Autoblog

Detroit Preview: Cadillac to unveil new concept, production CTS-V Coupe

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Cadillac

Detroit-bound Cadillac Concept Teaser - Click above to enlarge

Under the typically dark veil of show-car secrecy, Cadillac has released a teaser image of a new concept that will be unveiled next month at the Detroit Auto Show. As you'd expect, details are slim, but we've been assured that this is an entirely new concept and something we've not yet seen, which rules out the Voltec-powered Converj as well as the 3 Series-fighting ATS.

Dissecting the teaser a bit, we're pretty sure we see four doors, and we'll take Caddy's word that its "latest concept advances the brand's Art & Science philosophy." Other than that, we're in the dark, but wouldn't be terribly surprised if it were either a hint at something high-performance, environmentally responsibility or both. It could also be a preview of a new range-topping model from GM's luxury division.

In addition to the unknown concept car, Cadillac also plans to introduce Detroit show-goers to the production version of its 2011 CTS-V Coupe. Expect that model to add the normal V-spec performance accouterments to the drop-dead stunning CTS Coupe shape that was just shown off in LA. That means 556 horsepower and 551 lb-feet of torque from a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, a choice of automatic and manual six-speed transmissions, a sport suspension with Magnetic Ride Control and standard 19-inch alloy wheels. Production of the superfast two-door is slated for the summer of 2010.

There's not much more to say, but feel free to hit the jump for the official press release and be sure to gander at the concept's teaser image in high-res.

[Source: Cadillac]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: Cadillac to unveil new concept, production CTS-V Coupe

Detroit Preview: Cadillac to unveil new concept, production CTS-V Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

CTS-V Challenge driver and M3 owner Michael Cooper gets pat on the back from BMW

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Marketing/Advertising, BMW, Cadillac

Michael Cooper and his Cadillac CTS-V-challenging BMW M3 - click above for high-res image gallery

This guy. So, some of you no doubt remember the Cadillac CTS-V Challenge. If you don't, here's a refresher: General Motors vice-chairman Maximum Bob Lutz challenged any journalist to bring a CTS-V competitor to California's Laguna Seca where the 77-year-old Lutz would mop the floor with he/she and whatever fancy-pants, Euro sedan they done brung. Of course, the event got moved to New York's Monticello Motor Club, and to guarantee that the Cadillac didn't lose, GM brought in a backup pilot, John Hienricy, the company's noted hot shoe engineer and race car driver. And then every other manufacturer (Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar) decided not to play into GM's marketing ploy, and withdrew their ~~cars'~~ support.

To be frank, we here at Autoblog toyed with the idea of throwing our hoon-hat in the ring, but after Heinricy became Cadillac's ace in the hole, we figured the whole challenge was unwinnable (we've driven with Mr. Heinricy - he's that good). While it would no doubt have been fun, totally playing into General Motor's hands like that (by also losing), well, not so much. Luckily, privateer Michael Cooper and his BMW M3 wasn't in on our conference call.

Mr. Cooper showed up to the Caddy Challenge and laid down a 2:50.424, beating not only Bob Lutz's 2:56.321 in the way more powerful CTS-V, but our pals Lawrence Ulrich (2:53:026) and Jack Baruth (2:51:153), both of whom were driving the big supercharged Caddy. Not surprisingly, Heinricy blew the doors off of every single person, ripping off a 2:46.560. Probably while flossing. But let's not overlook young Michael Cooper, who with 142 less horsepower and a boatload less torque to work with came in less than four seconds behind John (ringer *cough* ringer) Hienricy.

BMW was so taken by Mr. Cooper's feat of good driving that they reportedly invited him down to their North American headquarters in New Jersey and gave him a BMW Performance Multifunction Steering Wheel. How else to thank the guy that tossed such an effective monkey wrench into GM's marketing plans? BMW installed the wheel in Cooper's M3 while he was given a ride in a special BMW Performance enhanced 335i Sedan. So, one more time, a hearty Autoblog congratulations to Michael Cooper and his Cadillac CTS-V challenging BMW M3. The one with the fancy new steering wheel.

Gallery: Michael Cooper's BMW M3

[Source: BMW Blog]

CTS-V Challenge driver and M3 owner Michael Cooper gets pat on the back from BMW originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: C/D says Lutz confirms Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:49:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Wagon, Cadillac, GM, Rumormill, Luxury

Between the Buick Regal GS, front-wheel drive (and possible hybrid) Chevrolet Impala and the rumored Caprice SS, Bob Lutz has managed to release a scad officially unofficial details on General Motors' future product plans over the last two days. And now comes this.

