Standard of the World.
We’re transitioning to an age of smaller, highly efficient engines. Odds are very strong, for example, that we’ll never see another V8-powered BMW M3. Hybrids are everywhere. Very small engines with turbos are the new norm. Soon they’ll be built by ants.
And then there’s the Cadillac CTS-V. Power comes from a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that generates 640 horsepower along with 630 lb.-ft. of torque. Cadillac reports a zero-to-60 time of 3.7 seconds along with a top speed of an even 200 mph. Take that, progress.
Here’s the thing about the current CTS-V that I didn’t realize until I drove one: It’s not a luxurious car with some fast bits bolted on to it, it’s a fast car with some luxurious bits bolted on to it.
The 640hp CTS-V is far more extreme of a driving experience than I really gave it credit for. Unlike BMW’s larger M cars and AMG’s four-doors, the CTS-V would probably NOT be my first choice for a trip across the country. Its ride is stiff, nearly harsh. The seats are race-shell firm, and the engine barks and spits through the low-restriction exhaust and is all too willing to spin the rear tires in any of the three–and sometimes four–lower gears.
Now, take all those criticisms I just leveled against the CTS-V as a street car and repeat them as praise for a machined designed as a singular ass-kicking device. The extremity of the CTS-V is both its gift and its curse. It’s so gnarly that you find yourself not really caring about the infotainment center or the multi-zone automatic climate control or the leather or really anything that’s there to impress you because they will never impress you as much as 640hp that you can use to slay pavement with the dip of your right foot.
Hey Cadillac, instead of a heated ashtray or burlwood turn signal indicators, just offer me an interior delete and roll cage option and we’re good.
Standard of the World.
They should really build another wagon. I understand why they don't, but they should. These are remarkable cars.
Funny. The guy who owns the local tire shop expressed interest in buying my V2, but got online and started looking at V3s. We were just talking about it 30 minutes ago.
Personally, I don’t like the looks as much as the V2 or even the V1. They look great in pics. In person, not so much. IMHO YMMV ETC.
Yes, I know it's the way things are going in the automotive world, but this part makes me sad....
Transmission:
automatic
I was VERY impressed with the various Cadillacs at New England Dragway yesterday.
The idea of driving in complete comfort to the track, pulling mid-11’s and driving home in a mostly stock luxury sedan is... awesome!
So, it's bordering on uncomfortable for daily driving?
That. Is. Sexy.
poopshovel again said:Personally, I don’t like the looks as much as the V2 or even the V1. They look great in pics. In person, not so much. IMHO YMMV ETC.
View from the driver's seat is good though, horizon vanishing in the rear view mirror at an alarming rate.
Harvey said:So, it's bordering on uncomfortable for daily driving?
On smooth Florida roads we can use adjectives like "uncompromising" and "extreme." But in the real world of expansion joints and potholes anf frost heaves, someone might not get an argument from me for calling it uncomfortable.
But it's easy not to care about a little harshness when you can paint two wide striped in your mirror from a 30mph roll.
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