Article on All-New Cadillac CTS-V With ZR-1's Engine!
Super Member
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From: california high desert
2003 S500, 03 C240, 03 E320, 03 tahoe
the question is trust
Typical blind ignorance to US products...the 2004 CTSV beat the Audi S4 around the track IN THE RAIN on Top Gear back in '04. The STIG was driving the Audi too!
This video is mine...and I've only done 5 track days in my life! The suspension on this 3850 lb car rocks. I've added a couple things to tighten it up a little more but it comes ready for the twisties right from the factory.
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/c...2c00183349.htm
The US GM is capable of building anything they want, but are most Americans going to buy a stiff car to drive on our crappy poorly-maintained roads?
This video is mine...and I've only done 5 track days in my life! The suspension on this 3850 lb car rocks. I've added a couple things to tighten it up a little more but it comes ready for the twisties right from the factory.
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/c...2c00183349.htm
The US GM is capable of building anything they want, but are most Americans going to buy a stiff car to drive on our crappy poorly-maintained roads?
Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 137
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From: WA
2005 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
It might be blind arrogance but name me one American designed product which is popular outside the American market, you won't find any, American cars are made for the North American market and are hopelessly outclassed outside of it, they are only attractive to a very small minority of car buyers.
Can it go around a corner without falling off the road, I still don't think GM in the US can build a car that handles as well as the Germans. Now if GM Holden's HSV outfit in Australia had had a go at the handling then I would feel confident that it would handle properly.
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From: Pasadena, CA
C63 / ////AMG
Here's my take on the '09 CTS-V:
Although it's not nearly as sexy as the C63 and has little relative snob appeal, it may be faster in the drag racing and performance (i.e. LSD) department than the C63. Given the current state of the U.S. economy (i.e. recession) - better deals on the CTS-V are to be had - especially when it comes to a lease.
Since I plan on dumping my C55 the middle of this year and entering into a new lease agreement regardless of the next brand I buy, the CTS-V has sparked my interest.
Decisions, decisions.......
Although it's not nearly as sexy as the C63 and has little relative snob appeal, it may be faster in the drag racing and performance (i.e. LSD) department than the C63. Given the current state of the U.S. economy (i.e. recession) - better deals on the CTS-V are to be had - especially when it comes to a lease.
Since I plan on dumping my C55 the middle of this year and entering into a new lease agreement regardless of the next brand I buy, the CTS-V has sparked my interest.
Decisions, decisions.......
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Joined: Sep 2002
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CLS55 AMG
Here's my take on the '09 CTS-V:
Although it's not nearly as sexy as the C63 and has little relative snob appeal, it may be faster in the drag racing and performance (i.e. LSD) department than the C63. Given the current state of the U.S. economy (i.e. recession) - better deals on the CTS-V are to be had - especially when it comes to a lease.
Since I plan on dumping my C55 the middle of this year and entering into a new lease agreement regardless of the next brand I buy, the CTS-V has sparked my interest.
Decisions, decisions.......
Although it's not nearly as sexy as the C63 and has little relative snob appeal, it may be faster in the drag racing and performance (i.e. LSD) department than the C63. Given the current state of the U.S. economy (i.e. recession) - better deals on the CTS-V are to be had - especially when it comes to a lease.
Since I plan on dumping my C55 the middle of this year and entering into a new lease agreement regardless of the next brand I buy, the CTS-V has sparked my interest.
Decisions, decisions.......
In fact, this is the first GM-built car in about ten years that I would give serious consideration to purchasing (not the -V, but the regular one; kind of easing out of the high-perf market for my next ride!). As an added bonus, it burns regular gas (don't think the -V will, though), which saves around 10% on fuel bills...
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From: Thick Ascending Limb
2017 BMW X5M DG/AB
I looked at a new CTS recently, and I was *stunned* at the interior quality and layout. I didn't have a chance to drive it, but it is a beautiful piece, is very well equipped and thought-out and from what I've heard, it drives fantastically, has a great ride, is very quiet, etc. so I'd assume that it's a great value in more than the speed department.
