[mikmak]

Sorry if this is a repost kids; I only read it in hard copy today then had a quick look around but couldn't see it.

CARMAGAZINE.CO.UK

First Drives

Cadillac CTS-V (2008) CAR review

By Georg Kacher

First drive

12 September 2008 09:00

The Cadillac CTS-V is a super saloon to make BMW M5 drivers feel inadequate. And with a huge 6.2-litre V8 it has the cubic capacity and cylinder count to match the Mercedes AMG trio of C, E and CLS 63. Except GM saw fit to strap an Eaton supercharger to the V8 in the Cadillac CTS-V…

That LS9 V8 is basically the same engine you’ll find in the latest Corvette ZR1, albeit with the whick turned down to deliver 82 fewer horses. Still, you shouldn’t be found wanting with 556bhp. But unlike the Corvette this Caddy has four doors, five seats and the option of a six-speed auto. Read on for CAR Online’s first drive of the Cadillac CTS-V and to find out whether V can match up to the Establishment's M, RS and AMG rivals.

This is the same guy that loved the ZR1 and is also a favourite reviewer of mine. He's tested all manner of high end exoctics and really knows what's what. You will also notice in this review, he approaches with an open mind, much like he did with the 'vette.

Note: The review was on the same press day as the AutoCAR test posted by mbukukanyau, but I just like George better

 

[drew630]

Matches?? Hell, the CTS-V blows the M, RS, and AMG out of the damn water.

 

[jbernie]

Matches?? Hell, the CTS-V blows the M, RS, and AMG out of the damn water.

In most peoples eyes it is still just an American car so it can't be any good.

 

[nadepalma]

Good article. He does come at it pretty balanced and his criticisms are constructive rather than sarcastic. Good find.

 

[Mikkoo]

In most peoples eyes it is still just an American car so it can't be any good.

True, perceptions on this side of the pond aren't good either. Still waiting to see the
" all new" CTS here in Scandinavia. It's been on sale since early 08, but it just
doesn't seem to strike much interest unfortunately.

 

[GMusa]

I wish i could afford one.. This car is so awesome!

 

[GMfan1111]

good review and i have always liked the CTS. The new one is way out of my price range right now but I have no problem buying a used first gen CTS

 

[YupYupYup]

True, perceptions on this side of the pond aren't good either. Still waiting to see the
" all new" CTS here in Scandinavia. It's been on sale since early 08, but it just
doesn't seem to strike much interest unfortunately.

Drive it...Then look at the price (not including Euro taxes and mark-ups), and you will see how good it really is...The V is just that much better.

Of course, I do not expect anyone in Europe to actually admit it is a better vehicle than a Mercedes, BMW, etc.

 

[b4z]

The new V may not be a better overall performer than the Euro performance sedans, but it is $20-35K cheaper.
What the Euro press doesn't want to admit to is that if BMW came out with a "low" priced M5 sedan with a pushrod V8 and sold it for $60K they would lose their minds and tell everybody how good it is-and that you really don't need overhead cams.

But slap a Caddy or any American badge on it and it suddenly loses all credibility in their minds.

 

[andretti2008]

This is a great car I'd buy it over any thing AMG M or RS makes (size wise) but I think GM needs to further distince Caddy from the other brands in order to really get people to view them as a world player against world names. No Caddy should share parts or anything for that matter with a Chevy, sorry 'Slade lovers.

 

[eurohazard]

Sexy car! (except for the uneven hood gap!) <- That's just being too picky though.

 

[drew630]

Sexy car! (except for the uneven hood gap!) <- That's just being too picky though.

I wouldn't be surprised if the torque of the motor is causing that.

 

[camaro_freak]

Matches?? Hell, the CTS-V blows the M, RS, and AMG out of the damn water.

for now yes and that rocks!

But how long will it be before the M is redone?
Caddy needs to keep this momentum. They need to have the future planned out and be ready for the next round of competition!

 

[tgagneguam]

When GM puts the same effort it has put into making the CTS line (sedan, V-series, and coupe and wagon) as superb as it is into its entire line-up, into its marketing, into its management(!), you will see the Company thrive.

Oh, and I'd love to see a CTS-V Coupe AWD next fall, please.

 

[eurohazard]

I wouldn't be surprised if the torque of the motor is causing that.

Absolutely! :yup:

 

[stevecmh]

nice to see other countries like it to..

to bad i dont have the money to do it

 

[Htay7500]

I want! But have no money