Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

[AlteredBe4st]

Well this past week I decided to finally test drive the CTS-V coupe after all the hype on this vehicle; Well I must say that the design is different, def stands out more than the M3 in my opinion, the seats are very suportive as is the overall interior design (nice) better than the M3 dated look. But I must say that with 556 hp and 551 lb-ft of torque I felt that it would have totally made the M3 feel slow, but I was very disappointed by the power I drove off feeling that as I hit the gas I would lose traction and be sucked back in the seats but nothing and yes the traction control was off and the sport mode on. The power delivery is different the CTS-V power torque from the start and the M3 power as it revs, the M3 felt more like a track vehicle and the CTS-V more like a touring Vehicle. I tested an automatic and must say that the automatic transmission is crap, hopefully the 6spd manual trans is a better choice but they did not have one on the lot, The vehicle did feel stable at high speeds but I could feel the 4254 lb weight, I also felt that the M3 brakes were better; might be due to the weight of the CTS-V, Overall I did not go through with the purchase and felt even better about my M3.

Any one have or drove a CTS-V coupe with a manual transmission what are your thoughts? again this is just my impression of the vehicle just did not wow me.

[CAPSGOD]

The auto trans in the CTS-V is from a diesel pickup truck lol. Try out the manual, there is less drivetrain loss. The styling isn't for everyone though.

[AlteredBe4st]

Originally Posted by CAPSGOD

The auto trans in the CTS-V is from a diesel pickup truck lol. Try out the manual, there is less drivetrain loss. The styling isn't for everyone though.

I agree I liked the front and side design but do not like the rears pointed look of the trunk and light.

[CPB]

I drove one with the auto trans a few months ago and came away underwhelmed. The tranny was awful. I asked about a manual and got deer-in-the-headlights look.

The look of the car did grow on me though.

[signes]

Just yesterday I tried a CTV-V coupe with a 6 speed. Agree with a lot of what you say above, car definitely stands out and looks better in person. Seats were really nice. I found the interior cluttered - lots of nice features but it all felt a little cheap (maybe just all of the glossy finishes everywhere. Car felt very large from the inside, but the interior felt a little claustrophobic - kind of like an M6. Also, oddly enough my head was brushing the headliner. I am tall - 6'3" - but never have even come close to having that happen in almost any other car, even with a helmet (most of my height is in my legs.) Probably needed to play with the seat a little more. I couldn't get it to the right position - the wheel doesn't telescope as much as the M3 so I felt farther away from everything.

In terms of performance, agree again. Was expecting to get booted in the back and have it feel substantially faster than the M3 but it felt pretty linear and smooth. I know it is plenty fast but just doesn't feel that way. A lot of the sensations feel muted and things like the exhaust note are really quiet inside the car. Even with the windows open I was expecting to hear more sound. To be fair, I didn't get to drive it hard but got some good short squirts.

Overall, I still like the idea (of a 6 speed wagon for me) of the V so will give it another try this weekend.

[Damage Inc]

I was very suprised at how muted the engine / exhaust were as well. I thought being an American V8, this thing would be roaring.

Overall excellent offering and alternative to the M cars. I hope Cadillac keeps investing into them.

[bruce.augenstein@comcast.]

Originally Posted by CAPSGOD

The auto trans in the CTS-V is from a diesel pickup truck lol. Try out the manual, there is less drivetrain loss. The styling isn't for everyone though.

Nope. It's a variant of the GM/Ford - developed 6-speed. The diesel pickup uses a 5-speed Allison.

IMO, the 6-speed is a pretty good auto, though.

As to the speed of the CTS-V, I can only assume the OP didn't really get to air one out. Much like my first 1100 cc motorcycle, the car feels as if it can go from eighty to one-hundred with no more effort than from going from zero to twenty. As if the basic laws of physics get repealed in the vicinity of the vehicle.

Bruce

[Scoobe]

I think I read that GM has an 8 speed ZF under development for both the CTS-V, Vette, and Camaro. Ford (Getrag) and Chrysler also have DCT based transmissions on the way. I'm guessing the transmission upgrade will greatly improve the feel of the cars.

[CAPSGOD]

Originally Posted by bruce.augenstein@comcast.

Nope. It's a variant of the GM/Ford - developed 6-speed. The diesel pickup uses a 5-speed Allison.

IMO, the 6-speed is a pretty good auto, though.

As to the speed of the CTS-V, I can only assume the OP didn't really get to air one out. Much like my first 1100 cc motorcycle, the car feels as if it can go from eighty to one-hundred with no more effort than from going from zero to twenty. As if the basic laws of physics get repealed in the vicinity of the vehicle.

