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The Cadillac CTS-V is Caddy's high performance midsize vehicle, part of the
Cadillac V-Series. The V-Series includes high performance versions of several
Cadillac models, often compared with the Pontiac sports car lines and the
Chevrolet Corvette, whose engine and manual transmission it uses. The CTS-V is
also marketed to compete with the Mercedes-Benz AMG, BMW Motorsports and Audi S
and RS lines.
The current Cadillac CTS-V sports a 6.2 liter, 556 horsepower gasoline powered
V8 engine with the choice of a six-speed manual (with a short-throw shifter) or
six-speed automatic transmission, either with overdrive. With the manual
transmission, mileage in the city is 13 miles per gallon and on the highway is
19 miles per gallon. Drop one mile per gallon in the city for the automatic
transmission.
The V6 CTS was introduced in the 2003 model year as the replacement for the
Catera. The V, with its high performance upgrades, came out a year later. In
2006 CTS-V got a minor refresh, which included a refined grille and rear end,
newer engine (still the corvette model) and better differential, suspension and
tires.
The upgraded differential came at least in part from customer complaints based
on whine and breakdowns in the original. There was some controversy over this
problem, but it was mostly resolved by dealers fixing it, without any public
admission by General Motors or Cadillac.
The second generation of the CTS-V appeared in the 2008 model year. The looks
were changed only slightly, but there were a number of mechanical upgrades. This
was when all-wheel drive and the automatic transmission first became available.
Minor improvements were also made in the 2009 model year.
As it turns out, the second generation Cadillac CTS-V may be the last one.
General Motors is dropping the high performance versions of most of their
vehicles, including the Cadillacs, as part of their "viability" plan. The lines
may or may not start up again if GM finances improve - that decision will be
made later.
NHTSA gives the CTS, including the V, five stars for side impact and four stars
for frontal impact and rollover, which is neither awful nor great. IIHS gives
the CTS Gs straight across, which is their best rating.
Both horsepower and torque for the CTS-V are more than twice the class average,
though the weight of the CTS-V is also greater than average, hampering the power
to weight ratio. The warranty is somewhat below average for a luxury sports car.
The base price of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V is a whopping $58,280, also about
twice the class average. |
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