GM’s luxury brand plans to take on the BMW M5 this fall with the most powerful sedan every to wear the Cadillac crest.
“The global automotive market is as broad as broad can be and there is still demand for limited-edition, high-performance vehicles. This car elevates the CTS to the ranks of the world’s highest-performance sedans,” said General Motors Vice President of Global Product Development Bob Lutz.
The heart of the new CTS-V comes from Chevrolet’s Corvette ZR1. The 6.2-liter supercharged V8 produces 550 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque. Although CTS-V is still in development, early performance figures suggest it will reach 60 mph in less than 4 seconds and will exceed 180 mph if it is not restricted.
CTS-V also includes a comprehensive suite of technical and design enhancements including Magnetic Ride Control, Performance Traction Management program and the addition of a new automatic transmission with paddle-shift control. A 6-speed manual transmission will also be available. Cadillac claims its Magnetic Ride Control is the world’s fastest-reacting suspension technology. It uses shocks controlled by electro-magnets, rather than mechanical valves, greatly accelerating response time.
Add Brembo brakes, Michelin Sports2 tires, 14-way adjustable Recaro seats and micro-fiber wrapped steering wheel and shifter to create an “elite sports car with the poise and elegance of a prestigious luxury sedan.”
The CTS-V’s grille is larger to enable more air intake and features a satin finish to distinguish it from a standard CTS. The raised hood encompasses the supercharged engine, and new front and rear fascias identify the vehicle as a V-Series. The car’s 19-inch wheels complete the picture.
The CTS-V will be sold in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, said Lutz. Production starts in August this year with the car going on sale in September.
