The 2016 Cadillac CTS-V is the most powerful model in the brand’s 112 year history with a maximum output of 640 HP and a maximum torque of 855 Nm (630 lb-ft).
The third generation of the Cadillac CTS-V luxury sports sedan targets the traditional competitors from Mercedes and BMW.
The Cadillac press kit very clearly mentions that the brand new CTS-V offers more torque and more power than the Mercedes E 63 AMG 5.5 litre bi-turbo V8 engine and the BMW M5 4.4 litre twin turbo V8 engine.
Is this power pack enough to beat the illustrious competitors? Let’s see what are the arguments of the new CTS-V top version.
The more powerful 6.2 litre supercharged V8 engine uses a new more efficient and more compact 1.7 litre supercharger. With direct injection and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), Cadillac V8 supercharged engine is promising more efficiency.
The new 6.2 litre supercharged V8 engine delivers a maximum output of 640 HP at 6,400 rpm and a maximum torque of 855 Nm (630 lb-ft) at 3,600 rpm, which allows a 0-60 mph sprint in only 3.7 seconds.
By comparison, the 5.5 litre V8 bi-turbo engine from Mercedes E 63 AMG delivers 550 HP/5,250-5,750 rpm and 531 lb-ft/1,750-5,000 rpm (in Europe, the E 63 AMG is available in three versions: 557 HP with rwd or 4Matic and S-Model with 585 HP and exclusively with the 4Matic). Even though both values are lower than those of the Cadillac CTS-V, the E 63 AMG benefits from the 4Matic wheel drive system, which improves traction and leads to a 0-60 mph sprint in only 3.6 seconds.
The other main competitor, the BMW M5, delivers 560 HP between 6,000 and 7,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 680 Nm from 1,500 to 5,750 rpm, which helps for a 0-60 mph sprint in 4.3 seconds (manual gearbox) and 4.2 seconds (8 speed automatic gearbox).
The Cadillac CTS-V V8 engine is mated with the new 8L90 8 speed automatic transmission, which offers full manual control via steering wheel paddles. Cadillac claims that Performance Algorithm Shifting delivers the same quick shift performances like the dual clutch transmissions found in many luxury sports sedans, but preserves the smoothness and refinement of a conventional automatic transmission fitted with a torque converter.
The new CTS-V features the third generation adaptive Magnetic Ride Control drive train, which offers four driver selectable settings: Tour, Sports, Track and Snow. In the Track Mode, Performance Traction Management allows five settings of torque reduction and brake intervention for track driving. The third Magnetic Ride Control generation can independently control the damping characteristics of all four dampers and has a 40-percent faster damping response.
With the new electric ZF Servotronic II variable ratio steering, a standard electronic limited slip differential and a structural stiffness by 25 percent over the non-V models, Cadillac promises more precise handling and steering.
The car has the same wheelbase as the CTS non-V Series (2,910 mm or 114.6 inch), but it has wider front and rear tracks. Forged aluminium 19 inch wheels measuring 9.5 inches wide at the front and 10 inches wide at the rear shod with Michelin tri-compound tread (265/35ZR19 at the front and 295/30 ZR19 at the rear) enable nearly 1g in lateral acceleration. The high performance Brembo brake system uses 390 mm front discs with six piston calipers and 365 mm rear discs with four piston calipers.
The hood is made of carbon fiber and a Carbon Fiber Package (a more aggressive front splitter, hood vent, rear diffuser and spoiler) is offered optionally.
The standard equipment includes 20-way electrically adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated trimmed in semi aniline leather, meanwhile Recaro performance sport seats are optional. The CTS-V features a unique version of the 12.3-inch instrument panel cluster display, with V-Series graphics and distinctive gauge readouts and complementing full-color, reconfigurable head-up display. It is also equipped with the latest connectivity technologies from Cadillac, including Siri Eyes free, Navigation, Bluetooth, Bose Surround Sound audio system and wireless inductive phone charging.
