First look: High-performance Cadillac breaks cover
BY DAVID HASSALL | 9th Jan 2008
The latest Cadillac CTS-V is based on the current CTS sedan, which has been confirmed as the first model to be launched in Australia with V6 power in late-2008, but packs a considerably bigger performance punch.
Power comes from a 6.2-litre V8 engine fitted with an Eaton supercharger to produce 410kW of power at 6200rpm and a staggering 745Nm of torque, also at 6200rpm.
Cadillac has targeted the BMW M5 and Mercedes AMG E63 in developing this second-generation CTS-V and has topped the sharp-edged styling with a bulging bonnet that belies the performance that lies within.
Other exterior features include a mesh grille and lower intake, bulging wheelarches, four tailpipes and 19-inch alloy wheels (9.0 inches wide at the front and 9.5 at the rear).
Weighing in at some 1905kg, the hot Caddy also features the Australian-developed Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) suspension system used by Holden Special Vehicles that will also appear on the new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.
“The CTS-V represents the full extension of our design, technology and performance capabilities,” said Cadillac general manager Jim Taylor in Detroit.
“The V-Series takes the award-winning CTS sport sedan and elevates it to a position within the club of the world’s most exclusive and capable cars.
“From the very start, engineers were cognisant of the role a high-performance engine plays in supporting the qualities customers expect in a Cadillac. The supercharged LSA engine delivers outstanding performance, but not at the expense of refinement or quietness.” The LSA engine drives the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual Tremec TR6060 gearbox with a twin-plate clutch (as used in the Corvette) or a six-speed Hydra-Matic 6L90 semi-automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddles shifters for sequential manual shifting. The auto adds 45kg to the overall weight.
Brembo brakes are fitted at all four corners of the CTS-V, with six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston units at the rear.
Grip is provided by big Z-rated Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres while the traction control system was developed in conjunction with Cadillac’s US race team.
Inside are electric Recaro sports seats, a pop-up satellite navigation screen, Bose digital surround sound system, Bluetooth connectivity and a 40-gigabyte hard drive.
Although Cadillac will launch in Australia with just the V6 CTS, GM Premium Brands director Parveen Batish said last month that the intention was to roll out a number of new models.
“Launching with the CTS is part of a very clear strategy to launch the brand with the next-generation vehicles as they come to market, including new models, new bodystyles and new powertrains,” said Mr Batish.
A Cadillac press release said that the CTS-V will be sold outside North America for the first time. It is expected to go on sale in the US in the third quarter of this year.