CTS-V. M5 killer site unseen

Mar 23, 2008 - Intro

After making my annual trip to the New York Auto show recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with a GM rep over at the CTS-V turn table. Unlike most presenters, this guy was a Cadillac insider who spoke with a zeal and excitement unlike any other in his position. After his oratory was complete, he took questions. So I decided to saunter on over to see if he was indeed in the know or had just spent extra effort memorizing his facts sheet. Well, suffice it to say, he really knew his stuff. As someone who somehow remembers just about every car spec I read, I knew instantly he knew his stuff. The icing on the proverbial cake was that he suggest the supercharged LSA would be making roughly 575hp in SAE certified form once it reaches production this fall. Before I address this tasty factoid, I will focus on his colleague who played the stereotypical guy in the nice suit claiming to be of importance yet displaying reckless facts stretching. Whilst discussing the genius of the LS9/LSA, Mr Sidekick went on to share that he'd been telling visitors that ZR1 is estimated to produce 700hp for the past two weeks. Unbeknownst to him, the engineers have chosen 620 as the baseline estimate. Perhaps I could have his salary. Ok, now to the fun part. During our 10 minute rapid fire chat, Mr Presenter Extraordinaire went on to go into further detail about the CTS-Vs engine claiming the 550hp was an awfully conservative estimate inferring that this is the absolute minimum the engine would produce if no further tuning or evaluation would be done. As a brief history less, let us remember the STS-V was estimated to produce 440hp prior to SAE J1349 certification. Well that engine ended up being rated at 469hp. It's been well noted that all recent high performance specialty engines from GM have been producing greater horsepower than their published figures suggest starting with the 405hp LS6 up to and including the 505hp LS7. Our generous presenter claimed he'd feel comfortable with saying 565-575 is all but guaranteed and an equal amount of torque to boot. Ok, it's not all about power and yes the CTS-V will be heavier than the M5. That said- the car is simply awe inspiring, inside and out. He even claimed that the aerodynamic team managed to create a complex contour computer modeled wire mesh grille that is impossible to copy without super computers much to the chagrin of plastic aftermarket grille makers who've dulled the affect on first generation V series cars. Not only is the airflow improved through it but if you look closely, you'll notice the complexity of form in the lattice itself. Neat stuff. The interior of the car steps up the ambiance and impact of the standard CTS by several orders of magnitude. That's quite a statement as I feel the CTS already has the best looking, most user friendly and inviting interior in its class. The Recaro seats alone makes the upgrade to the V series worth money, they are works of art. The man suggested that one big option package will be available containing the nav/hardrive Bose infotainment system, Recaro seats, performance traction management, aluminum pedals and alcantara steering wheel. Stand alone options would be the automatic and a sunroof. From what he's heard, the price would be starting around or slightly above $60 and cresting at or under $70k with full kit. So, with that engine, a proven chassis, Magnetic shocks, launch control, stunning interior and exterior, huge brakes and tires, range topping user friendly interior technology, and a estimated price range of $60-70k, who can top it? I won't even touch on the CTS coupe- it takes car design to a level none can approach. That's another story for another day!!!

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