It also goes electric, but before it does, Cadillac throws one last internal combustion performance party. But getting your hands on an Escalade-V or Blackwing sedan isn’t easy, even if you can put up with their sticker prices. However, if you’re patient, the second-hand market is here to help. And this week, Cars & Bids has a budget Blackwing ancestor: a 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan.
The second-generation Cadillac CTS-V set a new American luxury sports sedan standard with superfast speed
| 2009-2014 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan | |
| engine | 6.2 liter ‘LSA’ supercharged V8 |
| Horsepower | 556 hp |
| Couple | 551 lb-ft |
| Transmissions | Six-speed manual transmission Six-speed automatic |
| Empty weight | 4213 lbs (2011 manual) |
| 0-60 mph time | 4.3 seconds (manual) 4.0 seconds (automatic) |
When Cadillac said it was taking on BMW and Mercedes’ sporty sedans, some were a little skeptical. But the first-generation stick-only CTS-V, while not perfect, showed the brand was serious. And it only got better when the second-generation Cadillac CTS-V arrived for the 2009 model year.
Like the first-generation model, the second-generation CTS-V has a Corvette V8. But while the first-generation car used the naturally aspirated V8 from the C5 Z06, the second-generation car’s power source comes from the supercharged C6 ZR1. GM also used the LSA to great effect – and speed – in the fifth-generation Camaro ZL1. And it means that the 2009-2014 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan, which briefly held a Nürburgring lap record, is still fast today. It also sounds brilliantly angry.
In addition to more power, the second-generation Cadillac CTS-V is also more refined than the first-generation car. First, a new limited-slip differential, driveshafts and rear subframe caused the chassis to jerk under hard acceleration. In addition, second-generation magnetorheological shocks allow the sedan to corner without beating up the occupants. And even if you didn’t get the optional Track package, the 2009-2014 CTS-V Sedan offered standard Brembo brakes and multiple liquid coolers.
In addition, the 2009-2014 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan is more luxurious than the first-generation car. The interior has higher quality materials and more standard features. This is especially true of the later models, which have added things like standard navigation, a rear-view camera, blind spot detection and rain-sensing wipers.
Some of its more expensive German rivals were more upmarket, faster and lighter. But the second-generation Cadillac CTS-V easily rivals them in terms of steering and chassis communications. And it turned some of those skeptics into believers.
It shows a single owner CTS-V for sale Cars & Bids
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Since the second-generation Cadillac CTS-V was the last to offer a manual, stick-shift examples are much appreciated. And manual CTS-V Wagons are priced sky high these days. However, an automatic CTS-V Sedan like the 2011 model that is currently on the list Cars & Bids offers the same supercharged sensation. Plus, it’s slightly faster in a drag race.
This Cadillac CTS-V Sedan from 2011 is also very well equipped. In addition to a reversing camera, navigation, leather upholstery, wood trim and a panoramic sunroof, it also has the optional suede-covered steering wheel and gear lever. It also has the optional heated and power-adjustable Recaro sports seats up front, as well as dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lights and adaptive HID headlights. And the Bose audio system has Bluetooth.
While this 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan has some scattered chips, scratches and scuffs on the interior, it is overall in excellent condition. However, the future owner would need to replace the tires as they have date codes for 2012 and 2013. But on the bright side, this one-owner CTS-V has less than 49,100 miles on the clock and a clean accident-free history. The owner also plans to do an oil change in preparation for sale and has service books from their local Cadillac dealer.
This used 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan should be a reliable quick bargain
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At the time of writing, this 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan is at $25,250 with four days left in the auction. That’s about $10,000 less than the cheapest example with similar mileage Auto trader. And keep in mind that according to the original window sticker, this CTS-V cost $72,085 in 2011 – that’s $93,670 in today’s money.
As this is a used high performance luxury car, a pre-purchase inspection is recommended. But it’s worth noting that other than some minor Recaro rattles, these sport sedans are pretty bulletproof. And as a 2011 car, this CTS-V shouldn’t have the supercharger chatter or differential whine that plagued some early cars, CarBiblical say. However, as with the C6 ZR1, be aware of those MagneRide shocks – replacement ones don’t come cheap.
But if you want the thrill of a supercharged Cadillac sport sedan without breaking the bank, this 2011 CTS-V might be a great way to celebrate.
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