 2012
How Much: TBD
Our Guess: $23,000

Right now, the Veloster lacks the performance cred to back up its killer looks. But that will change once this 201-hp version hits the streets. The 45 percent boost in horsepower has most folks taking a second look at the Veloster, and hoping this Turbo is a signal that Hyundai is getting as serious about performance as it has been about quality and design over the last few years.

So far, though, signs remain cloudy—the stonking 1.6-liter motor with dual exhaust notwithstanding. Word is the Veloster Turbo gets the same suspension, which is disappointing. The stock Veloster is fun but stiff-kneed and less refined when compared to better-bred sporty cars like VW's GTI—or the Subaru BRZ, which is only somewhat costlier than what we're expecting to see from the Veloster Turbo. Also, ask Mini engineers about controlling torque steer in a 200-hp car with a short wheelbase. That, too, has probably made Hyundai sweat.

Even if the Veloster Turbo isn't perfection out of the gate, we hope it's a sign of better-performing Hyundais (and Kias) to come.