Autoblog

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.

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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.

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Spy Shots: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe spotted testing

Dan Roth — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Cadillac

"Blue skies are gonna clear up, put on a happy face!" Why the singing? Despite the recent stoppage of further development on high performance vehicles, it looks like the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe might make it out of the barn before the doors are shut.

While we would have settled for the uninterrupted arrival of the CTS Coupe, the fact that a mule has been spied running around with V-Series markings is all the more exciting. Perhaps the all-conquering V-Series of the two door CTS was already too far underway to scrap, or perhaps the badging on the mule is just a reminder of quashed dreams. Thanks for the tip, Walt.

[Source: Autoweek Photo: Chris Doane/Priddy]

Spy Shots: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe spotted testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #97

Dan Roth — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Hybrid, Sedan, Cadillac, Motorcycle, Specialty

Just in time for the weekend, we bring you episode #97 of the Autoblog Podcast. Our cast of characters rotates once again, with Jeremy Korzeniewski joining Chris and Sam to discuss such wide and varied interests as motorcycles, high performance Cadillacs and hybrids. The podcast was held up by some behind the scenes technical issues, and there's still a slight issue with Jeremy's feed, so don't be alarmed when you hear a glitch or two. We've now made it to four solid weeks of podcast action for everyone; thanks for listening, and tune in next week!

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Autoblog Podcast #97 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Cadillac CTS-V will officially make 556 horsepower

John Neff — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Supercars, Cadillac

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

We thought Bentley's announcement earlier today that it's adding a Speed model to the Continental Flying Spur lineup was exciting news for sedan fans. After all, a 600bhp saloon that can hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and reach 200 MPH is pretty exciting, no? Not really when compared to Cadillac's news that the 2009 CTS-V will officially be rated at 556 horsepower, hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and run the quarter mile in 12 seconds flat. No offense to Bentley, but a sub-3-second sedan is about as exciting as it can get on a Monday. For the record, the Edmunds' Straightline Blog reports that the sport sedan's 6.2L supercharged V8 will produce 556 hp at 6,100 rpm and 551 pound-feet of torque at 3,800 rpm. That engine is the LSA, derived from the new Corvette ZR1's LS9 motor and detuned for duty in the CTS-V. Fortunately, the LSA wasn't detuned too much and the '09 CTS-V should destroy its German competition, specifically the BMW M5 with its - can't believe we're saying this - relatively meager 500-hp 5.0L V10.

UPDATE: Official press release added after jump.

[Source: Edmunds' Straightline Blog]

Continue reading 2009 Cadillac CTS-V will officially make 556 horsepower

2009 Cadillac CTS-V will officially make 556 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Cadillac CTS-V takes to the 'Ring, pummels into submission

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 14 May 2008 19:20:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Cadillac, GM

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Cadillac CTS-V at the 'Ring.

GM is pretty pleased with the Cadillac CTS-V's 7:59.32 run around the Nurburgring, and the crew on the ground had the foresight to strap a few video cameras to the supercharged sedan to capture every second of John Heinricy's sub-eight-minute lap. The General is quick to point out that no modifications were made to the CTS-V to aid in its domination of the Green Hell. The tires were stock and the only bits not available on the options list through Caddy are the fire-suppression system, harness bar and six-point seatbelt . While the additional equipment added a few more pounds, it's obvious that it didn't hinder performance. Hit the jump for proof.

Gallery: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

Continue reading VIDEO: Cadillac CTS-V takes to the 'Ring, pummels into submission

VIDEO: Cadillac CTS-V takes to the 'Ring, pummels into submission originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 May 2008 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Cadillac CTS-V engine bay

Dan Roth — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 07:51:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Cadillac, GM

UPDATE: WorldCarFans let us know they've determined the car in the pics is a regular CTS and not the CTS-V. Speculation of a supercharger can be put back on the table.

The latest engine bay shots of the 2009 CTS-V offer us a little more insight than we were able to glean previously. There's a clear shot back to the firewall, and the beefy strut brace is showing signs of revision. Moreover, from what's visible of the engine it appears that previous speculation of forced induction is so much chatter.