Speaking with Car and Driver, Maximum Bob went into Maximum Bloviation mode when discussing the Buick Regal wagon, and then ostensibly confirmed that the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon has been given the green light by saying, "You'll be able to get the CTS-V any way you want." Meaning: the CTS-V will be available in both coupe and five-door variants.

Naturally, anything that jumps out of Lutz' mouth should be taken with an extra helping of NaCl, as his past off-hand announcements haven't always come to fruition. Regardless, creating the duo of CTS-Vs is damn easy and we're hoping to see both in production form next year.

[Source: Car and Driver]

REPORT: C/D says Lutz confirms Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: OnStar calls Hennessey after tuned CTS-V pulls .99 g

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:03:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Cadillac

The 700-hp Hennessy CTS-V meets OnStar -- Click above to watch video

On its way to doing the 1/4-mile in 11.07 seconds at 128 mph, a Hennessy-tuned 700-horsepower Cadillac CTS-V hit .99 longitudinal G as it left the start line. By the end of the run the phone inside the car was ringing, and it was your friendly neighborhood OnStar representative wondering "What the hell do you think you're doing?" Ok, not quite... but they did have some questions. Follow the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Hennessy]

Continue reading VIDEO: OnStar calls Hennessey after tuned CTS-V pulls .99 g

VIDEO: OnStar calls Hennessey after tuned CTS-V pulls .99 g originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

V-Series Challenge participants announced, no surprises inside

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac, GM, Luxury

2009 Cadillac CTS-V - Click above for high-res image gallery

In less than a week, Bob Lutz will be joined by a few automotive journalists and a handful of regular Joes at the Monticello Motor Club in New York to race some fast sedans around a fast track to see if anything with four doors can outrun a Cadillac CTS-V. Sounds like fun. But, after reading through the preliminary list of applicants The General has accepted, it's looking more and more like the cards are stacked heavily in GM's favor.

The three participating journalists include Jalopnik's Wes Siler, who will be racing Lutz in a Jaguar XFR; Jack Baruth representing The Truth About Cars and freelancer and New York Times contributor Lawrence Ulrich. We have no idea what the latter two journos will be piloting, but we do know that four private car owners will bring along their personal contenders: a BMW M3, a BMW M5, an Audi RS4 and finally, a, um, Cadillac CTS-V.

According to GM's Cadillac Notes Blog, there's room for a couple more contestants... and we're really hoping that someone (preferably someone with track experience) steps up to the plate with a Porsche Panamera and something with AMG written across the decklid to turn this into a proper sampling of potential spoilers.

Gallery: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

[Source: Cadillac Notes]

V-Series Challenge participants announced, no surprises inside originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Bob Lutz prepares for V-Series Challenge at Monticello

John Neff — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Videos, Cadillac

Bob Lutz prepares for V-Series Challenge - Click above to watch video after the jump

The pieces are now in place for the V-Series Challenge set to take place at the Monticello Motor Club on October 29. Behind the wheel of a Cadillac CTS-V, Bob Lutz will take on the competition in a run-what-you-brung type shoot out against players chosen by GM from the automotive media and general population. The video after the jump shows Lutz already on site practicing his lines on Monticello's 22-turn track (we're not sure yet what track configuration will be used). Maximum Bob will clearly have an advantage in terms of knowing the track, though General Motors is also bringing along ace pilot and former GMer John Heinricy in case the competition comes with some pro-am or above drivers.

Sounds like a good time, though we've heard through the grapevine that despite receiving around 120 applicants, the five vehicles chosen by GM to take on the CTS-V don't stand much of a chance. One we do know that will be present is a Jaguar XFR piloted by Wes Siler from Jalopnik.

We also asked Porsche about this whole business, since it would seem that the Panamera Turbo has one of the best shots at beating a CTS-V. Unless an actual owner was chosen by GM to be a challenger, however, there won't be a Panamera Turbo present. Porsche told us that they weren't approving any loans of the Panamera Turbo to the media for this event, and we've heard rumblings of the same sort from Mercedes-Benz concerning its AMG-fortified hardware.

We can't blame them. This is a GM event and the deck is stacked in their favor. Letting an auto journalist represent your brand in this super sedan pissing contest seems like a lose-lose proposition for any automaker in its right mind. Jaguar apparently disagrees, but we'll see what happens come October 29.

