Balancing performance with luxury in a very affordable package, we were suitably impressed with the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe when we drove it a few weeks ago in Napa Valley. Now you, too, can check one out for yourself, as the car is already headed to dealerships across the country.

The release is actually a bit ahead of schedule, letting the CTS Coupe hit right at the peak of summer--the perfect time for cruising in style. Starting at $38,990, the car won't break the bank, even though it looks like it would.

Despite the early release, Cadillac is banking on the Lansing Grand River plant's top marks in the 2010 J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey as well as their own quality analysis to ensure the cars delivered meet expectations.

One thing to consider if you're after a CTS Coupe, however, is that the somewhat oddball seatback "bump" we've noticed in several CTS models isn't due for replacement with a redesigned seat until sometime this fall, so you may want to hold off. On the other hand, you may not find it objectionable at all--some don't notice or don't mind the mild protrusion in the upper third of the seatback caused by the advanced active headrests. But it's worth being aware of if you're in the market.

[Cadillac]