Cadillac CTS-V sports wagon makes its global debut in New York: this is what we know

They say this is just a "show car", but the CTS-V Sport Wagon, which debuted at the 2010 New York International Auto Show, seems to be ready for mass production. And it won’t take long for you to get it. According to Cadillac, the CTS-V Sport Wagon will be available as a 2011 model later this year (albeit in a limited number).

CTS-V Sport Wagon at a Glance

Engine & Powertrain Specs

Exterior Styling

Interior Treatments

Pricing & Availability

CTS-V Sport Wagon Update (October 2010)

CTS-V Sport Wagon at a Glance

The CTS-V Sport Wagon fits in with Cadillac’s desire to broaden its product range and become a more significant player in the European market. The European market loves station wagons, or estates or shooting-brakes, or Avants as they often refer to them across the pond. Europeans look at station wagons the way we in America look at SUVs. They see them as practical, sporty vehicles you can use in a variety of different ways.

But even in the USA, this is one wagon we can get behind. So what does the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon have to offer? Quite a lot, in fact.

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon. Photo: Cadillac.

Engine & Powertrain Specs

Naturally, Cadillac has dialed things up since the CTS-V Sport Wagon is supposed to reflect V-Series performance. The supercharged 6.2-liter V8 cranks out 556 horsepower and 551 lb-ft. of torque, which is enough to make any gearhead blush. To date, it’s Cadillac’s most powerful engine, which isn’t surprising considering the 1.9-liter intercooled Eaton Twin Vortices Series supercharger they stuffed under the hood.

Even better is how Cadillac plans to offer a six-speed Tremec manual alongside the six-speed Hydra-Matic auto box. The rear-wheel drive CTS-V Sport Wagon will also feature Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes, and Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires. Sounds pretty good for any car, let alone a wagon.

“The CTS-V Sport Wagon is a natural extension of both the V-Series and the CTS lineup, offering an uncompromising performance car to enthusiasts who want the extra room of a wagon,” said Don Butler, Vice President of Cadillac Marketing. “The V-Series Sport Wagon is another hallmark of the dramatic presence and power of Cadillac vehicles.”

Exterior Styling

The outside is finished in Midnight Silver, which was first seen on the Cadillac Sixteen Concept (which Caddy really should have built, if you ask me). The 19-inch forged aluminum wheels are finished in a “lustrous” Liquid Silver, and there’s a black chrome finish on the grille’s mesh insert. The rear fascia, upper spoiler, and center high-mounted stop lamp are also unique to the powerful wagon.

Interior Treatments

On the inside, the CTS-V Sport Wagon will feature an exclusive black leather with nifty Alcantara accents. The instrument panel and upper door panels are highlighted by what Cadillac calls “Midnight Sapele Wood” accents, while microfiber stitching is found on the lower door panels. For an extra touch of class, that same microfiber stitching is applied to the pillars, console lid, headliner, and steering wheel. Additional Obsidian Black accents can be found on the center stack, console, steering wheel, and door panels.

The show car in New York has black leather Recaro seats with Alcantara inserts, which we really hope make it into the production version. However, we do know that Cadillac plans to make a panoramic sunroof, cargo management system, and power-opening liftgate available.

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon interior layout. Photo: Cadillac.

Pricing & Availability

The CTS-V Sport Wagon will go into production in late 2010, with initial sales in North America, followed by Europe and the Middle East. Production will take place at GM’s Lansing Grand River Assembly facility in Michigan.

As for pricing, Cadillac has not made that official just yet, but don’t be surprised if the starting MSRP for the CTS-V Wagon is north of $60,000.

Tony Borroz is a contributing writer for Automoblog who has worked in Motorsport and the aerospace and video game industries.

CTS-V Sport Wagon Update (October 2010)

GM issued a press release on October 5th, 2010, confirming some additional details on the 2011 CTS-V Wagon, which is still expected to arrive at dealers yet this year. Starting MSRP will be $62,990, although the following items are optional:

Suede steering wheel and shifter: $300

Midnight Sapele Wood trim package: $600

19-inch polished aluminum wheels: $800

Recaro driver and front-passenger seats, heated and ventilated: $3,400

The 2011 CTS-V Wagon will have a navigation system with a 40-gigabyte hard drive, Xenon HID headlamps with adaptive forward lighting, Bose premium stereo, and a premium service plan for four years or 50,000 miles. Cadillac also confirmed that the forthcoming CTS-V Wagon will have 58 cubic feet of cargo space.

Photos & Source: Cadillac.