Bruce

A CTS-V owner told me that He said that's why they can hold 800hp on a stock transmission

[CAPSGOD]

It appears to use a 6L90, which is shared with the Silverado HD and other heavy duty trucks. Rated to 885 lb/ft torque

http://www.gmpowertrain.com/Powertra...MYD%20auto.doc

[bruce.augenstein@comcast.]

Originally Posted by CAPSGOD

It appears to use a 6L90, which is shared with the Silverado HD and other heavy duty trucks. Rated to 885 lb/ft torque

http://www.gmpowertrain.com/Powertra...MYD%20auto.doc

Be damned.

Thank you! I just learned a ton!

Thought they were still using the Allison - but now I know better. Nice pointer.

Bruce

Edit: Also didn't realize this transmission design could be extended that far!

[bobbyd1961]

i dont have to go try a caddy M3 wins hands down

[shchow]

In regular mode, the automatic starts off in 2nd gear. In sport mode, it starts off in 1st.
The Caddy is one of the most brutally fast cars I've driven, and the numbers support this.
I remember test driving the E60 M5 the first time and I thought, "Eh, nothing special."
It was only after driving it for several months did I fully unlock it's true nature.
This thread reminds me of the 335 owner who test drove the M3 and felt that the 335 "feels just as fast."
There's no question that the E90 M3 is one of the all time great cars, but the Caddy is faster in virtually all venues...

PS...I will agree that the auto tranny is it's Achilles heel. If I had to do it again, would get the manual.

[signes]

I agree with that ^^^. Need to drive it again for a longer test. I felt the same way about both the E90 and E 60 Ms when I first drove them. The biggest "issue" for me was fit in the car, I know they are plenty fast. Just was expecting it to be faster given the numbers and high amount of torque early in the rev range.

[AlteredBe4st]

Not saying the car is not faster than the M3 just saying that I expected to feel pure brute force like the Corvette with that much Hp and Torque; 0-60 and quarter mile times are almost identical to the M3, top end is were the Cts-V pulls away from the M3. Even in sport mode it just felt like a touring car.

[H Bomb]

at our dealership i get to drive one once in awhile. the racetrack near us owns a couple of them for house track cars and the 6sp manual is def better then the auto tranny. we sell more manuals then we do auto but people still buy the auto tranny to my suprise

heck the 3.6L CTS with the manual tranny and perf pack is a quick car and i would get one of those over a 335 actually

[needspeed]

I had an 08 M3 and it was a great car, I should have changed the exhaust and I would have loved it more.

I am geting a CTS-V Loaded in Black Diamond for the hell of it. Time to give GM a shot. Plus, it is easy and cheap to mod for more sound and power......Steve

[Raptor251]

Ps the new chevy duramax diesel comes with a 6 spd allison transmission...have one in my drive way

[Mookster]

I was gonna go with a CTS-V...but then test drove a Z06 and things changed quickly,

[alms211]

I've done the Z06/GM thing and while there are things about them that are very nice from a power delivery standpoint and exterior styling (love the exterior of the Z06 and Grand Sport Vette......not so much the CTS-V), I've had my fill of them. I'll stick with BMW and Porsche. You can tell the difference in build quality as soon as you shut the door.

[J-boogey]

At the end of the day its american... Its motor is basically a de-tuned version of the ZR1 motor... It also weights like a boat.. I wouldn't get the auto tranny.. deff the 6spd, If you throw a tune, pulleys, exhaust w x-pipe you should be chillin nice lol

[jwise36]

Originally Posted by J-boogey

At the end of the day its american... Its motor is basically a de-tuned version of the ZR1 motor... It also weights like a boat.. I wouldn't get the auto tranny.. deff the 6spd, If you throw a tune, pulleys, exhaust w x-pipe you should be chillin nice lol

hey everyone, ive got a 328i x drive and can only dream of owning an m3, but i must set the record straight here.

you CANNOT compare the quality of a bmw to a caddy. my dad has a 2011 cts v sedan black diamond edition (paint is really nice. however when it comes to performance WOWWWWWW. the cts-v is one hell of a car. he has the auto, is it the greatest transmission? no, most definitely not, but the brute force seems to compensate for it.

with that said he has a full corsa exhaust and kooks headers (and my god, its a must on the v. GM built a performance car and wanted it to sound like a 2001 deville for some reason. after that the car ROARS) an airraid intake, pulley upgrade running 5 pounds boost over stock and supporting upgrades.

so, the point im trying to make is that the V has some serious potential. if you can dump another 7-8 grand into it, bring it up to 700 horsepower, its truly an astonishing car. its always a fun experience when a 25 year old pulls up next to you in a modded m3 (or r8 v10 last weekend) and gets blown away by a 63 year old in a cadillac..

and thats my rant enjoy