Previously honored as the 2014 Motor Trend Car of the Year and a Car and Driver’s 10 Best, the Cadillac CTS has enjoyed a place atop the box office of luxury sedans. Only amongst Detroit’s auto elite could a car of such stature receive a Robocop-inspired overhaul of power and technology. In the CTS-V, Cadillac engineers made their award-winner faster and stronger by enlisting a 6.2L, 640 horsepower V-8 engine under its new, lightweight carbon fiber hood.br
Like any highly anticipated blockbuster, the CTS-V is slated to launch in late summer, and when it does (insert dramatic explosion here), it will become Cadillac's most powerful car in the company's 112-year history. The latest installment of Cadillac's V-Series, which started a decade ago, will register top speeds of 200 mph.
But before you think of this paddle-shifting speed demon as just another overbearing sports car—think again. The CTS-V's complementing eight-speed automatic transmission has been fine tuned for outstanding shift-response times. Smaller steps between gears equate to greater efficiency within the supercharged engine's 6,400-rpm sweet spot.
Rethinking of the comprehensive suspension elements has also led to a smoother ride thanks to the car's Magnetic Ride Control, which dampens choppy terrain 40 percent faster than the CTS. Add to this driver-selectable modes that electronically calibrate performance variables for touring, sport and track driving conditions, and you have essentially two cars in one: a luxury sedan with sophisticated road manners and a track-capable sports car straight from the factory.
Complimenting the powerful yet smooth ride is a performance-oriented interior cabin that boasts Recaro performance seating. Pneumatic bolster controls adjust the heated and cooled aniline leather seats 20 different ways. The overall experience of the seats and the G-meter customizable heads up display inspire confidence for both the driver and front passenger. Cadillac's proprietary CUE system incorporates next level voice recognition with Bluetooth connectivity to make the most of the 12.3-inch instrument panel and the car's Bose Surround Sound audio package.
In the CTS-V, Cadillac has taken an already high achiever and given it a makeover of sci-fi proportions. The reality is, Cadillac's next level of performance and quality starts at $71,200. A modest price when compared to what Officer Alex Murphy paid in 1987.
DETAILS
Engine: 6.2L V8
Horsepower: 640 hp
MPG: 14/19 cty/hwy 0-60: 3.7 sec.
MSRP: $71,200