Engine & Transmission
The CTS comes standard with a 3.0-liter V-6 engine, but our test car's optional 3.6-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission are a special pair among drivetrains. The transmission's shifts are unobtrusive, and it's always in the right gear for the driving situation. The automatic is also incredibly responsive; press down on the gas pedal and it downshifts immediately. A lot of automatics make you wait before kicking down, which makes it refreshing to drive one that's so attentive to the driver's wishes.
The 3.6-liter V-6 has power in reserve for accelerating around other cars on the highway, and the transmission responsiveness remains. The sedan moves out well, and the V-6's mechanical growl sounds good in the process. This V-6 makes more power for 2012 — 318 horsepower, an increase of 14 hp — and is also 20 pounds lighter than its predecessor. The engine received a number of changes, including new cylinder heads with integrated exhaust manifolds, a composite intake manifold and lighter, stronger connecting rods.
With the automatic transmission, the 3.6-liter V-6 is rated at an EPA-estimated 18/27 mpg city/highway. That's slightly better than the 2012 Infiniti M37's estimate of 18/26 mpg, but it trails the ratings for the 2012 BMW 535i (21/31 mpg) and the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 (20/30 mpg). However, unlike those three models, the CTS can run on regular gas as opposed to more expensive premium fuel. Only the supercharged CTS-V requires premium.
See also:
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
The LATCH system holds a child restraint during driving or in a crash. This system
is designed to make installation of a child restraint easier. The LATCH system uses
anchors in the vehicle and at ...
Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, the automatic headlamp system turns on the headlamps
at the normal brightness, along with the taillamps, sidemarker, parking lamps, and
the instrument panel lights. ...
Interior Mirror
Adjustment
Hold the rearview mirror in the center and move it to view the area behind the
vehicle.
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
The mirror will automatically reduce the glare from the headla ...