Monday 22nd December 2014

New 640hp Cadillac CTS-V announced

Caddy spreads some festive cheer with a new supercharged V8 saloon. Does 200mph...

---

Not so long ago, the fastest Lamborghini you could buy had 640hp. It was the Murcielago LP640, one of the last big, bad supercars and something you will always be able to reference as pretty damn quick. Four years after that car went out of production and Cadillac has announced a four-door saloon with the same power. And another 150lb ft.

Spoiling for a fight. Now

Alright, so that's not exactly true. The new CTS-V's 630lb ft peak is only 143 up on the Lamborghini. But what an incredible set of statistics for a super saloon, Cadillac proudly stating in the press material that the 6.2-litre supercharged V8 has more power than the Mercedes and BMW equivalents. The CTS-V isn't limited either, meaning 200mph is achievable. It goes to show how mad the market currently is that the Charger Hellcat is meant to be quicker. Race?

As with previous V-Series Caddys and the latest ATS-V, a lot of effort has been dedicated to ensure it's more than just a drag strip hero. The V is 25 per cent stiffer than the standard CTS, the suspension is 'uprated for quicker response' and 'increased lateral control' with the third generation of GM's Magnetic Ride Control dampers as well. Performance Traction Management, as seen in the Corvette Stingray, is standard on the CTS-V, catering to that apparently insatiable demand for driver configurability. Brakes are by Brembo, with 390mm six-pot fronts and 356mm four-piston rears.

That scoop is functional at least

Need more spec? Good. The eight-speed 8L90 automatic is the only gearbox option, and power reaches Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres through an electronic limited-slip differential. A Performance Date Recorder is also fitted so your oversteer heroics with the above can be shared. Did we mention 200mph?

That bonnet scoop may be a little ostentatious but it does serve a purpose, removing hot air from the engine and and reducing lift at speed. It's also carbon fiber [sic] which will reduce weight a little over the front axle. Wider arches accommodate lighter, stronger 19-inch wheels and that rear spoiler is 'aero-optimized'. There's no mistaking it for anything but a fast Cadillac, is there?

Cadillac says the CTS-V will be launched in late summer 2015. Obviously there's very little possibility of it ever being available in the UK but hats off to Cadillac anyhow. It's got 640hp and does 200mph for crying out loud! Merry Christmas.

 

[X5TUU]

hmmmmm first impressions from the nose pic are GTR-ish looks ... not that that's a bad thing IMHO

ludicrous power to put down and bet its a hoot to hoon about it ... shame US freeways are low limit and full of dips and potholes