First Drive
Cadillac CTS-V
Test date 05 September 2008
Price as tested TBA
What is it?
The new 556bhp 6.2-litre V8 Cadillac CTS-V, which is due in the UK later this year in left-hand drive only and at 'a price closer to M3 than M5’, according to Cadillac.
Engineers at GM's high-performance division have spared no effort to build a great car. It’s kitted with a slightly detuned version of the supercharged, intercooled V8 of the forthcoming Corvette ZR-1, adaptive 'magnetic ride' suspension units, giant Brembo brakes and world-class chassis electronics.
Engineer and Le Mans ace John Heinricy recently blitzed the Nurburgring with a sub-eight minute lap (7:59.32 to be exact) to take the production saloon record.
What’s it like?
There’s no longer any need to wonder whether the Yanks can build a performance saloon to challenge Europe’s best.
The faces of the German testers at the Caddy’s launch said it all; the answer is 'yes'.
It's not possible to say for sure whether the CTS-V’S new V8 was actually better than BMW's remarkable V10 M5, but there's no doubt its handling, performance and driver appeal were well and truly in the ballpark.
The car weighs 2000kg, but with 556bhp and 551lb ft on tap, performance is explosive. The 0-60 mph sprint takes 3.9 seconds, it'll soar through 100mph in under 10 seconds, pass 175mph on a circular track, and beat 190mph if you can find a straight road.
All this with an enjoyable, civilised V8 woofle from the twin pipes, and a super-silky power delivery, especially if you choose the six-speed paddle-shift auto 'box rather than the six-speed manual.
Steering accuracy, grip and balance are all there in European proportions.
You can use the CTS-V's firmly weighted controls to drive the car near its limits easily and neatly, without depending on the chassis electronics for protection.
On ordinary roads, it rides with impressive comfort, always sporty but quiet and well-damped.
Should I buy one?
We won’t know definitively until we’ve tested the car on UK roads against the best in class, but there's no doubt this will be an impressive car. Stand by for a close-fought comparison.
Steve Cropley
First drive data
How much?
- Price as tested TBA
- Price as tested £55,000
How fast?
- 0-62 mph 3.9 sec
- Max speed 190 mph
How big?
How thirsty?
- Combined no data
- CO2 emissions no data
Engine
- Layout V8 , 6200 cc
- Max power 556 bhp
- Max torque 551 lb ft
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