If we were to play GM-Overlord for a minute, it'd make the most sense to plop the Corvette Z07's LS7 into the CTS. You'd spend less on developing a super- or turbo-charging system, and reliability has been on a years-long field trial with the Z07. Spending less underhood means there'd be money left over for suspension development and interior fitment, both crucial areas where Cadillac needs to bring it. Throwback musclecars are fun for five minutes or so, and then they're just a handful when the road gets twisty. If the CTS-V is going to whip some foreign-accented hindquarters, it'd best be an excellent all around performer that needs no excuses when it comes to accomodations.

[Source: WorldCarFans]

Spy Shots: Cadillac CTS-V engine bay originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 07:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #68

Dan Roth — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 14:07:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Chevrolet, Chrysler, GM, Hyundai, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn

Getting back in the groove, we bring you Autoblog Podcast #68. Starting us off is the battle of the inside sources, where we debate which GM mole is correct about the CTS-V. One rumor has the hottest little Caddy getting the Blue Devil's 600-horsepower 6.0L V8. The competing theory is that there'll be a 6.2L V8 with mid-500 horsepower, not the Blue Devil's mill. Either way, it will add up to M5 punch in an M3-sized wrapper. GM has more RWD goodies for us, as word of its Alpha platform replacing Epsilon cars like the G6, and Cadillac BLS replacement, which may come here, has us all atwitter. Our last bit of GM fodder is the passing of the Cobalt SS Supercharged. It was an entertaining car; but even though the supercharged Cobalt goes away, the un-muscled SS remains. We hope that GM's pledge to reinvigorate the SS badge so that it actually means something will get in gear soon.

We move on from GM to Chrysler and the Cerberus sale. Wolfgang Berhnardt is said to be an integral consultant to the deal, and he's looking for a homestead in the Detroit area as well as poking around the offices and design studio. Seems like Bernhardt is waiting for his noncompete with VW to expire while quietly orchestrating a turn of the Pentastar vessel. We detour into how fitting a Star Wars-themed Chrysler press conference would be (c'mon, you wouldn't really be surprised, would you?) before wrapping up with Hyundai's confidence-inspiring extension of its 10-year/100,000 mile warranty to Certified Pre Owned Vehicles up to five years old. They must feel pretty certain that their cars will hold up, as the warranty means they could possibly cover some powertrains for 15 years. That's it - 37 minutes of heaven!

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Autoblog Podcast #68 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jun 2007 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #67

Dan Roth — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 09:52:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Podcasts, Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, SUV, Europe, I.C.E., Japan, Supercars, Acura, Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, GM, GMC, Jaguar, Volkswagen

We've finally poked our respective heads out of our interweb caves and unleashed episode 67 of the Autoblog podcast upon the world. We've been pretty nutty lately with our new, improved site design and our groundbreaking car giveaway, so please forgive our delay at getting back to this. Our first delightful round of witty repartee centers around the excellent spy shots from the last couple weeks, and more specifically Jaguar's new Starship Enterprise looking shift selector. Expanding on the abundance of uberteched European cars, we carp for a while on the proliferation of new and ill-conceived user interface paradigms. Coming back to native shores, we touch on the new CTS-V, which will eschew the need for bumper nuts by a conspicuously bulged hood hiding a supercharged V8 capable of roasting the competition. Speaking of big power, we touch on the rumored NSX mule running around the Nurburgring in S2000 drag, and then concede that we really have no idea. Again, we come back to the US after a quick jaunt to the Continent, and discuss the upcoming Chevy version of GM's Lambda CUV. We're split on whether that's a good idea or not, but we all agree that the Utes themselves are a great product from the General. What the heck, let's go back across the Atlantic to close it out with insane VAG concepts at the Worthersee gathering in Austria, which saw the unveiling of a mid engine twin turbo GTI, the Audi TT Clubsport design study, and the Pirelli Edition GTI that is a real production car. We decided to only consume about 37 minutes of your time, as we'll be back soon. Enjoy the show!

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Autoblog Podcast #67 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Jun 2007 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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