This isn't the first time GM has hit the touring car scene however, with its Oldsmobile Aurora running in IMSA during the 1996 season. GM's European Opel/Vauxhall and Australia's Holden compete in sedan-based series as well.
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| With over 500-hp the racing-spec aluminum 5.7-liter V8 engine should easily send the CTS-V roaring around the track. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
The CTS-V race-spec car shares little more than a similar exterior shape with the road-going production vehicle however. This is nothing new in motorsport though, with NASCAR and Trans Am entrants following the same format. Though it still features Caddy's vertical headlights and tail lamps, plus the wide, deep mesh grille, extended fenders now house wide racing slicks on feather-light alloys, as well a lengthened front lip and high-mount adjustable rear spoiler in order to keep the car stuck to the ground at high-speed. Massive intakes on the hood feed the engine, while side-mounted exhaust tips provide free breathing.
A modified 5.7-liter V8 resides under the hood. Constructed of aluminum and using Caddy's best performance know-how, the race team has managed to extract in excess of 500 horsepower, which should be more than enough to propel this domestic sedan to a top speed of 270 km/h.