In case you haven’t heard, Cadillac is transitioning to an all-electric lineup, starting with the new Cadillac Lyriq crossover. However, there’s still plenty left to say about Caddy’s internal combustion efforts, especially in the realm of performance, as Jay Leno will tell you with this review of the 2012 Cadillac CTS-V.
As it turns out, this particular two-door is Leno’s personal vehicle. Hailing from the second-generation CTS-V lineup, this vehicle is based on the GM Sigma II platform, with multiple body styles offered at the time, including a four-door and a wagon. However, Leno says he prefers the two-door Coupe.
The 2012 Cadillac CTS-V arrived in the midst of a major brand image change at Cadillac, with a shift towards a leaner, more athletic lineup characterized by models like the CTS-V.
Leno likens this thing to “a four-seater Corvette,” and there’s some truth to that. Under the hood is the supercharged 6.2L V8 LSA engine, which is based on the LS9 V8 in the C6 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and produces a maximum of 556 horsepower and 551 pound-feet of torque
Ever the enthusiast, Leno says one of the biggest reasons he bought the 2012 Cadillac CTS-V was for the manual gearbox. He also likens the handling to that of the new Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, while the cabin is spacious and comfortable, with the perfect Recaro bucket seats for the application.
Leno says it’s quite reliable as well, and that his Cadillac CTS-V has only really needed the occasional oil change. In fact, the only real critique Leno has is the size of the wheels and tires, with the former Tonight Show host wishing for something a bit bigger to eliminate a lot some of the wheel well gap.
The video is done in the typical Jay Leno’s Garage fashion, with a look around the exterior and interior, a few specs, and a drive around the streets of Southern California. Check it out right here:
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Comments
Love my ’11 wagon. Had it in for service last month and someone had just bought a used coupe they’d brought in for a once over. There was just something about the gen II CTS that was special. Every time I get in mine it just feels like home. I may be buried in mine.
I have a much better idea. Since burying such a rare beast would be a waste of such a beauty.
Leave the car to me and let’s cremate you. I’ll strap your ashes into the passenger seat and I’ll make sure to give you a regular ride. Lol
I have a 2012 Wagon, and also hated the wheels. Fortunately, the chassis is the same as a Camaro, and stock 20’s fit, work well, and look great.
Camaro was on zeta(or alpha on latest), cts was on sigma II. Not the same chassis. Zeta I think was born down under. Sigma was unique to caddy and born here.
I also have a 2012 wagon, and I like the wheels. I’ve curbed a couple in the past 99,000 miles, which results in a hefty refinish job, but they look great. What don’t you like about them?
That coupe is beautiful and awesome!
I own a Gen 2 CTS-V coupe and a Gen 3 CTS sedan. I go back and forth over which one looks the best.
I think Cadillac got it right with both gens.
CT5 and CT4: Not so much IMO.
The new sports Cadillacs are UGHLEE now. But when they came out 2007 and later they were really neat looking cars. I wouldn’t buy one now cuz they are so ughlee.
It’s all he said it is ,only you must own 1to really love this mine is just like his ,I have the black coupe diamond,red addition,yep to this date October 2023,shure I’m 50ill have a youngsters pull up rwb there , vehicles,last week ,it was a couple hellcats,and a few other competition cars,,I let them get the jump, knowing,,,later tater,,thanks cadallc,,all 5in my dust.handles great it’s the perfect all around will get down car,and very sharp…turn heads to date..
It’s all he said it is ,only you must own 1to really love this mine is just like his ,I have the black coupe diamond,red addition,yep to this date October 2023,shure I’m 50ill have a youngsters pull up manual shift. there , vehicles,last week ,it was a couple hellcats,and a few other competition cars,,I let them get the jump, knowing,,,later tater,,thanks cadallc,,all 5in my dust.handles great it’s the perfect all around will get down car,and very sharp…turn heads to date..