Back in 2003, Cadillac started dropping their high-performance V-Series tech into regular models, and two decades later, V-Series means serious power. Cars like the CT4-V and CT5-V became known for combining class, sportiness, and legendary supercharged engines.
In 2011, Cadillac took that firepower and stuffed it into a big CTS wagon, creating a family hauler that could seriously move. The CTS-V Wagon blended all the comfort, utility, and amenities of a station wagon with the performance chops of a supercharged V-Series sedan.
Fewer than 2,000 of these supercharged wagons were ever made, making them some of Cadillac’s rarest modern rides. Low-mileage examples can fetch up to $80,000 today—about what you’d pay for a brand-new luxury car—and they’re just as thrilling to drive.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Cadillac and General Motors, as well as other authoritative sources, including CarGurus, J.D. Power, and TopSpeed.
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Cadillac CTS-V Wagon shows off modern luxury from every angle
The 2011 CTS-V Wagon isn’t Cadillac’s rarest creation—the brand has dabbled in everything from track-ready hypercars to one-off collector’s editions.
Landing in the V-Series’ second year, this wagon offered an early taste of the performance magic the lineup would eventually perfect.
Inside, the CTS-V Wagon mixes luxury with the unmistakable edge of a V-Series.
You get leather seats, a heated steering wheel, advanced navigation, a Bose sound system, and a pop-up infotainment screen.
Performance cues are everywhere too: perforated sport seats with pneumatic bolsters, a chunky steering wheel, and easy-to-read gauges showing real-time performance data.
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The CTS-V Wagon’s interior delivers exactly what you expect from a Cadillac: clean, sophisticated styling in top-notch materials.
It balances modern elegance with a sporty vibe, featuring hand-stitched surfaces across the dash, doors, and center console.
These small details add up, making the ownership experience feel a cut above.
The available heated and ventilated seats use thin-seat technology, boosting comfort while freeing up extra legroom, knee space, and footroom for rear passengers.
True to wagon form, both occupant and cargo space get plenty of attention, with Cadillac keeping real utility alongside generous passenger room.
The rear cargo area features an integrated storage system that tucks neatly under the floor, making the CTS-V Wagon a legit alternative to SUVs and crossovers.
French stitching runs throughout the cabin, from the upper dash to the door inserts, seats, and shifter boot.
These details highlight the craftsmanship and care that make each CTS-V Wagon feel thoughtfully finished.
The 2011 CTS-V Wagon packed modern tech throughout
Inside, the 2011 CTS-V Wagon wasn’t just about leather and stitching—it packed plenty of tech for even the most tech-savvy buyers of the era.
Standard features included a rear-vision camera, a 40 GB hard drive audio system, and integrated MP3 and iPod support, among other modern touches.
2011 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon notable tech features
- Rear-vision camera system
- Hard drive-based audio system
- Advanced navigation system
- Keyless access
- Smart remote start
- Bose 5.1 cabin surround audio system
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The 2011 CTS-V Wagon delivered jaw-dropping performance
The standard CTS Wagon offered a couple of solid engine choices that balanced power and efficiency.
There was a 270-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 and a 3.6-liter V6 putting out 304 horses—respectable numbers for the time.
But both were overshadowed by Cadillac’s legendary supercharged 6.2-liter V8, the LSA, which dominated the lineup.
2011 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon specifications
|
Engine |
Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 |
|---|---|
|
Power |
556 hp |
|
Torque |
551 lb-ft |
|
0-60 mph |
4.3 seconds |
|
Top speed |
190+ mph |
|
Transmission |
6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic |
|
Driveline |
Rear-wheel drive |
|
Layout |
Five-passenger, four-door, sport luxury wagon |
The 556-horsepower 6.2-liter supercharged V8 was a beast, and in the CTS-V Wagon, it gave the car true “sleeper” status.
With sub-4.5-second 0-60 times, the wagon could hang with sports cars like the Camaro and Mustang.
Later, CTS-V Wagons pushed it even further, breaking the 4-second barrier for 0-60.
The engine uses an intercooled Eaton TVS supercharger with twin four-lobe rotors twisted 160 degrees.
Most superchargers have three lobes twisted just 60 degrees, so the CTS-V’s setup is unusually clever.
Paired with special air inlet and outlet ports, it pushes smoother, more efficient airflow into the engine while staying quieter and reducing vibrations compared with standard designs.
Manual transmission turned the CTS-V Wagon into a true driver’s car
The CTS-V Wagon came with two six-speed options: a Tremec TR6060 manual with a dual-disc clutch and a Hydra-Matic 6L90 automatic with wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
The paddles let drivers change gears instantly without moving a shift lever, keeping everything at their fingertips.
Today, the manual is especially coveted by enthusiasts who crave full control behind the wheel.
Performance Algorithm Shifting gives the automatic transmission a performance-focused shift pattern during sustained spirited driving.
Slipping the shifter into manual mode puts the CTS-V Wagon in full performance mode, letting drivers unleash the supercharged engine’s full power.
No matter which transmission you pick, Cadillac built the CTS-V Wagon to deliver top-tier performance without sacrificing driving enjoyment.
Rear-wheel drive is a hallmark of Cadillac’s performance models
Torque flows through the six-speed transmissions to a high-performance rear axle with a limited-slip differential in a cast-iron housing for better heat management.
Asymmetrical half-shafts handle the supercharged engine’s massive torque, preventing wasted power and keeping traction smooth.
The alternately sized half-shafts balance torque side to side, eliminating “power hop” and boosting overall grip—the CTS-V Wagon was built to go fast.
Cadillac didn’t stop there. The suspension features Magnetic Ride Control with dual-mode driving, using magnetorheological technology to adjust shocks faster and more precisely than ever.
The 2011 CTS-V Wagon came with big Brembo brakes to handle all that supercharged power.
It uses vented discs on all four corners, with six-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers in the rear.
Keeping it all planted are Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires, specially engineered for the CTS-V line.
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Just how rare is the CTS-V Wagon?
Over its four-year run, just 1,767 CTS-V Wagons were built, and only 514 came with a manual transmission. The rarest of the rare? Only 42 were finished in Opulent Blue metallic with a stick shift.
Today, these spicy V-Wagons pop up on auction sites like Bring a Trailer and Mecum.
Prices are steep, often running $40,000 to $100,000, so consider yourself lucky if you manage to snag one. Even 14 years later, enthusiasts are still kicking themselves for missing out on this supercharged family hauler.