2011 Cadillac CTS4 Coupe Review (video)

"SICK CADILLAC!!!! Is that the one with the supercharged V8?!"

I was at the gas station pumping some unleaded into the 2011 CTS4 Coupe, when an excited young gentleman spotted it and swooped in for a closer look.

"Nope, just the standard car, V6" I replied.

"Hmm, nice ride anyhow".

Indeed.

Those comfortable with traditional coupe compromises will likely find the CTS4 Coupe a good all-weather, all-around cruiser with a touch of sportiness and a great deal of personality and presence. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com)

The standard CTS Coupe
The question above, perhaps more eloquently worded, was asked of your correspondent numerous times over the course of a week-long test drive. If you're living under a rock, the gas-station kid thought he was looking at the Cadillac CTS-V: a supercharged, V8-powered range of CTS variants that pack 550-plus ponies and come standard with the ability to turn driver's licenses instantly to confetti.

The repeated questioning about the CTS Coupe's evil sibling reinforced that Cadillac is quickly earning a reputation for performance and instantly-recognizable design. And that maybe, this most striking two-door CTS model is living in the shadow of its tire-frying, menace-to-society of a big brother.

Differences?

The tested CTS Coupe got a 3.6 litre engine with just 304 horsepower, tiny 18-inch wheels, and no extra high-performance goodies.

Of course, I'm being sarcastic.

Actually, the CTS Coupe has plenty going for it--and it's got models from Infiniti, BMW and Audi square in its xenon projector sights. It's also the only premium coupe on the road from an American automaker, which is interesting at least, and daring at most.