Cadillac CTS Coupe, CTS-V (2008): first official pictures

By Ben Oliver

First Official Pictures

16 January 2008 04:07

Cadillac showed three major new models at Detroit, and pulled off one of the show’s few surprises by keeping its new CTS Coupe completely secret until it was officially unveiled. It also revealed the 550bhp CTS-V and the Provoq small SUV concept (see separate story).

Although branded as a concept, the striking, angular two-door four-seat CTS Coupe will come to Europe in 2010 and will come here because it is based on the CTS saloon platform which will be offered in right-hand drive in the UK and other overseas markets. Engine options will include GM’s new V6 diesel, and GM insiders won’t rule out slotting in the CTS-V’s monstrous V8. Prices are likely to undercut the BMW 3-series coupe.

GM product chief Bob Lutz launched the production version of the Cadillac CTS-V with the bold claim that it would be the ‘world’s fastest four-door’, a claim GM subsequently backed away from. But it will be terrifyingly rapid; it was expected to get a version of the Corvette Z06 engine, but in fact it gets a mildly detuned version of the new LS96.2-litre supercharged V8 from the 200mph-plus Corvette ZR1, also revealed at Detroit.

Weighing in at a portly 1900kg, the CTS-V won’t match the new Vette’s figures but its 550bhp and 550lb ft of torque will be enough to embarrass both the BMW M3 and M5, on paper at least. Expect a sub-five second 0-60mph time and a top speed limited to around 185mph. The new Magnetic Ride Control adaptive damping system promises to provide handling to match.

The CTS-V goes on sale in America at the end of the year. It will reach Europe at the end of 2009 and will also be offered in the Middle East and Asia. Prices haven’t been announced but are expected to be around $60,000 in its home market, and around £55,000 once it’s been shipped to the UK. Hardly in keeping with the dollar-pound exchange rate, then.

The V will sell in volumes too low to justify a right-hand drive version, but there will be a choice of six-speed manual or automatic, the latter with paddle-shift controls.

They say: ‘The world’s fastest four-door.’
We say: Why split hairs? This will be a searingly fast saloon
CAR verdict: 4/5

By Ben Oliver