UPDATE: GM got in touch with us to clarify that the video footage was shot at the company's Milford Proving Grounds, and that Lutz has never raced at Monticello before.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading VIDEO: Bob Lutz prepares for V-Series Challenge at Monticello

VIDEO: Bob Lutz prepares for V-Series Challenge at Monticello originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

CTS-V Challenge opened up to any would-be Caddy killers

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac

2009 Cadillac CTS-V - Click above for high-res image gallery

May the best car win. So says General Motors' Bob Lutz, and he's willing to put his Pilotis where his mouth is... so to speak. On a conference call last month, Maximum Bob challenged any journalist to a duel with the Cadillac CTS-V, and, not surprisingly, the mantle was picked up right quick by the boys at Jalopnik.

Rules? Sorta. Any stock production four-door sedan is reportedly eligible to go up against the Big V, and the drivers will be lining up against the clock on October 29 at the Monticello Motor Club in Monticello, N.Y. While Jalop's Wes Siler was originally slated to go up against Lutz in a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, that car has since been switched out in favor of the Jaguar XFR (earning the ire of TTAC in the process).

Here's the best part: Anyone who happens to own a new comparable sport sedan, such as a BMW M3 or M5, perhaps a Mercedes-Benz AMG sedan or the Audi S4 (not to mention the Mitsubishi Evolution), is welcome to submit themselves for consideration to take part in the festivities in New York. We're not sure how the participants will be selected or exactly what the racing will entail, but if you're interested in throwing your hat into the ring, click here. For what it's worth, we've driven the CTS-V around Monticello, and we figure the smart money is on the Daddy Caddy.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

[Source: CTS-V Challenge]

CTS-V Challenge opened up to any would-be Caddy killers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy shots: Cadillac CTS-V coupe spotted again, so close... yet so far

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Cadillac

It hasn't been a secret for a long time that Cadillac is prepping a high performance V edition of its upcoming CTS coupe. It's also no secret that we're big fans of the CTS-V in the virtual Autoblog office. And yet Cadillac continues to tease us by putting camo on the nose and fanny of its two-door CTS-V prototypes. Why must they mock us?

The nose of the V coupe is pretty clearly visible in these images and is essentially much the same as we've already seen on the sedan down to its mesh grille.

Out back, it appears the coupe will carry the center mount exhaust pipes from the concept coupe of January 2008. However, the V gets big round pipes in place of the shield shaped unit on the concept. Mechanically we don't expect any significant changes from the sedan and frankly, that's just ducky with us.

[Source: LLN]

Spy shots: Cadillac CTS-V coupe spotted again, so close... yet so far originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

More fodder for the Cadillac CTS-V Sportwagon rumormill

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:08:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Cadillac

The rumormill is going full-tilt with word that General Motors is about to get really serious about the "sport" in its Cadillac CTS Sportwagon. Here at Autoblog HQ, we certainly hope it's all true. After all, it's hard not to appreciate the current CTS-V, its mind-blowing supercharged LSA V8, and all the tire-immolating brawn it brings to the party. We also respect the extra dash of utility that comes with a touring or shooting brake body style, as exemplified with the Sportwagon.

In the wake of the published reports from our friends at Inside Line and Straightline, one of our readers sent us a copy of what he claims to be an email exchange between himself and GM's Bob Lutz. Reader Bob emailed Lutz, telling him that if General Motors offered a CTS-V wagon with a manual gearbox, he would buy one. Lutz reportedly responded with:

"Since we do market the V with a 6-speed manual, and since a V-wagon is in the plan, we'll be selling you a car in one year!"

We called Cadillac spokesperson David Caldwell, presented him with the alleged Lutz email conversation, and asked him if the V-Series wagon is indeed officially a go. His reply?

"No, there's not been an 'official' or announced change in the status of this car. It's certainly a car we're thinking of, and one we know how to do. I can't really speak to what's inside your reader's email account. I don't doubt him....nor would I doubt Bob Lutz. "

So, officially (and unsurprisingly), there's no confirmation one way or the other from Cadillac. Another source within GM tells us there are at least two CTS-V wagons (one manual, one automatic) currently undergoing verification testing at General Motors. Given that the wagon was created mainly for the European market, and that the Europeans embrace performance models such as the Audi RS6 Avant and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG wagon, it would certainly make sense to build a giant-slaying CTS-V Sportwagon. Even if Cadillac doesn't officially offer it to Americans, it's only a matter of time before someone in the aftermarket creates one from the parts bin.

More fodder for the Cadillac CTS-V Sportwagon rumormill originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Motor Trend gets all techy, picks their top 10 favorite driver's cars

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Etc.

