2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe AT LA Auto Show

Expected to make its public debut next week at the LA Auto Show, the Cadillac CTS Coupe will join the CTS sedan and wagon in the brand’s lineup for the 2011 model year. The coupe will have the same wheelbase as the sedan, but it will be two inches lower and shorter. As expected, it shares much with the sedan, but the Coupe has distinct hidden B-pillar, touch pad for the doors (in place of conventional door handles), and a steeper angle for the windshield and rear window, which contributes to the sleek aerodynamic look.

The coupe doesn’t get the “budget” 3.0-liter V6. Instead, it’s powered by the direct-injection, 304–hp, 3.6-liter V6 engine. A six-speed manual and six-speed automatic will be offered. The EPA estimates that highway fuel economy will reach 27 mpg. Two suspension packages will be available, including a performance package with 18-inch wheels and all-season tires available in both rear- and all-wheel-drive. A summer tire package comes with 19-inch tires and wheels.

The coupe will hit showrooms in the spring of 2010 with a high-performance V-Series edition arriving later in 2010. Unfortunately, there won’t be a convertible version to compete with the likes of BMW 3 Series and Audi A5.