Autoblog

Click above to view video after the jump

The message was somewhat short and therefore cryptic: "This is video we shot of the CTS-V driving some hot laps at the GM Proving Grounds in Milford, MI." Our curiosity sufficiently piqued, we clicked the link and watched the vid. What we saw was the new 2009 Cadillac CTS-V being manhandled around Milford. With a running commentary by the driver, the new mid-size supersedan can be seen blasting around Milford at quite alarming speeds. The deep bellow of its 556-hp supercharged 6.2L LS9-derived LSA V8 is amazing. The video is perhaps not as inspiring as the 7:59.32 run around the Nordschleife, but is still quite the spectacle. Actually, it might not even be as exciting as our own video of a recent ride in one at Milford, but it's always fun to see the CTS-V move in a way that belies its bulk and reminds us that American automakers really can build world-class cars. Check out the full 3-minute YouTube video after the jump.


[Source: GM]

click above for a new high-res gallery of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

This week the Cadillac communications crew invited a group of media out to General Motors' Milford Proving Ground for a special preview of the new second-generation Cadillac CTS-V. We first saw the CTS-V last January at the Detroit Auto Show and more information has been dribbling in the intervening time period. A few weeks back, GM's resident speed demon engineer John Heinricy took a production spec CTS-V to an all-time lap record of 7:59.32 for a production sedan at the Nürburgring, and this week Cadillac revealed the official SAE certified power numbers for the super-Caddie at 556 horsepower and 551 pound-feet of torque.

When we got to Milford our handlers took us out to a tent by the Lutz-ring test track where we found three CTS-Vs and various displays of the hardware contained within. Heinricy was on hand as well to tell the tale of the "fast lap" last month. For those who may not have been paying sufficient attention over the past 6 months, the CTS-V is GM's answer to all those German uber-sedans like the Mercedes E63 AMG, Audi RS4 and RS6 and, of course, the one that started the madness, the BMW M5. Read on after the jump to learn more about what makes this Caddie so special and what it was like to go for a ride.

BONUS: Four videos after the jump, including burn-out runs from both inside and outside the new 2009 Cadillac CTS-V.


Photos Copyright ©2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

We thought Bentley's announcement earlier today that it's adding a Speed model to the Continental Flying Spur lineup was exciting news for sedan fans. After all, a 600bhp saloon that can hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and reach 200 MPH is pretty exciting, no? Not really when compared to Cadillac's news that the 2009 CTS-V will officially be rated at 556 horsepower, hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and run the quarter mile in 12 seconds flat. No offense to Bentley, but a sub-3-second sedan is about as exciting as it can get on a Monday. For the record, the Edmunds' Straightline Blog reports that the sport sedan's 6.2L supercharged V8 will produce 556 hp at 6,100 rpm and 551 pound-feet of torque at 3,800 rpm. That engine is the LSA, derived from the new Corvette ZR1's LS9 motor and detuned for duty in the CTS-V. Fortunately, the LSA wasn't detuned too much and the '09 CTS-V should destroy its German competition, specifically the BMW M5 with its - can't believe we're saying this - relatively meager 500-hp 5.0L V10.

UPDATE: Official press release added after jump.

[Source: Edmunds' Straightline Blog]

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Cadillac CTS-V at the 'Ring.

GM is pretty pleased with the Cadillac CTS-V's 7:59.32 run around the Nurburgring, and the crew on the ground had the foresight to strap a few video cameras to the supercharged sedan to capture every second of John Heinricy's sub-eight-minute lap. The General is quick to point out that no modifications were made to the CTS-V to aid in its domination of the Green Hell. The tires were stock and the only bits not available on the options list through Caddy are the fire-suppression system, harness bar and six-point seatbelt . While the additional equipment added a few more pounds, it's obvious that it didn't hinder performance. Hit the jump for proof.

Click above for more shots of the CTS-V on the 'Ring

The badassery going in inside the supercharged LSA V8 stuffed under the domed hood of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V appears to translate well on the Nordschleife's graffiti-marked tarmac. GM announced today that John Heinricy exercised his right to life, liberty and the pursuit of a record time by wheeling a CTS-V with production-spec performance mods around the Nürburgring's north loop in 7:59.32, which is believed to be the "fastest documented lap time" for a production sedan. Even if that turns out not to be the case, it's pretty freakin' fast. GM shot video of the whole thing, which should be released in the coming days. Somewhere, Nissan engineers with furrowed brows are shoving the GT-R's 3.8L V6 into a G35 sedan...


[Source: GM]

Click image for high-res gallery

Last week, we sent you over to Inside Line to see the undisguised 2009 Cadillac CTS-V as it wound its way down the road for some photographers leading it in a Buick Enclave. Today, we've obtained the hi-res shots ourselves, and have them all lined up in the gallery below for your enjoyment. Recapping the news from last week, you'll see that the V-Series CTS sports a full body kit, a sizable power dome, smaller mesh grilles that are reminiscent of the previous-gen CTS and an updated wheel/tire/brake package. While the lack of the new-style grille is disappointing -- it's really the car's calling card -- there has to be a good reason GM did this. As Inside Line said last week, there are two schools of thought regarding what engine lurks under that dome. Initially, the assumption was that the CTS-V would get the LS7 from the Corvette Z06. Recent talk seems to favor a supercharged 6.2L V8 making 525 horses or so. If it's indeed the latter, perhaps the large lower intake is there to feed an intercooler. That's one possible explanation for the rather drastic grille change compared to the standard car. We won't need to wait much longer to find out the real skinny, anyway, as the Detroit Auto Show is fast approaching. Until then, have fun with the new eye candy.

Inside Line has scooped up some exclusive, fully-naked shots of the Detroit-bound 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, and we're pleased to report that the super duper version of Caddy's excellent CTS is looking good. In the V-Series tradition, the grillework is all mesh, making the car instantly recognizable when viewed from up front. A deeper, aggressive front air dam, sill extensions, nice-looking 10-spoke wheels and a revised rear fascia are also part of the package. Larger exhaust outlets and a sizable but well-integrated hood bulge hint at the muscle the V packs underhood. The engine specifics are still being speculated, with a normally aspirated LS7 or blown 6.2L V8 being bandied about. Either way, expect around 525 horses from whatever winds up sitting under that bulge when the car's rolled out at the Detroit show next month. We'll be there, and we're pretty stoked.

Thanks to all who emailed tips!

[Source: Inside Line]

click image above to enlarge

Don't get excited, as this shot of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V's open engine bay reveals next to nothing. What we can see is a beefy cross brace that looks to be the tallest component of the engine. The crossbrace is probably what's necessitated the hood bulge we've seen in so many spy photos of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V. Aside from that, a strategically placed piece of insulation hides what's below the brace, which allows us to continue speculating what motor will be moving this beastly sedan.

GM product planners have no doubt had a good chuckle over all the claims made about what engine the 2009 CTS-V will use. Motor Trend stated with authority that the CTS-V would get a detuned 600-horsepower version of the Corvette "Blue Devil" SS's 700-hp supercharged LS9 V8. The instant that claim was published, however, other inside sources were deriding it as completely bogus. Another possibility is to use a supercharged version of the 2008 Corvette's new LS3 V8. Last, but certainly not least, is the option of dropping the 505-hp 7.0L LS7 V8 from the current Corvette Z06 into the CTS-V. We think one of the two latter options is more likely, with the LS7 from the Corvette Z06 making the most sense because it would require the least amount of investment. What do you think? We're sure someone out there knows something and just isn't talking.

[Source: KGP Photography]