Big American Brute Force
For the 2003 model year Cadillac shocked automotive enthusiasts by introducing a 5-speed manual to their already capable CTS sport sedan. For 2004 the base V6 has been given a boost in horsepower, making it a true contender in the entry-level premium market. But according to the crested-wreath brand, we haven't seen anything yet.
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| The Cadillac CTS-V looked stunning at its New York debut. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Obviously the General Motors division was referring to the upcoming V-Series, a new performance sub-brand mirroring specialty tuner versions of its imported competitors such as Audi's S, BMW's M and Mercedes-Benz's AMG.
The first V-Series Cadillac to hit the streets will be the CTS-V, and what a commotion it will make. Looking like a tastefully modified CTS, with subtle ground effects, larger diameter alloy rims and a wire mesh grille insert, the go-fast Caddie gets radical under the hood.
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| The Corvette Z06's overzealous LS-6 5.7-L V8 puts out 400-hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, easily enough to rocket the CTS-V to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds. (Photo: General Motors) |
Power comes from the General's overzealous LS-6 5.7-L V8, best known for its application in the Corvette Z06. That last designation should spark interest if you're a regular reader. When testing the Z06 in California last year, I experienced one of the most enthralling sport coupes I'd driven in quite some time. While Corvette's chassis was already spectacular, the high-output Z06 engine was as sweet as sweet can be. Its raucous growl only hints at its capability, with boundless torque and a willingness to rev.