In fact, this is the first GM-built car in about ten years that I would give serious consideration to purchasing (not the -V, but the regular one; kind of easing out of the high-perf market for my next ride!). As an added bonus, it burns regular gas (don't think the -V will, though), which saves around 10% on fuel bills...
In fact, this is the first GM-built car in about ten years that I would give serious consideration to purchasing (not the -V, but the regular one; kind of easing out of the high-perf market for my next ride!). As an added bonus, it burns regular gas (don't think the -V will, though), which saves around 10% on fuel bills...
The C63 at 4000 bothers me but isn't a deal breaker.
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CLS55 AMG
But yeah, the C63 will be the lighter car.
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From: Thick Ascending Limb
2017 BMW X5M DG/AB
I wouldn't consider it because of that issue and by necessity its weight.
I do agree with others who think the interior represents a nice step forward.
Member
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From: WA
2005 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
The manual trans will weigh 4200, the auto 4300lbs. It's a larger car that barely weighs more than the C63 and the US-version RS4 (which both weigh about 4000lbs).
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From: Seattle
'19 E63S, ‘16 CLS63 RIP, '09 E63 Gone, '06 M5 Gone, '97 Supra TT Gone
Let's not forget that the new CTS is designed to compete with the likes of the E-Class and 5-Series. It's really not in the same class as the C anymore. It is not the CTS of yore, they have moved the model upmarket. Likewise with the STS, which will be targeting the 7-Series now. Price-wise they may be comparable, but I like the interior on the CTS many times more than the C-class interior.
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grocery getter
My take on the CTSV after seeing it at the NAIAS is that it is trying too hard. I LOVE the power plant but the exterior wants to be noticed too much and since I don't find it attractive, that's not a good thing.
Kudos to GM for offering such a beastly four door though....
Kudos to GM for offering such a beastly four door though....
Member
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From: WA
2005 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
Let's not forget that the new CTS is designed to compete with the likes of the E-Class and 5-Series. It's really not in the same class as the C anymore. It is not the CTS of yore, they have moved the model upmarket. Likewise with the STS, which will be targeting the 7-Series now. Price-wise they may be comparable, but I like the interior on the CTS many times more than the C-class interior.
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From: L.A., CA
'08 M5, '10 Land Cruiser
M5 weighs 4,012lbs, per the BMW brochure. Includes driver, 90% fuel and some luggage. FYI, that's only 100lbs more than the M6
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1988 535i 5 speed
As far as it not being able to hit 60 in less than 4, why not? I mean, really, are you telling me that 550 hp and 550 lb. ft. with a 6 spd. is not enough to move a 4k lb. vehicle this quick? that makes no sense. Hell, if an E63 can do it in 3.9 (check the 211 forum, its there), why shouldn't a lighter car with about 85 more tq. and ~50 more hp be able to do it in a couple tenths less? Believe it or not, the super lite Z06 is probably going to be slower to 60, because it weighs about as much as a paper clip, and this makes it super hard to hook up, kinda like the AMG 65s, like how an SL65 took .2 longer than a much less powerful 600 due to wheelspin.
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From: Molde, Norway
C200TCDI Sports Edition
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From: Naperville, IL/Chicago
2008 CLK63 Black Series 2012 C63 Black Series 2014 SLS Black Series
Can the US compete on a global market in regards to performance and reliability? I think the answer is yes, that is why I am giving them another chance by buying a new ZR1 this fall when they become available. Look at what Chevrolet has done over the past 10 years with the Corvette C5R and C6R's in ALMS and at Le Manns. They have beat all the big players at their own game. The knocked Dodge and Viper out of the series in the late 90's, the beat up on Ferarri, Jaguar, Aston Martin....the list goes on. I even heard that Porsche had plans to field a GTS entry earlier this decade but decided to scrap the program because they did not want to get beat by Chevrolet.
Last edited by jrcart; Feb 1, 2008 at 08:35 PM.