In a truly heroic effort that's not only daunting in scope but utterly jealousy-inducing in execution, the hot shoes at Motor Trend have once again teamed up with pro-racer and 24 Hours of Daytona winner Randy Pobst to put ten of the hottest performance cars currently on sale up against each other at Laguna Seca to determine which is best. Last year, the winner was given the title of "Best Handling Car," though this year they are switching the name to "Best Driver's Car." That works.

Without getting too much into the metrics they used (it's an eighteen page article), MT went with a combination of outright speed, braking performance, lateral acceleration data and subjective seat of the pants driving impressions (plus Pobst's excellent feedback) to rank all ten cars in order. Without giving away the winner, we will say that we enthusiastically agree with their findings.

Cases in point: Chevy Camaro SS is dead last. The BMW 135i is second to dead last. The world-beating Corvette ZR1 ends up one place behind the truly superlative Shelby GT500 and the uber 'Stang isn't even the top American car. Meanwhile, the plucky little Mazda MX-5 Miata finishes higher up than all the cars we just mentioned -- including the mystery Yank tank. In fact, the only gripe we have is that last year's third place car -- the Mazda RX-8 R3 - wasn't brought back for a second go round. No one's perfect. That said, you should consider this article a must read. We have, twice.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Motor Trend gets all techy, picks their top 10 favorite driver's cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Fun while it lasted: Porsche Panamera Turbo reportedly tops Cadillac CTS-V's 'Ring record

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Cadillac, Porsche

2010 Porsche Panamera - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been just over a year since Cadillac captured the title of fastest production four-door car when John Heinricy circulated the Nürburgring's north loop with a CTS-V in under eight minutes. Considering the pace of leap-frogging between the Nissan GT-R, Corvette ZR1 and Viper ACR it's a bit surprising that it took this long for someone to top the super-Caddy. What's not surprising is that it was a Porsche that finally outran the CTS-V.

Now that the four-door Porsche Panamera has been thrust upon the world, it was only a matter of time before one the test drivers from Weissach brought the crown back to the fatherland. The 500-horsepower Panamera Turbo lapped the Nordschleife in 7 minutes, 56 seconds, 3 seconds faster than the Cadillac.

When Heinricy set his 7:59 time last year, it was done in an automatic CTS-V in a single hot lap at the end of a test session. With any luck, we'll see Heinricy or perhaps one of the Corvette C6.R drivers like Johnny O'Connell head back to the Eiffel mountains for another go.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera

All Photos Copyright (C)2009 Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: TopSpeed]

Fun while it lasted: Porsche Panamera Turbo reportedly tops Cadillac CTS-V's 'Ring record originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V offers supercar performance, everyday drivability

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Performance, Cadillac, Reviews

2009 Cadillac CTS-V - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite recent products to the contrary, when much of America thinks "Cadillac," a lot of people still recall the land yachts of the '70s and '80s. Hoods and decks marginally shorter than your average aircraft carrier, and Sedan de Villes and Fleetwoods serving as hearses or transportation for those awaiting a ride in one. But something happened to Cadillac a few years back. After several failed attempts to compete with the Germans (Seville STS, Allante and Catera), General Motors began crafting a strategy to take on the luxury marques abroad. At the forefront of that movement is the Cadillac CTS and the pinnacle of their efforts is this, the CTS-V. To paraphrase and co-opt the grizzled Oldsmobile tag-line: "The 2009 CTS-V is not your grandfather's Cadillac." Not by a long shot.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

Continue reading Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V offers supercar performance, everyday drivability

Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V offers supercar performance, everyday drivability originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

ZR1 Sedan: Hennessey releases 600-800 hp packages for 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedan, Videos, Supercars, Cadillac

Hennessey Performance 2009 Cadillac CTS-V - Click above for a high-res image gallery

As far as we can tell, John Hennessey and his crew have somehow warped time and space to create the 36-hour workday. With all the products the Texas-based tuner is coming out with, there's no other explanation. So in addition to creating the 705-hp Corvette ZR700, 715-hp GTR700 and a duo of force-fed Camaros, Hennessey has decided to tackle the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V - and in the process created a four-door ZR1.

The team is releasing four complete packages for Caddy's M5-fighter, ranging from a 610 hp version all the way to a twin-turbocharged 800 hp variant. You can check out each package, including horsepower, torque, mods and performance times, along with corresponding videos, after the jump. And we've also got a gallery of the fire-breathing CTS-V below.

