2010 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan Road Test and Review
Ever since the second-generation Cadillac CTS went on sale, it has proven that General Motors can compete with top automakers in terms of styling and luxury, but the performance-tuned CTS-V exists solely to go after European sport sedans like the BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, Audi S6 and even cars like the Porsche Panamera Turbo. Straight off the assembly line in Lansing, Mich., the CTS-V delivers blistering performance and handling that allows the car to dominate some of the best tracks in the world including the famed Nürburgring in Germany. While the supercharged V-8 obviously delivers plenty of performance on the track, Cadillac dropped off its sporty new 2010 Cadillac CTS-V for me to check out how it handles in everyday driving.
With a base price of $60,720, the 2010 CTS-V commands a hefty premium over the standard V-6 version of the luxury sedan, and adding in the options and required gas guzzler tax, this CTS-V had an as-tested price of $68,445. Despite this price that nearly doubles up the $36,730 starting price of a base CTS, the 2010 Cadillac CTS-V delivers plenty of value when compared to its rival European sport sedans that start in the mid-$70,000 and quickly go up from there. After spending a week of behind the wheel of Caddy's newest CTS-V Sedan, it seems that GM has finally perfected its recipe to take on some of the best factory-tuned European sedans on the market.
2010 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan Exterior
The angular styling of the standard 2010 CTS Sedan already exudes a mean character, so Cadillac added a few key changes to the CTS-V to help make the performance version easier to distinguish from the V-6 models. Like all previous V-Series Cadillac offerings, the biggest change on the 2010 CTS-V is the more aggressive front fascia with upper and lower mesh grille inserts. The deeper fascia also allowed for larger fog lamp bezels that add to the front end's menacing look. In the rear of the car, a taller LED third brake light doubles as a downforce-inducing spoiler, while the rear fascia is updated to match the aerodynamic front end. The car's unique look is finished off with 19-inch, V-spoke aluminum wheels wrapped in staggered-width Michelin Pilot Sport performance tires that measure 255/40ZR19 in the front and 285/35ZR19 in the rear.
2010 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan Interior
Inside, the only difference between the CTS-V and the standard Cadillac CTS Sedan we reviewed back in May was the bright aluminum accents being replaced by Piano Black (a.k.a. fingerprint magnets) inserts on the steering wheel and center stack as well as optional ($600) dark wood (Midnight Sapele) accents on the instrument panel and door panels. The Recaro High Performance Seats Package ($3,400) matched the sporty attitude of the car and provided firm bolstering from the thighs up to the shoulders for the front seats and feature power adjustable side bolstering and manually adjustable leg supports; the driver's seat has a four-way power adjustable lumbar support. All five seating positions also benefit from soft, perforated suede leather inserts, and the package is finished off with metal brake and accelerator pedals. The final option that helped give the CTS-V its exclusive interior is the suede leather wrapping on the steering wheel and shift lever. V logo emblems are found on the front seat backs and the steering wheel to put the finishing touches on the cabin.
To help offset the higher cost, the CTS-V comes standard with the navigation system that is usually a high-priced option on standard models. The automatic pop-up navigation screen provides a clear display for all navigation and audio functions, while the audio system is upgraded to a 10-speaker Bose 5.1 surround sound system that has a 40-gigabyte hard drive system and iPod connectivity. One feature that isn't included in the navigation system is a backup camera, but it does offer the rear park assist system.
Keeping with the high class touches associated with the CTS, the V-series model also adds conveniences such as heated and cooled front seats, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel and ambient LED cabin lighting. The soft, white LED ambient lighting beams out from behind the wood trim accents at night on the instrument and door panels to help give the cabin a welcoming atmosphere.
2010 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan Performance & Handling
As proof of just how quickly the CTS-V became a benchmark for performance luxury sedans, the CTS-V was the fastest production sedan on the market for a while thanks to a detuned version of the engine used in the current Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. Instead of the 638-horsepower LS9 used in the ZR1, the CTS-V features GM's LSA engine which is a 6.2-liter supercharged that is tuned to produce 556 horsepower and 551 lb-ft of torque. Although a six-speed manual transmission is offered, this test model came with the six-speed automatic that includes a sport shift mode and manual shift 'paddles' mounted on the back of the steering wheel. This massive powerplant returns an EPA estimated 12 miles per gallon in the city and 18 mpg on the highway warranting the mandated $2,600 gas guzzler tax.
Cadillac also worked extensively to deliver a finely tuned suspension system for optimal cornering. Even thought its 4,300-pound curb weight can leave the CTS-V feeling a little heavy during some cornering maneuvers, it is still an incredibly nimble sport sedan which was proven last year during Bob Lutz's CTS-V Challenge at the Monticello Motor Club in Monticello, New York. The cornering abilities are enhanced thanks to enlarged, high-performance brakes that help slow the CTS-V down for turns, while a limited slip differential and GM's Magnetic Ride Control suspension system help to keep the car under control in tight corners. As for straight-line acceleration, Cadillac says that the CTS-V can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 3.9 seconds, while those looking to test the their CTS-V on the skid pad are able to check the lateral G limits with a G meter built into the instrument cluster.
2010 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan Safety
Performance may be the highlight of the CTS-V, but it still provides plenty of protection for the occupants with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) giving it a five-star rating for side-impact protection and four stars for frontal-impact protection and rollover rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) doesn't post separate results for the CTS-V, but it gave the standard CTS 'Good' ratings for frontal-, side- and rear-impact protection. Standard safety features for the 2010 CTS-V Sedan include six airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with traction control, tire pressure monitoring system and, of course, GM's OnStar system with automatic crash response and stolen vehicle assistance.
Summary
Among GM's current stable of vehicles, the 2010 CTS-V is second only to the Corvette ZR1in terms of styling, performance and handling, but when it comes to everyday comfort and driveability, there are few cars on the market that can keep up with this powerful Cadillac. Combining one of the most powerful engines in Cadillac's history with a suspension system that was tuned on the legendary Nürburgring, the 2010 Cadillac CTS-V is one of the best sport sedans on the planet. With two more CTS-V models due out by the end of this year, CTS-V Sport Wagon and CTS-V Coupe, Cadillac's assault on European automakers is only just beginning.
General Motors provided the vehicle this road test review.
Select photos by Jeffrey N. Ross