Cadillac introduced the next generation CTS-V, the most powerful model in the brand’s 112-year history and the newest entry in the elite class of the world’s highest-performing premium cars.
Launching in the US in late summer (in Europe in spring 2016) with 640 horsepower (477 kW), 855 Nm of torque and an estimated top speed of 320 km/h, the new CTS-V reaches higher than its predecessors, leading Cadillac’s product-driven expansion and elevation. It is the third generation of the acclaimed premium sports sedan that launched the elite V-Series a decade ago – and redefined Cadillac for a new generation of enthusiasts.
“V-Series represents the very best of the Cadillac brand – the pinnacle of our design and technical capabilities,” said Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac president. “The new CTS-V is the most compelling example of Cadillac’s product substance and brand trajectory. The new CTS-V soars into the stratosphere of the most exhilarating premium cars.”
Comprehensive updates make the new CTS-V essentially two cars in one: a premium sedan with sophisticated road manners and a track-capable sports car straight from the factory. It also introduces a new supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine backed by Cadillac’s paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission, featuring launch control and Performance Algorithm Shifting.
With this leading-edge powertrain, the new CTS-V is capable of 0-60 mph performance in 3.7 seconds.
Track-honed design, chassis and suspension elements complement the supercharged powertrain and elevate CTS-V’s capability, performance and driver control to new thresholds, while enabling track driving without modifications or special procedures. Key performance technologies include:
- Standard carbon fiber hood and available carbon fiber vent, front splitter, rear spoiler and rear diffuser for greater aerodynamic performance- Brembo high-performance brake system developed to provide durability, consistency and the capability for track-day performance straight from the factory- Third-generation Magnetic Ride Control delivering 40-percent faster damping response- Integrated chassis controls that provide balanced performance for touring and the track, including competition-spec Performance Traction Management- Structural stiffness increased by 25 percent for improved ride and superior handling- Driver-selectable modes electronically calibrate performance variables for touring, sport and track driving conditions- Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires with tri-compound technology offering excellent grip with extended tire wear- An interior with performance-oriented, sueded microfiber accents and matte-finish carbon fiber trim and available RECARO high-performance seats for spirited driving- Advanced safety and parking technologies, including a front curb-view camera system that provides a visual cue of curbs to protect the front splitter; automatic parking assist to find and steer into parallel or perpendicular parking spots; side blind zone alert, forward collision alert, lane keep assist and rear cross traffic alert.
- Additionally, the Performance Data Recorder in the CTS-V allows drivers to record high-definition video, with data overlays, of their driving experiences on and off the track, enabling sharing on social media.
More powerful supercharged V-8 engine
The force behind the new CTS-V’s capability is an all-new, more powerful 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine that offers more output more efficiently than the previous Cadillac supercharged engine. It employs a more-efficient, more-compact 1.7L supercharger and matches it with direct injection and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation).
The CTS-V’s complementing eight-speed automatic is tuned for world-class shift-response times. Smaller steps between gears keep the engine within the sweet spot of the rpm band, making the most of the power of the supercharged engine for exhilarating performance and greater efficiency.
The new 8L90 transmission offers full manual control via steering wheel paddles, and Performance Algorithm Shifting to deliver shift performance that rivals the dual-clutch/semi-automatic transmissions found in many premium performance sedans – but with the smoothness and refinement that come with a conventional automatic fitted with a torque converter.
More information on Cadillac can be found at media.cadillaceurope.com.
