Spy Shots: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V
The new CTS looks killer if recent spy shots are anything to go by. These shots show what appears to be the next generation CTS-V undergoing testing, as evident by the wide tires and performance wheels, larger exhaust tips, and most conspicuously, the bubble protruding from the mule's hood that we guess is making room for a supercharger. While no one knows for sure what engine will power the next CTS-V, some say it will be a non-supercharged 4.6-liter V8 while others swear it will have a blower. Looks like the latter camp may be right, and if so, The Car Connection says the CTS-V may have between 550-600 horsepower, which is just pure insanity for an "entry-level" luxury sedan. Apparently Cadillac is serious about hammering the BMW M3 and M5 (the 3-Series is really the direct competitor to the CTS, but 550-600 hp will allow the CTS-V to run with the V10-powered M5) with some serious Detroit iron. Only 7,500 examples of the CTS-V are pegged for production, and judging from these shots we're sure Cadillac won't have any trouble unloading them. [Source: The Car Connection]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Mar Ingro 12:28PM (10/05/2006)
I never believed in spy shots. There are always only prototypes. The design can change several times till release
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Kansei 12:35PM (10/05/2006)
I hope they keep the zebra stripes for the production model :P
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zinger 12:44PM (10/05/2006)
It can have all the hp you want but I don't think it will have any thing close to the handling/cornering capability of AUDI/BMW/MB
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Jamie 12:48PM (10/05/2006)
3. It can have all the hp you want but I don't think it will have any thing close to the handling/cornering capability of AUDI/BMW/MB
Posted at 12:43PM on Oct 5th 2006 by zinger 0 stars
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It doesn't matter what you "think", thankfully. It will be what it will be.
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Poorredman 1:02PM (10/05/2006)
Zinger, you're an idiot. Please do tell me what MB sedan actually handles well? The current V handles just as well or better than current Audi and MB mid-sized sport sedans. BMW has always been in a league of its own.
Car & Driver Comparison
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Tal D 1:44PM (10/05/2006)
The pics seen when clicking on "recent spy shots" display a rather good looking car that is definitely from the Cadillac family school of design.
No matter which manufacturer producing a mega HP power plant for a automobile, other than one built for racing,is basically "pure insanity". How often is there a NEED to reach 60mph in 5 seconds or less?
I just don't believe its necessary but I guess it does make for some interesting conversations,articles and bragging rights , if you won one. J1MO Just one mans opinion.
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rwdmtparkingonly 1:18PM (10/05/2006)
People need to know what they are talking about. German cars don't handle well because they're German, they handle well because, for the most part (not Audi); their performance sedans have been rear wheel drive with independent suspensions, rigid frames and near 50/50 front/rear weight distribution.
American cars got a bad reputation with the pony cars that, while having strong engines, suffered in handling because of flexible frames, live rear axles, and front heavy engine placement. However, for cars like the CTS that reputation isn't true anymore.
I would expect someone that doesn't car about cars but wants to sound smart to say "Oh, nothing can handle like a BMW", but I expect people that know about cars to realize that the German company’s handling comes from design elements that are shared with the CTS, and not from a white propeller spinning against the blue Bavarian sky.
In fact, the CTS has a double wishbone front suspension, which is theoretically superior to the struts on 3-series and C-class. Which car is the best will now depend on how extensively it is developed, not the country of origin, and any differences will be very close.
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MikeW 1:30PM (10/05/2006)
How about the twin turbo 3.6 V6 from one of GM concept cars awhile back. Combined with direct injection 400hp & 400ft-lbs coupled to a 6 speed manual or 6 speed auto (if you want)
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Eric L. 2:30PM (10/05/2006)
Well those spy shot renderings are very "Cadillac" but I'm not sure I'd call it attractive. I know Caddy is trying to convey a sense of glamour, style, and performance, but somehow it doesn't quite work as well as the more recent designs from Alfa Romeo (which really inspire passion).
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quantimouse 3:42PM (10/05/2006)
You should realize that the reason they are limiting this car to 7500 has more to do with the fact that they had trouble selling the plethora of the current CTS-V, which you can have well bellow MSRP. I am sure they will try to spin this however by suggesting that the CTS-V is somehow akin to a limited edition car.
Given the pretty poor long term reviews this car has gotten in recent months from US auto mags, the CTS-V still strikes me as a bit of a wannabe play by GM. Anyone with the money and without a misguided desire to only buy US cars would easily opt for a BMW M, Mercedes AMG or an Audi RS. In fact I have more hope for the forthcoming Lexus IS500 than I do for this 2nd gen CTS-V.
