CTS-V Blends High Performance With Luxury Touring

NEW YORK - As further proof of its ongoing product renaissance, Cadillac today unveiled the most powerful production car ever in its lineup, the CTS-V.

CTS-V is the first model to be developed by the new General Motors Performance Division, an in-house center designed to explore potential enthusiast-oriented versions of production models.

Production is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2003.

Like the original CTS, CTS-V was refined and validated at Germany’s famed Nürburgring to meet the expectations of the world’s most avid driving enthusiasts.

Equipped with a 5.7 liter, V-8 engine expected to produce 400 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque, CTS-V marks Cadillac’s entrance into the high performance luxury car market.

The CTS-V represents the best of what Cadillac has to offer in terms of luxury performance. Much more than just a powerful engine, CTS-V is equipped with a standard six-speed manual transmission, large performance brakes at all four corners, 18-inch wheels and tires, retuned shock absorbers and steering for the performance chassis changes and a host of interior and exterior styling refinements.

Serious performance credentials

Powertrain highlights include an LS-6 V-8 engine with aluminum block, two-valve cylinder heads, revisions to the air induction system and an enlarged dual exhaust system for an impressive V-8 sound.

Power is delivered through the six-speed manual Tremec T56 transmission that features a dual mass flywheel for reduced noise and vibration harshness. A heavy-duty, increased diameter, 70-mm prop shaft is utilized for the higher torque requirements. The limited-slip rear axle is fitted with a 3.73:1 final drive ratio to optimize acceleration.

Following extensive development at the Nürburgring test track, the entire brake system has been designed to virtually eliminate brake fade in even the most spirited high performance driving conditions.

Large four-piston Brembo brakes with vented rotors measuring 355-mm by 32-mm are utilized up front while rear brakes include four piston calipers with 365-mm by 28-mm rotors. Included on the caliper casting is distinctiveV-Series identification. Six-lug wheels are standard.

On the exterior, specific seven-spoke 18-inch x 8.5-inch aluminum wheels are new. Goodyear P245/45WR18 EMT tires are standard.

StabiliTrak is standard equipment and includes four driver-selected modes of operation, including a mode for better track performance. The extensive chassis tuning includes new shock absorbers and new front and rear stabilizer bar. The front stabilizer bar is 26.5 mm in diameter and the rear stabilizer bar measures 21 mm. Front and rear spring rates are increased by 27 percent.

Purposeful design

On the exterior, the CTS-V includes purposeful enhancements designed to increase performance, including a completely new front fascia with an integrated aero splitter for better aerodynamics and brake ducts vented to cool front brakes. Stainless steel mesh grilles, both below and above the bumper, provide a unique front appearance and allow for free air flow into the engine compartment. Sides include an all-new aero rocker design that flows into a new, specific rear fascia.

Underneath the hood, a tower-to-tower cross car brace has been installed for improved steering response and linearity under high-performance conditions.

To help reduce under-hood noise, a unique nylon cover, which features the Cadillac Wreath and Crest and V-Series logo, is fitted over the top of the engine.

Overall vehicle height is 1454.6 mm, and rocker height is reduced to 196.7 mm in the front and 199 mm in the rear.

A new, full-dual exhaust system exits through the rear fascia and is capped with chrome oval exhaust tips. The "V" logo appears on the deck lid and front fenders and also on brake calipers, rocker panel and the speedometer in the instrument cluster.

Two exterior colors will be offered - Light Platinum and Black Raven.

Interior geared toward performance driving

CTS-V offers a new instrument cluster trimmed with satin chrome rings around each gauge. Aircraft-style, white lettering on a black field is used on gauges for better legibility. The speedometer reads up to 180 mph. The instrument panel clock is replaced with an analog temperature gauge.

The instrument cluster also includes two driver information centers (DIC) located within the instrument panel.

The left DIC can display performance-oriented information including peak and momentary lateral acceleration, oil, transmission and coolant temperatures and oil and tire pressure. The right DIC indicates odometer, digital speedometer and reverse gear and skip-shift indicators.

Other interior modifications include a three-spoke steering wheel with an aluminum bezel and revised controls. Satin chrome finishes also are utilized on the shift knob, door pulls and door handles. The center armrest has been lowered significantly for easier shifting during driving. The shifter boot is non-perforated leather.

Driver and passenger seats include adjustable lumbar and suede insert material to help maintain driver position in lateral maneuvers. Two interior colors, Ebony and Light Neutral, will be offered. Light-gray accent stitching is used throughout the interior. Aluminum sill plates have been added to both front door openings.

The new CTS-V will be produced at the Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant, site for the CTS, all-new SRX luxury utility vehicle and future STS luxury sedan.

Story by Cadillac