Some might call the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe a polarizing design, but in our informal surveys, it has far more fans than haters. What's not to love, after all--the chunky B-pillar, the big rear, the meaty fenders, the narrow slit of a greenhouse--it's an amalgamation of features that would have been reserved for concept cars in the past. But it's on sale this August, and it starts from $38,990 for the standard Coupe and $62,990 for the CTS-V Coupe.

That's about $10,000 below the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe, its most direct competitor, and only a tick above the starting price of the Infiniti G Coupe, which though also a very good-looking car, and a bit sportier in standard trim, isn't really aspiring to the larger, actually-usable back seat of the CTS. In other words, it's definitely priced attractively, whatever class you put it in.

We'll be out in California giving the CTS Coupe a thorough shakedown soon, but until then, we can tell you what we know of the car from the time we spent in the passenger seat of the CTS-V Coupe: it's just as roomy inside as the sedan, aside from rear-seat headroom, as it shares the same wheelbase as its four-door friend. And though the ride, power and interior of the CTS-V are a notch above the standard car's, overall quietness, comfort and quality are right on par for the price and the segment. We'll see if the standard CTS Coupe pulls it off as well, but we fully expect it to.

In the mean time, you can start setting aside cash for the down payment on your own, as we're less than three months away from its retail debut. For the full release, including pricing details on the AWD model and upgrade options, hit page two.

[Cadillac]

DETROIT – Cadillac announced today that pricing for the all-new 2011 CTS Coupe will begin at $38,990 including destination charge.  The CTS Coupe goes on sale in early August in the United States.

CTS Coupe will become the centerpiece of Cadillac, offering technology and performance in the dynamic form of a luxury sports coupe. Available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, CTS Coupe comes standard with a 3.6L Direct Injection V6 engine that delivers 304 horsepower. This engine is available with a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

The ultimate expression of Cadillac’s new Coupe, the high-performance V-Series edition with 556 horsepower, Brembo brakes and Magnetic Ride Control also goes on sale later this summer at $62,990 including destination charge.

“CTS Coupe is a compelling new alternative for luxury and performance-minded drivers,” said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac marketing.  “The addition of a Coupe, especially one this dramatic, provides an important entryway for new consumers to experience Cadillac Art and Science.”

The Coupe expands the award-winning CTS line-up, which already includes the CTS Sport Sedan and CTS Sport Wagon. CTS has been named to the Car and Driver 10 Best list for three straight years.

CTS Coupe has the same wheelbase as the sedan but is lower in height, wider in track width and shorter in overall length. The windshield is laid at a faster angle, creating a sleek, athletic profile.

The doors of the CTS Coupe are opened via touch-pads, eliminating traditional handles and adding to the car’s sculpted look.  The interior features hand-sewn accents that cover the door, center storage console and instrument panel trim.

CTS Coupe is available in two suspension-tuning levels – Performance with 18-inch wheels and all-season tires and Summer Tire Performance with 19-inch wheels and summer tires. CTS Coupe has four-wheel disc performance brakes, ZF Servotronic® 2 power rack-and-pinion steering, a limited-slip differential and StabiliTrak, an advanced electronic chassis control system.

CTS Coupe is available with a 40GB hard drive providing music storage and pause-and-replay live radio, navigation system with glide-up screen, rear camera system, Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround audio and adaptive forward lighting. OnStar is standard and includes Turn-by-Turn Navigation.

“CTS Coupe is designed to bring new energy and allure to the luxury coupe category,” Butler said. “In addition to the emotional appeal of its design, CTS Coupe delivers advanced technology and world-class performance.”

CTS Coupe will be offered in a range of packages:

Standard ($38,990 RWD, $40,890 AWD): Six-speed automatic with tap up/down shifting, 18-inch wheels, performance suspension, rear park assist, Bose audio, MP3 input, EZ Key, remote start, power driver and front passenger seats.
Performance Collection ($43,430 RWD, $45,330 AWD): HID Xenon headlamps, adaptive forward lighting, 10-way power leather seats, Bose 5.1 Surround Sound, USB integration, 40GB hard drive.
Premium Collection ($47,835 RWD, $49,735 AWD): Interior ambient lighting, rear-view camera, heated/vented front seats, heated steering wheel, wood trim, Bose 5.1 Surround Sound with navigation, sunroof.
V-Series ($62,990): 6.2L Supercharged V8, paddle shift controls, Brembo brakes, Magnetic Ride Control, 19-inch wheels with performance tires.