The Germans are no longer winning the premium sedan power race, with the Dodge Charger Hellcat, and now the latest from GM, the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V.
In the engine bay of the second-generation beast sits a 6.2-litre supercharged V8, like the outgoing model. However, Cadillac says this is a new engine which produces a colossal 477kW of power and 855Nm of torque – more than any of the potent German rivals.
Also new to the CTS-V is an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. It comes with special ‘Performance Algorithm Shifting’ technology and launch control to ensure pouncing getaways. Speaking of which, 0-100km/h comes up in just 3.7 seconds – quicker than any of the rear-wheel drive German rivals.
To help the luxury sedan cope when the straight roads go twisty, the company says there is a track-honed suspension system underneath which elevates the CTS-V’s “capability, performance and driver control to new thresholds”. It consists of Magnetic Ride control dampers promising a 40 per cent faster damping response, integrated chassis braces and driver controls and a 25 per cent stiffer structural makeup.
Finally, when it comes time to stop, the 2016 model comes with Brembo 390mm front discs clamped by six-piston calipers, and 365mm rear discs clamped by four-piston calipers. These work with the forged aluminium wheels that are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres.
Compared with the regular CTS, the V-series model comes with unique body panels including the front guards, bonnet, rear spoiler, and front fascia. The interior is also decked out in big chunky Recaro bucket seats with 20-way adjustment, and lots of leather and “sueded microfibre” trimmings.
David Leone, Cadillac executive chief engineer, spoke about the new model in a statement, saying,
“With the stronger body structure – and more than a decade of V-Series production models and the CTS-V racing program experience – engineers tuned the CTS-V to deliver greater body motion control for a more agile feel, while maintaining excellent ride quality. The result is class-leading capability on the highway or track, balanced with luxury and refinement.”
The new model will officially arrive in overseas markets during the second half of 2015. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that GM will eventually introduce Cadillac to Australia after Holden is gone in 2017.
You know, this is the first time I’ve looked and read about an American car and REALLY got excited about the prospect of owning it. I briefly thought about a 300 SRT8 but it didn’t relay move me as much as desired. This thing looks better, MUCH better than the standard model, goes better and seems to sit better on the road. Bring it to Aus, I say! First thing I’ve seen that could compete with VF GTS on equal-ish terms. Certainly the only thing close that GM USA could offer to replace VF – specifically GTS/Senator. Yanks seem to be really upping their game at last! I’m impressed. Let’s hope it is a trend.
Well, After my comment here yesterday, I’ve been looking at this beast over and over. You know, 90% of it is quite handsome. I’m not used to thinking or saying that about American cars (possible exception 300C in a hoodlum way!). The front says Nissan Skyline to me in the best way. I see the grille as classy and I am definitely warming to the vertical LED’s in the bumper corners. When I initially saw this car months ago I couldn’t stand the headlights, how they go up and along the front guards but this version does it for me. I think the rear spoiler needs to be replaced with something classier, and body-coloured. I will reserve judgement on the rear lights until I see Australian-spec with indicators and reverse lights inbuilt. I do like the rears as they are though. Don’t mind the wheels at all (sporty AND classy) but I’m sure some alternatives will be offered to further enhance the sporty side of the equation. I think the car’s styling, overall, successfully blends the curvy and the edgy better than I’ve seen anywhere, especially on American cars. Doesn’t seem too big either so has every reason to handle well. The more I think about it I am convinced this could be a direct replacement for VF GTS. NEVER thought I’d say this but I think they have resolved the styling to where I actually prefer it to GTS – try as I might, I can’t get past that front splitter grille on GTS looking cheap and stylistically bereft. Still love GTS for what it is and represents. If they were on our market together it would be heart against head, for sure for me.
What’s everyone else think???