Tuned on the Racetrack
On the dynamic handling front, the STS-V benefits from many enhancements over the decaffeinated STS, including Brembo brakes with improved air cooling, larger wheels and tires, and a performance-tuned suspension with larger stabilizer bars, front and rear. These enhancements offer clear evidence that the Cadillac is intended to do battle with the very best "luxo-sports" sedans on the market.
Out on the open road, the STS-V is a slick performer, but with a curb weight of 1948 kg, it's a big vehicle that has a fair amount of rear-end momentum when pushed. The ride is firm and when pushed into a rough corner at elevated speeds, the Cadillac doesn't seem to have the same capability to absorb the bumps and maintain its trajectory as well as some competitors of a more Germanic heritage.
A clear strength of the car, on the other hand, is the braking system. With sizeable, vented rotors (355 mm in the front, 365 mm in the back) and four-piston calipers on each corner, the Brembo system delivers powerful and consistent stopping performance.
Slick Styling, Inside and Out
With its sharp lines, wire-mesh front grille and lower front fascia, and striking aluminum wheels (18-inch numbers in the front, 19s in the back), the STS-V cuts an imposing figure. It's a mean-looking machine, the kind that Kid Rock could be singing about in the tune, "American Badass."
The interior is less overtly aggressive, but slick nonetheless. The carbon fibre-look plastic on the steering wheel and doors, combined with the black olive ash centre console piece create a clean, high-tech impression. The heated, power front seats are infinitely adjustable and feature soft leather mixed with suede inserts. Nice touch. In fact, the driver environment manages a near-perfect blend of "traditional Cadillac" comfort and "new Cadillac" sportiness.
All in all, the STS-V is a serious contender for German luxury sport sedans such as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class. This reviewer's only caveat is that it may not offer more bang for the buck than its sibling, the Cadillac CTS-V.
On the dynamic handling front, the STS-V benefits from many enhancements over the decaffeinated STS, including Brembo brakes with improved air cooling, larger wheels and tires, and a performance-tuned suspension with larger stabilizer bars, front and rear. These enhancements offer clear evidence that the Cadillac is intended to do battle with the very best "luxo-sports" sedans on the market.
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| The STS-V comes ready for battle with larger wheels to fit the big Brembo brakes and performance tires. |
Out on the open road, the STS-V is a slick performer, but with a curb weight of 1948 kg, it's a big vehicle that has a fair amount of rear-end momentum when pushed. The ride is firm and when pushed into a rough corner at elevated speeds, the Cadillac doesn't seem to have the same capability to absorb the bumps and maintain its trajectory as well as some competitors of a more Germanic heritage.
A clear strength of the car, on the other hand, is the braking system. With sizeable, vented rotors (355 mm in the front, 365 mm in the back) and four-piston calipers on each corner, the Brembo system delivers powerful and consistent stopping performance.
Slick Styling, Inside and Out
With its sharp lines, wire-mesh front grille and lower front fascia, and striking aluminum wheels (18-inch numbers in the front, 19s in the back), the STS-V cuts an imposing figure. It's a mean-looking machine, the kind that Kid Rock could be singing about in the tune, "American Badass."
The interior is less overtly aggressive, but slick nonetheless. The carbon fibre-look plastic on the steering wheel and doors, combined with the black olive ash centre console piece create a clean, high-tech impression. The heated, power front seats are infinitely adjustable and feature soft leather mixed with suede inserts. Nice touch. In fact, the driver environment manages a near-perfect blend of "traditional Cadillac" comfort and "new Cadillac" sportiness.
All in all, the STS-V is a serious contender for German luxury sport sedans such as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class. This reviewer's only caveat is that it may not offer more bang for the buck than its sibling, the Cadillac CTS-V.
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| The performance-tuned suspension does not have the same ride quality as its German rivalry. |