And don't get me started on the looks.
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DPC car videos 3:52PM (10/05/2006)
If it gets a blower then just a simple ECU and pulley change will push this car over 600-650HP.
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B-NOIT 4:26PM (10/05/2006)
I see that they are getting rid of the full-width 3rd brake light that has been a Cadillac trademark. This is just a prototype, but if it is actually the case, I don't think the cost-saving of a few extra LED bulbs counters the loss of styling continuity across the line-up as well as the simple heritage of such an easily identifiable design cue.
Isn't everyone else in the industry struggling for a design identity? Cadillac arguably has the most distinct 'design language'... and that's definitely not a bad thing for marketing and brand awareness. Stick with what you've got, Caddy, others are envious.
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quantimouse 10:35PM (10/05/2006)
Others are envious of how Caddilacs look? This post was sarcasm right?
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Z 5:25PM (10/05/2006)
No, no joke quantimouse, caddies are hot! And cadillac is spelled with one d and two l's not the other way around. :)
About the spy photos: They look promising.
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Bob Zeliff 6:34PM (10/05/2006)
While all the auto mags place the CTS V against the M3 series BMW, and the Audi S4. This is not correct, those cars are much smaller. Check the specs and sit in one. I know I tried them both and bought a V because of it's handling and performance...and is a significant better value than an M-5 and S6.
Now if 600hp is true...that is wretched excess. I love it!
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jg 6:05PM (10/05/2006)
I've mentioned to quite a few people that the new cadillacs are high powered beasts and no one seems to care. Its still a car you will most likely see parked in front of a Luby's.
Rather than try to get young people to buy the same car their granddad likes why not put these kick ass engines in something like a Monte Carlo SS. The kind of person who will rev his engine at a stoplight to try to get a Mustang GT owner to race doesn't even look at caddies.
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leo 9:50PM (10/05/2006)
haha I can see some Caddy haters here
No MB is known for handling, power yes, MB has the best power of all the automakers - tell me the last time the M5 made 738lb-ft of torque
But this CTS will rule over the M3, sure the M3 will have like 0.1gs over the CTS-V adn maybe a 5% better feel on the steering, but in the end the laps of this CTS-V will be quicker by at least a few seconds over the M3.
ANd with the interior looking liek it does, the BMW will be outclassed - I even liek the '07 G35s interior better than the current 3 series which without the I-drive look planer than a Subaru WRX and with the I-drive it has the two ugly looking bumps adn I hate I-drive
looks liek Caddy will do a number on the M3
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Jamie 8:25PM (10/05/2006)
12. I see that they are getting rid of the full-width 3rd brake light that has been a Cadillac trademark. This is just a prototype, but if it is actually the case, I don't think the cost-saving of a few extra LED bulbs counters the loss of styling continuity across the line-up as well as the simple heritage of such an easily identifiable design cue.
Isn't everyone else in the industry struggling for a design identity? Cadillac arguably has the most distinct 'design language'... and that's definitely not a bad thing for marketing and brand awareness. Stick with what you've got, Caddy, others are envious.
Posted at 4:26PM on Oct 5th 2006 by B-NOIT 0 stars
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You must have X-Ray vision!
The thing is under camouflage. How can you see tha there is no CHMSL on the trunk?
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Jamie 8:24PM (10/05/2006)
10. You should realize that the reason they are limiting this car to 7500 has more to do with the fact that they had trouble selling the plethora of the current CTS-V, which you can have well bellow MSRP. I am sure they will try to spin this however by suggesting that the CTS-V is somehow akin to a limited edition car.
Given the pretty poor long term reviews this car has gotten in recent months from US auto mags, the CTS-V still strikes me as a bit of a wannabe play by GM. Anyone with the money and without a misguided desire to only buy US cars would easily opt for a BMW M, Mercedes AMG or an Audi RS. In fact I have more hope for the forthcoming Lexus IS500 than I do for this 2nd gen CTS-V.
And don't get me started on the looks.
Posted at 3:42PM on Oct 5th 2006 by quantimouse 0 stars
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Well godd for you. The V-Series sales were previously capped at 5000. 7500 is MORE than 5000. They must really have "trouble" selling.
The CTS lineup will likely do much better than the IS you're eyeing.
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MikeW 9:34PM (10/05/2006)
I think it is time for GM to make a new northstar. Take the basic cylinder/ head design of the 3.6 direct injection V6 and multiply that by 8.
4.75 liters & ~375 hp sounds good. GM should go toe to toe with toyota.
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