April 15, 2003

April 15, 2003

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.

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

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.


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.
http://caddyedge.com/CadForums/index.php?act=ST&f=3&t=168&

If Lutz delivers this car for $35,675, it'll be the ultimate performance value. I mean, standard Stabilitrak and Brembo brakes aren't exactly the equipment you expect at this price level. As it is, the CTS will undercut the Nissan 350Z Track and every other performance vehicle on the market.

In addition, notice the 6-bolt wheels, something I missed in all the pictures. An interesting detail I've never seen in a performance car before.

The 3.73 rear axle ratio is another surprise. With this car weighing in at 3850lbs, I'm surprised that GM would specify such a low ratio. Either the fuel economy will be saved by displacement on demand, or Lutz has decided not to compromise performance for the sake of the dreaded gas guzzler tax.

Assuming that all of the published info pans out, including the shockingly low price, is there a current Camaro SS owner who wouldn't consider this car? Four doors have never been faster

 

The only thing I can think of that could improve the CTS-V would be a 2-door version of the car... assumingly named CTC-V.

 

The supsense is killing me, when do they usually announce pricing??

 

Usually, its not this long before initial deliveries. If anybody noticed, the 2004 Grand Prix that initially hit dealer lots had blank stickers. However, the price quote that Bob Lutz gave a European carmag - in dollars moreover - seems like a pretty good hint.

Cadillac has released the initial specs, and the big man has spoken. A <$36K price is hard to believe, but that's where the information points.

Is this thing too good to be true, or what?

 

redzed, I thought you were Mr. Skeptic when it came to the CTS-V in value and performance?

 

When you're talking about a 400hp car with Brembo brakes and Stabilitrak - all for $36k! - that's a deal you can't ignore.

Sure, the CTS feels a bit narrow, the window line's too high and the only CTSv colors are black and silver. All of that doesn't matter, assuming GM carries through with Lutz's statement on price. Sure, a slush box would have also been nice, but since no current GM tranny can take the torque, so what?

Take note that this version of the LS6 is down slightly on torque. We might be able to infer that the new 6-speed auto going into the C6 will be good for at least 390lb/ft. My slushbox CTSv dreams may be answered. Since the same 6L60E(?) will go into trucks, you can also count on the Gen. IV small block engines being alot stronger.

 

I think if it hovers around the 36-40 mark it would still be considered a bargain considering that a V8 Lincoln LS is 41K (base) and they don't even compare, much to Lincoln's dissappoinment. I think it will sell pretty good although they won't be flying off the showroom floor like the 'slade V12...

 

Wow.. Brembo must be making good money these days.. it seems like every high perf varient car out in the market now has nice Brembo brakes..

 

The most surprising thing to me was the 3.73 rear end, especially on a 245 series tire. This car is going to have little problem making serious tire smoke - it needs bigger tires.

If it comes in at ~$36,000, my SS is gone. This car should be quicker than the SS, and quite a shocker on the street. Imagine your brand new 350Z/RX-8 getting blown off the road NOT by a Camaro SS (which any reasonable individual would expect to have happen), but by a 4-door Cadillac.


Imagine a nitrous purge out of this thing... yeesh, what a riot.

 

Heh, I was wondering how big of a tire you can fit inside without any major mods.. I hope at least 275's... It be really nice if you can fit 315's all around like the 4th gen f-bod's..


Can't wait when someone puts a 427 ls6/c5r block in one!

 

About the tires, with the stick-shift that's about equal to 3.08 gears (a la the 96 impala SS) with the 4L60-E in first gear (assuming 2.66 first gear in this version of the T56.) This car will still be in third gear going through the traps.

I believe this is the rightful successor to the 94-96 Impala SS. The FWD blown 3800 impy is a farse in comparison.

If the price does end up being $36k, then both my B-bodies may have to go...

Oh yeah, Lingenfelter put the 427 C5-R engien in an old Catera once Yeah, it was sweet!

 

Ain't no way it will be $36K! Don't they go for that now pretty much loaded? I'm thinking at least $40K, which will still be a bargain.

 

If they are $36K, Who is going to buy a $34,000 340HP GTO?

 

I wish the poll was worded different, I choes the closes thing to my anwser. Yes I would by one as my next performance car/ daily driver. No I will not be replacing my camarowith it. My Sports cars/ fun cars can only have 2 doors and need to have a little less mass.

 

Id also lean twards adding it along with the Camaro. At least GM makes a car that I want to buy when I get out of college in 05 though.