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2002 C32 ///AMG
That CTS-V has value written all over it. 60K base and very similar motor to the ZR1 + the GM powertrain warranty! I can see alot of folks getting a call from their local MB salesman saying "the C63's are in" and the response being "thank you, I'll call you in September after the CTS-V's are in for a good comparison.
I laugh at all the "it weights" 4300 pound comments. The E55 ain't exactly light and with the supercharged 5.4 motor and it runs like a bat out of hell. Why make weight an issue with the Caddy?
I have an affection to the AMG line but it's not the only luxury performance car in the world. For motor junkies, the '08 and '09 model years offer a whole bunch of pretty awsome introductions. Even Hyundai has a pretty solid looking product in the Genesis. Who would have ever thought that?
I laugh at all the "it weights" 4300 pound comments. The E55 ain't exactly light and with the supercharged 5.4 motor and it runs like a bat out of hell. Why make weight an issue with the Caddy?
I have an affection to the AMG line but it's not the only luxury performance car in the world. For motor junkies, the '08 and '09 model years offer a whole bunch of pretty awsome introductions. Even Hyundai has a pretty solid looking product in the Genesis. Who would have ever thought that?
Last edited by hkycoldrct; Feb 6, 2008 at 01:21 AM.
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From: 858
2005 Brabus C55
thankfully you have lots of cars to drive ...
put the Dinan M3 tire size on the CTS-V-Monster & see how long those rear ends & tranny's last 
tires indeed! 
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 137
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From: WA
2005 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
As far as it not being able to hit 60 in less than 4, why not? I mean, really, are you telling me that 550 hp and 550 lb. ft. with a 6 spd. is not enough to move a 4k lb. vehicle this quick? that makes no sense. Hell, if an E63 can do it in 3.9 (check the 211 forum, its there), why shouldn't a lighter car with about 85 more tq. and ~50 more hp be able to do it in a couple tenths less? Believe it or not, the super lite Z06 is probably going to be slower to 60, because it weighs about as much as a paper clip, and this makes it super hard to hook up, kinda like the AMG 65s, like how an SL65 took .2 longer than a much less powerful 600 due to wheelspin.
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 246
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From: Houston
2005 CL65
My CTS-V is modded to near the specs of the upcoming CTS-V. I'm lucky if I can get enough traction to do 0-60 in the mid-4s. Like I said before, you can get under 4 sec to 60 IF you're running drag radials but it'll be difficult to put all that power down to the ground otherwise. I, for one, hope I'm wrong though!
It'll be interesting to see how this technology translates into track times!
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From: Los Angeles, California
2006 E55 BEAST
I really hope this car doesnt drive as well as my E... I really dont want any reason to ever get rid of my car, and luckily for me, it doesnt look like MB is gonna be giving me a reason anytime in the near future.
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From: 858
2005 Brabus C55
not to mention un-equal diameter half-shafts to reduce wheel hop.
according to a GM spokeman, the N-Ring times are startling ... of course no specifics
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From: Naperville, IL/Chicago
2008 CLK63 Black Series 2012 C63 Black Series 2014 SLS Black Series
It might be blind arrogance but name me one American designed product which is popular outside the American market, you won't find any, American cars are made for the North American market and are hopelessly outclassed outside of it, they are only attractive to a very small minority of car buyers.
I can name you one American product which is popular outside of North America...Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. A Harley is the ultimate status symbol in most European nations. Fact: Harley-Davidson sells more V-Rod's and Buells in Europe than they do in North America. The Buells are something like 5 to 1 Europe vs. North American sales.
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C32 AMG
I can name you one American product which is popular outside of North America...Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. A Harley is the ultimate status symbol in most European nations. Fact: Harley-Davidson sells more V-Rod's and Buells in Europe than they do in North America. The Buells are something like 5 to 1 Europe vs. North American sales.
There are a handful of US-made cars that have the technological sophistication and performance to sell in Europe. And don't forget that an increasing number of cars sold in the US are borrowed from European product lines.
American car makers have resisted investing in modernization because American buyers were loyal and naive.
