Teresa’s View
It’s been a while since there was an American contender in the competitive luxury-sport sedan division. Cadillac had been our standard-bearer, but over the years, the U.S. company had lost ground to German-bred Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz – until now. Cadillac is back with the CTS-V luxury performance sedan.
The CTS-V is the thoroughbred version of the CTS workhorse. First introduced in 2003, the CTS replaced the Catera and is the founding member of Cadillac’s C-series touring sedan family.
There are enough upgrades to the V-version to keep enthusiasts atwitter for years. Chief among them is a modified Chevy Corvette V-8 that replaces the two V-6 engine choices offered in the CTS. The 5.7-liter power plant produces 400 horsepower and is the most potent in its category.
Standard fare also includes 18-inch wheels, ventilated Brembo brakes and a stability control system with four driver-selectable modes.
The angular styling gradually grew on me during my time with our CTS-V tester. At first, the edgy edges seemed so sharp I thought I might slice a digit. Eventually I appreciated the fact the car stood out in a sea of softly sculpted sedans.
The interior is standard luxury sedan fare, though not as sophisticated as the category requires. Satin chrome flourishes do little to soften the mostly hard plastic surroundings. I appreciated the soft suede inserts in the leather seats, however. They kept me bum in place during brisk driving.
I’m OK with the CTS-V being available only with a six-speed manual transmission but, even after a week, I never got used to the notchy gearbox. Finding the right gear, especially reverse, was occasionally a challenge. And as fun as the CTS-V is on the open road, like most performance cars, it’s a brute when stuck in slow-moving traffic. The heavy clutch provides a healthy workout on stretches of clogged freeway.
What Is It?: The CTS-V is a rear-wheel-drive luxury sport sedan and the first model in Cadillac’s new V-line of luxury performance vehicles. Prices for the CTS-V will run you a cool $50K.
Gadget Rating: 8 out of 10. While the CTS-V is fully loaded, some gadgets, such as the Bose sound system, are unnecessarily complicated, as they should be in a technophile’s dream car. But could we make it more attractive? I truly dislike the protruding center pod, topped by two unwieldy air vents. On the safety side, front-to-back head-curtain side impact air bags are standard, as is a yearlong subscription to OnStar.
Just the Facts: Top speed for the CTS-V is 163 mph. It is said to run 0-to-60 in 4.6 seconds.
Cheat Sheet: Cadillac has been a member of the General Motors family since 1909.
Recommended Fuel: The CTS gets regular unleaded, but premium is recommended for the 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway CTS-V, earning it membership in the Gas Guzzler Tax Bracket.
So, Where Are Ya From?: The Cadillac is assembled in Lansing, Mich.