2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

Fans and enthusiasts of the conventional manual gearbox have likely lost another round in the battle being waged by automakers to phase out the clutch pedal in more and more cars. The latest casualty is the 2012 Cadillac CTS, which in 3.6-liter V-6 guise is said to be no longer offering a six-speed manual transmission as an option.

With the 2011 CTS Sedan and Coupe, customers buying the rear-wheel drive 3.6-liter model in Performance or Premium trims could opt for a manual transmission. For 2012, the same trim levels will most likely be offered exclusively with a six-speed automatic.

The V-8 powered CTS-V variants, however, should still get the manual option, as should the base 3.0-liter CTS range. 

The change has most likely been spurred on from low demand for this option in previous model years.

Other changes in store for the 2012 Cadillac CTS will be minor, with only a new grille and other minor styling revisions making the cut.

[Inside Line]