2009 Cadillac CTS-V

Cadillac shocked the auto world with the angular, creased-pants “Art and Science” look of its all-new 2002 CTS (think: “Cadillac Touring Sedan”). Then followed for 2004 with the marque’s first truly high-performance model in a very long time, the CTS-V. Cadillac has never said what the italicized “V” actually stands for; we’ve always thought of it as “Velocity.” Two more high-performance V models joined the line for 2006, the larger STS-V sedan and the Corvette-based XLR-V roadster, both powered by a supercharged Cadillac Northstar V-8 and both capable of sub-five-second zero-to-60 bursts.


That first CTS-V, an entry-luxury compact sedan with a potent Corvette engine wedged under its hood, was best described as quick but crude. Its Achilles heel was that drag-strip-style launches set its rear drive axles tramping like the proverbial single sailor on leave. Once underway, it went like stink and steered, cornered and braked quite nicely, largely due to extensive dynamic development at GM’s Proving Grounds and a variety of racecourses, including Germany’s legendary 14.2-mile Nurburgring. That is where BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and the best of the rest test and develop their most capable luxury and performance cars. But it offered only the Corvette’s somewhat clunky heavy-duty six-speed manual transmission and was far less smooth and refined than the BMW M, Mercedes AMG and Audi S models it aspired to challenge.

Raising the Bar

However, this ultra-fast and ultra-refined new 2009 CTS-V begins with a major advantage over its predecessor. While that original, image-shaking Cadillac CTS was a revelation and pretty decent car at its price, the vastly improved 2008 CTS is at least the equal of anything in its class. It has won numerous awards, including Motor Trend’s Car of the Year, and has sold well even as the new-car market has sunk in recent months.

Into this sophisticated new sedan Cadillac has inserted a new 6.2-liter supercharged “LSA” V-8 pumping out a road-ripping 556 hp and 551 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s still a Corvette-based pushrod (cam-in-block) V-8, not a multivalve, double-overhead-cam design like Cadillac’s Northstar and most other modern engines. But it is a somewhat tamer sibling of the mighty, hand-built “LS9” supercharged V-8 that generates an incredible 638 hp and 604 lb. ft. in the $100K-plus Corvette ZR1, and no one has accused that race-bred mill of inadequacy.


Like its more muscular LS9 big brother, this LSA version delivers very high performance with remarkable refinement. Its sixth-generation Eaton supercharger is far quieter than any before it, and its integrated intercooler controls intake air temperature to optimize performance. Relative to its much more expensive German rivals, it generates more grunt low in its rev range than the muscular V-10s in BMW’s M5 (398 lb. ft.) and Audi’s S6 (383 lb. ft.) put out at their torque peaks. Transmission choices are the much-improved six-speed manual and, for the first time, a heavy-duty six-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Design and Technology

The CTS-V’s exterior builds on the standard CTS’ already assertive stance with beefy Michelin Pilot Sport 2 (PS2) Z-rated summer performance tires on 19-inch (19 x 9.0 in. front, 19-9.5 in. rear) forged aluminum wheels. The raised hood accommodates the taller supercharged engine, and both fascias are specific to the CTS-V. The larger, mesh-covered grille and lower intakes in front provide additional air for engine and brake cooling, while large, chrome exhausts protrude from a deep lower valence in back.

Inside are extra-supportive Recaro performance seats, a worthwhile upgrade, that adjust 14 ways, including pneumatic bolster adjustments for cushions and backrests. As in every new CTS, hand-stitched premium leather adorns the instrument panel, doors and center console, while the decorative trim is a new Obsidian material. A special microfiber material on the seats, steering wheel and shifter give the look and feel of suede without suede’s drawbacks. State-of-the-art infotainment features include advanced navigation (optional) with a pop-up screen, Bose digital surround-sound audio, a 40-gigabyte hard drive and hands-free Bluetooth capability.