Why such Euro crushing performance? Simple really. The LS-6 V8 develops 400 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and a maximum of 395
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| The CTS-V's LS-6 V8 engine develops 400 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and a maximum of 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm, whew! It's mated to a heavy-duty Tremec T56 6-speed manual transmission that sends power down to the rear wheels via a 70 mm prop shaft ending at a limited slip differential configured with a 3.73:1 final drive ratio. That's a lot of zip. OK, forward thrust isn't everything I know, but in Canada at least sprinting away from a stoplight is a national pastime. Fortunately for the CTS-V, Cadillac has equipped it with agile handling to go along with its superb acceleration. Again, I kept shaking my head while giggling like a schoolgirl, "This can't
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| Not solely built for straight line speed, the CTS-V displays exceptionally agile handling in the corners. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
be a Cadillac!" But it is a Cadillac folks, and what a sensational driver at that. I couldn't help but take it up my usual mountain road, replete with long straights followed by ridiculously sharp hairpin turns, skidpad-like long sweepers and ruthless bumps mixed with horribly concave dips and dives where the pavement is eroding into the mountainside. What a blast! It doesn't take much to get a little oversteer out of the rear-drive setup, and those hairpins are ideal for letting the back kick out just a little bit.
Power comes on so strong when getting back on the throttle that it's important to show the pedal some respect. But even if "smooth on, smooth off" isn't your personal mantra, the car is also wonderfully forgiving.
