2009 Cadillac CTS-V Preview - Detroit auto show

The new CTS-V is here. Well, almost here. It's at the Detroit auto show on January 13, and will be at your local Cadillac dealer this fall.

So along with getting everything new that's already part of the much-improved 2008 CTS, the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V flying V boasts the supercharged LS-based 6.2-liter V-8 with 550 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque, your choice of six-speed gearboxes, and standard Magnetic Ride Control (MRC).

Guesstimates are that 60 mph comes up in less than five ticks. That pretty darn quick for a tuxedo-clad luxury sedan, and it represents performance enough to challenge the clans from Stuttgart and Munich at a competitive price point.

Details? There are plenty. Front seats are by Recaro, feature 14 adjustments, and are covered in a long-life suede-like microfiber upholstery that delivers the performance of the natural fabric with greater durability and easier care. Along with other unique interior trim pieces, the dash is stuffed with a 40-gig hard drive for music media storage plus standard NAV with the jack-in-the-box screen.

Now for what really matters. The LS-A's supercharger is a sixth generation unit produced by Eaton. As on the new Corvette ZR1, the supercharger uses new compressor screws with four lobes instead of three. This allows greater volumetric efficiencies with less power draw. The boost is regulated so that horsepower and torque peak at 6200 rpm. As soon as we can get to an engineer, we'll get more details on why that is.

MRC is standard, and works to control a four-wheel independent suspension (SLA at each corner). You owe yourself a drive in a car with MRC … it's hard to go back to conventional valves because it's that good. Wheels are 19-inchers, with the rears being one half inch wider than the fronts at 9.5 inches. Summer-only Michelin PS2s are standard; P255/40ZR19s in front and P285/35ZR19s in the rear. Behind the wheels and tires you'll find big rotors that get squeezed by six-piston calipers in front and four-pot units in back. Of course, four-channel ABS and a well-sorted stability control system (that you can turn off) are standard. Performance Traction Management is optional.

© Source: thecarconnection
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2009 Cadillac CTS-V

This lightly camouflaged 2009 CTS-V test mule that was spotted somewhere in Colorado gives a good look at what the production model will look like when it goes on sale sometime within the next year.

Deviation from the formula that made the first CTS-V a hit is minimal -- mesh upper and lower grille, larger front fascia with bigger fog lamps, side skirts, and a pair of large exhaust pipes sticking out from the restyled rear fascia.

The front camo does a reasonable job of concealing the hood bulge that accommodates the Corvette ZR1's 600-some horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V-8's blower (for the CTS-V, the engine may be detuned to somewhere around 580 horsepower), making it look like it's placed too far forward due to an optical illusion. In reality, it is placed just over the engine as it should be, as can be seen in the photo at right. Additionally, a six-speed auto is expected to be offered in the CTS-V for the first time alonside a six-speed manual.

© Source: motortrend
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2007 SEMA Show: Cadillac CTS Sport

LAS VEGAS — The public unveiling of the 2009 CTS-V is still more than two months away. Meanwhile, at the 2007 SEMA Show, Cadillac aims to fill the void with the CTS Sport concept.

This one looks like mostly a cosmetic package, with few of the high-performance mods expected on the next CTS-V, which is being unwrapped at the upcoming Detroit show and goes on sale next fall.

The CTS Sport gets a variety of exterior add-ons, including new front and rear fascias with carbon-fiber and wire-mesh inserts, a modified hood with wire-mesh inserts and carbon-fiber front fender extractors and rear deck lid spoiler. You'll also spot the forged and polished 20-inch wheels, the painted calipers and drilled/slotted rotors on the high-performance brakes, and the rectangular exhaust tips with wire-mesh inserts.

Inside, the CTS Sport features Recaro leather sport seats and carbon-fiber trim.

Under the hood is a production-based, direct-injection 3.6-liter V6 — a far cry from the supercharged big-bore V8 that's rumored for the new CTS-V.

What this means to you: Look for the real deal in January at the Detroit show.

© Source: edmunds

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