First we caught the mega-horsepower, $100,000 Blue Devil / Stingray Corvette, and just 24-hours and two rental cars later (for cover, of course), we've snagged a 2009 CTS V Series prototype!
We've shot several "ordinary" CTS test cars in mild camouflage in recent weeks, but this is NOT the run-of-the-mill (future) CTS: Our prototype, as seen here, has a huge bubble in the hood, performance wheels and wide tires, unique (larger) exhaust pipes and - my photographer swears - an obvious "supercharger sound."
Engine-wise, we've heard more rumors than jellybeans in a bottle (you guys can tell that I'm over-worked - eh?). One of our most dependable sources claims the CTS V Series will be powered by a 4.6-liter non-supercharged V8, while others insist (and our pictures likely show) a supercharged V8 is in store for the hot CTS. And some even claim this will share the Stingray's supercharged V8 - which could be why these two test groups are working in the same "neighborhood."
Horsepower estimates have also been all over the board, but we're guessing the CTS V will have somewhere between 550-600-hp.
Production should start in the fall of 2008, and an annual run of 7500 V Series units is expected.
photo:Chris Doane / Brenda Priddy & Company
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We've shot several "ordinary" CTS test cars in mild camouflage in recent weeks, but this is NOT the run-of-the-mill (future) CTS: Our prototype, as seen here, has a huge bubble in the hood, performance wheels and wide tires, unique (larger) exhaust pipes and - my photographer swears - an obvious "supercharger sound."
Engine-wise, we've heard more rumors than jellybeans in a bottle (you guys can tell that I'm over-worked - eh?). One of our most dependable sources claims the CTS V Series will be powered by a 4.6-liter non-supercharged V8, while others insist (and our pictures likely show) a supercharged V8 is in store for the hot CTS. And some even claim this will share the Stingray's supercharged V8 - which could be why these two test groups are working in the same "neighborhood."
Horsepower estimates have also been all over the board, but we're guessing the CTS V will have somewhere between 550-600-hp.
Production should start in the fall of 2008, and an annual run of 7500 V Series units is expected.
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photo:Chris Doane / Brenda Priddy & Company
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