BMW has m-cars merc its AMGs, Audi its RS variants – and now the Americans want in on the act. Welcome Cadillac and its V cars: the fastest, sportiest and priciest products in the line-up. For 2009 comes the CTS-V-Cadillac’s M5. It’s already clocked a 7min 59.32sec production saloon record at the ring- with the selector in D. It feels like a for door corvette. Not surprisingly, it shares the base LS9 engine with the ‘Vette, the supercharged 6.2litre V8 developing 564bhp at 6100rpm and 551lb ft at 3800rpm. The massive torque is either relayed to tremec six speeds manual or GM’S six speed hydrometric, in which it’s rev-limited for gear box preservation. In the past, Cadillac’s were an acquired taste –too big. Too much bling, too little interest in corners- and Cadillac would sooner lower the price then raising the bar. But the V’s bucket seats are by recaro, the elaborate leatherwork stitched by Germany’s Draxlmaier of bugatti, rolls and maybach fame. This is no go faster Buick or Chevy dressed in funky clothes. Cadillac’ crisper styling and increasingly competitive dynamics are broadening its appeal and its most compelling driver’s car by a long shot is the cts especially in v spec. The caddy is quantifiably quicker off the mark and substantially fast overall than m5 or e63 amg.
If you’re brave, third gear slides are an option. The steering is still a touch too light and not quite direct enough for non us tastes. , but it works well for the forgiving chassis.In the state the cts-v costs closer to bmw m3 than m5 and should we expect a price in UK. It’s not so finely honed, but its very quick, may be a taste worth acquiring and it’s also the most styling and beautiful car in all over the world.
