Cadillac CTS-V Review

The Cadillac CTS-V is a high-performance luxury coupe, sedan, and wagon in its latest generation. Originally launched in 2004 as a sedan only, it has grown in its second generation to include the wagon and coupe form factors. It does battle with the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, BMW M5, and Jaguar XFR, standing alone as the single highest-performance American luxury car.

First launched in 2004, the CTS-V was only available as a sedan. Based on the CTS sedan, but with much more horsepower, a more advanced and track-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and unique aerodynamic and interior styling elements. the CTS-V rapidly gained credence as a serious performance/luxury sedan.

Rated at 400 horsepower from its original 5.7-liter LS6 engine, updated in 2006 to a 6.0-liter LS2 V-8 engine also rated at 400 hp, the large and relatively heavy (3,850 pounds) sedan nonetheless offered very brisk acceleration, reaching 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and reaching a top speed of 163 mph. A six-speed manual transmission was the only offering in the first-generation CTS-V. Over its four-year model run, the CTS-V gained various trim and appearance options, but stayed essentially the same mechanically aside from the engine change.

The second-generation CTS-V launched in 2009, based on the all-new CTS sedan, offering a new six-speed automatic transmission in addition to the six-speed manual and an all-new engine. The new engine is a 6.2-liter LSA V-8, supercharged to reach 556 horsepower and 551 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration improved significantly with the added power, shrinking the 0-60 mph time to 3.9 seconds and raising the top speed to 198 mph. A magneto-rheological suspension provides dynamic adjustment and bridges comfort and performance functions well. Brembo brakes provide stopping power for the roughly 4,250-pound CTS-V. The interior also received an upgrade with the second-generation model, bringing Alcantara accents, optional sport seats, and other unique race-inspired touches.

A wagon version of the CTS-V was introduced in 2010, as a 2011 model. Sharing the same core mechanical underpinnings with the sedan, the CTS-V Sport Wagon is one of the few truly high-performance luxury sedans available in the United States.

The CTS-V Coupe also arrived in 2010 as a 2011 model, sharing the same wheelbase and core mechanical elements as the sedan, but with a much more dramatic, low-profile look, including a more raked windshield and lower roofline. The CTS-V Coupe otherwise shares roughly the same key performance statistics with the sedan and wagon.

Now in its third year of production, the CTS-V continues for 2012 largely unchanged, with few changes expected for the 2013 model year as well.