Gallery: Hennessey Performance 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

[Source: Hennessey]

Continue reading ZR1 Sedan: Hennessey releases 600-800 hp packages for 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

ZR1 Sedan: Hennessey releases 600-800 hp packages for 2009 Cadillac CTS-V originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 May 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: GM's Chris Berube could school Clarkson on burnouts

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Videos, Supercars, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge

Click above to view videos from the latest Top Gear after the jump

Top Gear is widely regarded as the best television show ever produced about cars. The production values are outstanding, the hosts are amusing and their tamed racing driver, "the Stig", is amazing to watch as he improves his mind while hustling cars around the test track. A few months back we all got wind that Jeremy, Richard and James had returned to the U.S. for another road trip. This time around they headed to the West Coast to drive a new Corvette ZR1, Cadillac CTS-V and Dodge Challenger SRT-8 from San Francisco to the Bonneville Salt Flats. Along the way, Jezza decided to stop at some desolate spot somewhere in Nevada or Utah to lay down some black lines on the pavement. Now while we generally love to watch Mr. Clarkson playing with fast cars, he doesn't quite seem to have mastered the art of the burnout. If you start about 9 minutes into the first clip after the jump and continue to the second and third videos, you'll see our favorite limey trio attempting to shred their tires during last night's second episode of Series 12 (Download via bittorrent here). Compared to Clarkson in the ZR1, Hammond and May were utterly hopeless in their Challenger SRT-8 and Cadillac CTS-V, respectively. After that, watch the last video with GM's Chris Berube showing us all how it's done properly in both the ZR1 Vette and Caddy CTS-V.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: GM's Chris Berube could school Clarkson on burnouts

VIDEO: GM's Chris Berube could school Clarkson on burnouts originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Cadillac prices 2009 CTS-V from $59,995

Chris Shunk — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Cadillac, GM

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

The Cadillac CTS-V has already proven that its impressive power stats translate nicely to the track with sub-8 minute 'Ring times and a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds. The General is also positioning its new 556-hp halo sedan as a performance bargain, having announced today that it will go on sale around November 1 with a starting price of just $59,995. That's more than $40,000 cheaper than the less powerful XLR-V, and we'd argue the CTS-V is more attractive with its v2.0 Art and Science styling and works much better as a daily driver with its back seat and usable trunk. The CTS-V also makes the larger $80,900 STS-V sedan completely irrelevant considering its 86-hp power advantage, improved aesthetics and quicker moves. Even the vaunted BMW M5 with its higher starting price of $83,900 and less powerful 500-hp 5.0L V10 engine can't touch the CTS-V in price or performance.

Gallery: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Cadillac prices 2009 CTS-V from $59,995

Cadillac prices 2009 CTS-V from $59,995 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Clarkson doesn't hate all American cars, recommends CTS-V for the Stig

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 20:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Supercars, Cadillac

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

I feel so affirmed right now after reading Jeremy Clarkson's latest car review in the Times of London. After the rightfully-deserved savaging Clarkson gave the Chrysler Sebring last week in addition to some of the things he 's saidover the years on Top Gear, you might have the impression that the man hates American cars. Apparently, nothing could be further from the truth. He just hates bad American cars. Put the guy behind the wheel of a truly great car built here and he might just fall in love. So when the time came for Jezza to recommend a new car for the tamed racing driver known as the Stig, the obvious first choice was the vaunted BMW M5.

Well, it's obvious until you start considering gas costs nearly $10 a gallon in Britain now. Since any suitable car would not get significantly better fuel economy, the other option was to go with a less expensive machine, in this case the Cadillac CTS-V. While the first-generation CTS-V was not as sophisticated as one might have expected, the new model can reasonably be said to be better than the M5 in almost every respect. Equally important in this context is the £19,000 savings compared to the M5. The slightly light steering is easily overlooked given everything else it does so well and so quickly that Clarkson affirms our first driving impressions of the CTS-V. Thanks to Mike for the tip!

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

[Source: Times of London]

Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Clarkson doesn't hate all American cars, recommends CTS-V for the Stig originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Oct 2008 20:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

More pics from Top Gear testing American metal

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Supercars, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, UK, Celebrities

Click above for high-res gallery

Not long after we learned that the famous Top Gear trio was in the U.S., a fan managed to snap some shots of Clarkson, Hammond and Mays testing their favorite examples of American muscle at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. The hosts made their way to salt flats by way of Reno, Nevada where they had a few modifications done to each vehicle in the name of high speed safety, namely driveshaft loops and fire extinguishers. If you saw our previous post on the subject, you already know that Clarkson is driving a Corvette ZR1, Hamster a Challenger SRT8 and May the super-fast but still luxurious Cadillac CTS-V, a car that shares much of its supercharged V8 architecture with the new force-fed mill in the 'Vette. We can already surmise that the ZR1 easily took top honors at Bonneville thanks to its slippery shape and abundance of power. Now, which car wins the comparison test? We look forward to next season to find out. Check out the gallery below for more pics of the action going down, or click here and follow the photostream. Thanks for the tips, AkulaX1 and Andi!

