Six months ago, we gave you a first look at Cadillac’s second-generation supersedan, and you already know this will be the most powerful production Caddy ever. Now we can give you some performance specifics.
The 6.2-liter, supercharged and intercooled LSA V-8 will generate 556 horsepower and 551 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough to power the CTS- V to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, according to Cadillac, whether equipped with the standard six-speed manual transmission or the optional six-speed automatic.
The manual version is expected to weigh in at about 4200 pounds, the automatic at 4300. Cadillac also forecasts quarter-mile runs in about 12 seconds flat at 118 mph. Top speed is expected to be 191 mph for the manual version, 175 mph for the auto. And to underscore the car’s cred, GM performance-vehicle guru John Heinricy drove an incredible lap with an automatic model on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife course—7:59.32 for the 12.9 miles, an average speed of more than 96 mph, making the CTS- V the first production four-door on street tires to crack the eight-minute barrier.
We’re still awaiting our first session behind the wheel of a CTS- V. But a few laps in the passenger seat at GM’s proving grounds suggest that the car’s parallel development goals—improved NVH and a more refined blend of ride and handling—have been achieved.
The new CTS- V is due to hit Cadillac showrooms in October. No word on pricing yet, but a base price of $60,000, not including gas-guzzler tax, still looks like a good bet.
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