New York show: Caddy rolls out V-spec CTS wagon

CADILLAC used the New York Auto Show this week to herald another V-rated version of its lauded CTS sports series – this time with the Sport Wagon.

To enter production late in 2010 for North America and export markets (which no longer include Australia), the CTS-V station wagon has made its world debut in the big Apple three months after the high-performance CTS-V Coupe was unveiled at the Detroit motor show.

Both models, and the CTS-V sedan upon which both are based, use the now-familiar supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine – said to be the most powerful offered in Caddy history – that produces 415kW at 6100rpm and 747Nm at 3800rpm.

The engine drives the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential and a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual gearbox, or Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic with steering-mounted shift controls.

Other V-spec features include GM’s Magnetic Ride Control suspension system (a version of which is used on Australian HSV models), high-performance Brembo “dual cast” brakes (using rotors built with a blend of cast-iron and aluminium) and 19-inch forged alloy wheels (available in painted or polished finishes) with Z-rated Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tyres – 255/40 up front and 285/35 at the rear.

Apart from the wheels, the V series wagon is further differentiated from the mainstream model range with a bigger grille (capable of taking in twice the amount of front-end airflow), aggressive front fascia and raised centre section on the bonnet that provides clearance for the Eaton Twin Vortices Series (TVS) supercharger.

Interior highlights include performance seats with perforated sueded micro-fibre inserts (Recaro seats with pneumatic bolster controls are optional), thick-rimmed leather sports steering wheel, Bose 5.1 digital audio system and unique instrument panel complete with a boost gauge, lateral acceleration display and, in the tacho, an LED-lit tracer function that flashes when nearing redline.

The New York show car is finished in Midnight Silver, which was first seen on the Cadillac Sixteen concept and is now a pointer to the “potential direction of colour” in future models. Ditto for the Liquid Silver-finished wheels, the black chrome finish on the grille’s mesh insert, and, inside, black leather and Alcantara accents.

The rear fascia, upper spoiler and centre high-mounted stop lamp are also said to be unique to the show car.

Practical elements common to all CTS wagons include a power-operated tailgate, 720-litre cargo capacity with the rear seats upright (extended to 1644 litres when folded), a ‘cargo management system’ with adjustable floor sections, and an integrated ‘roof load management system’ with crossbars. A panoramic UltraView sunroof is also available.

“The CTS-V Sport Wagon is a natural extension of both the V-Series and the CTS line-up, offering an uncompromising performance car to enthusiasts who want the extra room of a wagon,” said Cadillac marketing vice-president Don Butler.

“The V-Series Sport Wagon is another hallmark of the dramatic presence and power of Cadillac vehicles.”