The 2012 Cadillac CTS 3.6L V6 gets more power, loses the manual trans

The key improvement to the 2012 Cadillac CTS lineup is the added power to the premium 3.6L V6, with the horsepower jumping from 304 to 318 horsepower and the torque increasing from 273 to 275lb-ft of torque. This 5% increase in horsepower comes without any depreciation in fuel economy, as the 2012 CTS models with the 3.6L V6 will offer 18mpg around town and 27 on the open road (the Cadillac website lists the 2011 models as yielding 18/26). On top of making more power than the 2011 models, the 2012 CTS sedan, wagon and coupe 3.6L V6 weighs 21lbs less thanks to the use of a new integrated cylinder head/exhaust manifold design, a composite intake manifold, a lightweight front cover, and lightweight high-strength connecting rods. This helps aid the fuel economy of the 2012 Cadillac CTS as well as improving the weight distribution; even if only by a small amount.

The bad news for the 2012 Cadillac CTS comes in the form of media information, as the Inside Line has reported that the manual transmission will no longer be offered with the 3.6L V6 engine. The entry-level 3.0L V6 and supercharged 6.2L V8 in the CTS-V will still offer the 6-speed manual transmission but for the upcoming model year, the Caddys benefitting from the added power won’t get any gear-banging fun.

In addition to the new power and a handful of subtle exterior revisions, the 2012 Cadillac CTS lineup will receive the new Touring package – available with all non-V series models. The 2012 Touring package begins with a unique grille with a dark finish, metal pedals, dark Sapele wood interior trim along with suede seat inserts, steering wheel and shift knob. Those 2012 CTS models fitted with the 3.6L V6 also receive a set of 14-way adjustable leather Recaro seats and 19” polished wheels while the 3.0L models retain the standard seats and come with a set of polished 18” rollers.

The 2012 Cadillac Sedan, Wagon and Coupe units with the more-powerful 3.6L engine will begin hitting dealerships in late summer 2011, with the prices announced closer to the date of delivery.

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