Gallery: Top Gear at Bonneville

[Sources: Flickr, Digital Corvettes]

More pics from Top Gear testing American metal originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

UK Top Gear testing CTS-V, Challenger and ZR-1 in Reno

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, GM

Click above for a gallery of the Top Gear crew in the U.S.

The blokes from the real Top Gear are back in the States to test what us 'Mericans do best - big V8s, rear-wheel-drive and powerslides. Clarkson, Hammond and May flew into San Francisco on Wednesday and then made a B-line for Reno before heading south, reportedly to test the out a trio of American muscle at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

If you're just as obsessed as us, you don't have to look at the photos in the gallery to know who snatched the keys to a Corvette ZR1, Dodge Challenger and Cadillac CTS-V. But we'll spoil the (lack of) surprise for you anyway. Clarkson grabbed the 'Vette, Hammond is getting his retro kicks in the Challenger and May - the consummate stately sedan man - is piloting the CTS-V. Top Gear is rumored to be back on the air towards the end of October, and we're hoping this segment kicks off the next season. Thanks for the tip, Ben!

Gallery: Top Gear UK testing in the U.S.

[Source: FinalGear Forum | Photos: Servius]

UK Top Gear testing CTS-V, Challenger and ZR-1 in Reno originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

From the 'duh' files: Cadillac considering supercharged CTS-V Sport Wagon

Dan Roth — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Etc., Europe, Cadillac, GM, Rumormill

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

Put your checkbook away. As desirable as a CTS wagon in hot-rod V trim is, it's not here yet. The CTS Sport Wagon was developed as a way to offer the European market a configuration that's sure to sell, and it's headed to North America by the end of next year. When the Caddy wagon finally gets here, it will have the excellent 3.6-liter V6 providing power. Wagons aren't great sellers here, though, so the CTS Sport Wagon will likely be a niche model, dashing most of our hope that Cadillac will put its hottest powertrain in the two-box car just like BMW, Mercedes and Audi do.

The hardware port would be mostly a snap. The supercharged V8 is ready to go and the CTS-V has been developed around that engine, so there's suspension and drivetrain parts already on the shelf, and the V has already set the style direction for bodywork tweaks. While we won't be holding our breath for a CTS-V Sport Wagon that can rip off 12-second quarters while hauling 120 cubic feet of stuff, Cadillac's David Caldwell points out that the pre-existing hardware would make it "a relatively easy add." A high price - though still less than the German SuperWagens - wouldn't help the sales case, and really, there's only like ten of us wagon freaks, anyway. It probably won't happen, but it could, and it would be quite a welcome respite from those high-CG truck-lookin' things.

Gallery: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

[Source: Inside Line]

From the 'duh' files: Cadillac considering supercharged CTS-V Sport Wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

First Drive: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Cadillac, First Drive

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

After decades of decay, Cadillac began a transformation in the waning years of the last century that would allow the brand to compete against modern luxury brands. Decrepit beasts like the late Eldorado and Seville were euthanized and, while the decision to switch mostly to alpha-numeric naming was dubious, Cadillac finally started creating cars that could compete directly with the best from Europe and Japan, and the first generation CTS was one of them.

In spite of this progress, the Germans still had something Cadillac lacked, namely AMG, M and RS models. So Cadillac devised the V-Series, the first of which was the 2004 CTS-V. Just as BMW does with the M3 and M5, Audi with the RS4 and RS6 and Mercedes with innumerable AMGs, the CTS-V had a bigger, more powerful engine; beefier brakes and tires; a suspension to match and an upgraded interior. This, however, is an arms race that has yet to subsie in spite of ever higher fuel prices. With BMW, Mercedes and Audi now offering even more powerful engines, Cadillac has stepped up to the plate with an all-new CTS-V and we had a chance to drive it at the even newer Monticello Motor Club in New York. With a new supercharged LSA engine closely related to the LS9 in the Corvette ZR1, the CTS-V makes some big promises. Read on after the jump to see if it delivers.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

First Drive: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments