2009 Cadillac CTS-V Review And Photo Gallery: Can Cadillac FINALLY Truly Play In The German's Playground??

2009 Cadillac CTS-V Review And Photo Gallery: Can Cadillac FINALLY Truly Play In The German's Playground??
It seems that the American car companies have been chasing the Germans and the Asians for forever and a day.

Product after product that is supposedly as good as or better than the competition but when you peel back the onion and really look close, you find out that the major car magazine has been indirectly paid off with a handsome ad campaign in exchange for a pass on the first review.

So you read the review, get all excited and run down to the dealer, test drive it and maybe even buy it.

2009 Cadillac CTS-V Photo Gallery

And then you realize THEY drove an entirely different car than you because what you're driving, is so far away from a BMW, Lexus or Mercedes, it isn't even funny.

I'm so tired of hearing the BS from the big three I could almost vomit blood about how they are truly world class and how their products are as good as or better than the leaders.

And coming to Sonoma, California as a guest of GM this week, I was expecting to hear the same old-same old and drive a car that isn't bad but not even near the world we eat, sleep and breathe in.

But today was DIFFERENT.

For the first time that I can remember, the car Cadillac put me in, was every bit as good as the M3's, M5's, AMG's, IS-F's, etc. and in some ways even BETTER.

This new CTS-V my friends (I sound like John McCain there..LOL!) is the authentic item, the real deal, the cats ass, badass motha (shut your mouth), the real McCoy...should I go on?

0-60 in 3.9 seconds, quarter mile in 12.

In a luxo-sedan!

And it will base price (not finalized but we're predicting it will) just under 60k!!!!

Let me translate that for you.

That's better than BMW M5 performance for $25k less!!!

I know what you're waiting for here...OK, 001, tell us everything was great if it just had a nice interior or if it just looked as cool as the competition.

Well NO ONE on earth is happier than me to tell you that they have done EVERYTHING right on this car, inside AND out!

GREAT JOB CADILLAC AND GM!!!!

THIS is the kind of car we have been waiting for!

Something we don't have tomake excuses for...

Acceleration is beyond awesome, handling perfectly balanced, almost ergonomically correct (yes, there are a couple little niggling mistakes ergonomically inside and I am grasping at straws here), because NO car is perfect.

You knee blocks the interior temp display and the trip computer buttons are behind the steering wheel and virtually impossible to see without turning the wheel left or right.

I can live with that but the only thing that I really didn't like was, like the regular CTS, there are no upper front seat grab handles in the roof.

Trust us, when this thing is in full rocketship mode, they are needed.

This car absolutely FLIES!!!!

And we predict it is going to FLY off dealership shelves...well, maybe not fly (only because of the price of gas), but this will be a car that will be sought after.

It is bloody fantastic!

Forget the Corvette, this is the ride for me.

And I'll take mine in Pewter, with suede wheel/shifter, 6-speed, Recaro package and nav.

VERDICT:

2009 Cadillac CTS-V.

NOT same as is ever was at GM.

Do you believe in miracles? YES!!!!!!!!

Here are the photos from the gallery:

2009 Cadillac CTS-V Photo Gallery




















2009 Cadillac CTS-V Photo Gallery



kpaxxkpaxx - 9/16/2008 9:31:58 AM
+11 Boost
Excellent Job Cadillac!


appeal2appeal2 - 11/9/2008 4:28:55 PM
+1 Boost
I drove the "V" last Friday. It is one amazing vehicle. The power curve is so clean. I brakes like no other sedan I have ever driven. I hit 115 on the straight and felt like I was pulling into my driveway. The handling, power and driveability are awesome. The fit and finish looked pretty good. Someone from Detroit had a silver one in the lot with black wheels that looked totally lethal. And the price loaded for around 65k. My 550i was more than that and not nearly as much fun. Now I am trying to figure out how justify the new purchase to the wife.


B7FANB7FAN - 9/16/2008 9:45:00 AM
-4 Boost
the body still needs some work but this looks like GM can Finally Hang with the GERMAN BIG 3 lets see how it can hold up against them now


LarryLarry - 9/16/2008 9:50:40 AM
+6 Boost
As a huge BMW and Mercedes i must admit i am some impressed with this Cadillac CTS-V I would but one. I like its looks with the wire mesh grille, the Interior is amazing, and 3.9 zero to sixty, rear drive, fastest sedan on the Nurburging wow. Bob Lutz at GM made this happen, we have a great american sedan.


LarryLarry - 9/16/2008 9:52:29 AM
+3 Boost
I meant to say I would buy one.


LexSucksLexSucks - 9/16/2008 9:57:22 AM
-4 Boost
How much?


LexSucksLexSucks - 9/16/2008 10:00:01 AM
-8 Boost
No upper seat grabs? How cheap!


B7FANB7FAN - 9/16/2008 10:41:59 AM
+3 Boost
you should find something less than minor to bit@h about


LexSucksLexSucks - 9/16/2008 11:05:03 AM
-7 Boost
B7FAN,

You obviously have never been a passenger in a high performance car during high G turns. The grab rail prevents the passenger from leaning into the driver during high-G right-hand turns. It’s a safety device. Live and learn dude.

Imagine that you are driving a CTS-V with a passenger. You decide to do a hard Right turn. If the grab rail isn’t there then what is the passenger supposed to use to brace himself? The seat? Please. What will happen during the turn is that the passenger will lean on to the driver’s right shoulder (and arm) which can have an effect on the drivers steering inputs (read dangerous). It isn't "minor"



LexSucksLexSucks - 9/16/2008 12:01:59 PM
-6 Boost
No reply B7FAN? Or are you happy just to deboost me? LOL!!


B7FANB7FAN - 9/16/2008 3:14:31 PM
+1 Boost
Im not going to play this little baby game with you I will leave that between you and amazing bimmer. if that is what you have to nit pick on and not compliment the car as a whole then you are a nitpick enthusiats....thats a hell of a car and you worried about handle and the handle isnt designed for racing jacka$$ nor is that car apporoved for a BAJA race where you need a 2nd passenger to hold on to something like that. you see that shows how careless and childish you are and how people like you get other people killed because you trying to 2fast 2furious


LexSucksLexSucks - 9/16/2008 3:42:09 PM
+1 Boost
B7FAN,

Buses and Minivans have grab rails. And guess what? They aren't Baja 1000 vehicles. LOL!!

Sometimes a person needs to admit when they are wrong instead of looking like a stubborn fool.

Stand behind your false-pride if you want. That doesn't make you correct.




B7FANB7FAN - 9/16/2008 4:50:44 PM
0 Boost
YEAH AVOID THE QUESTION NITPICK ENTHUSIATS...LOLOL


LexSucksLexSucks - 9/16/2008 6:29:09 PM
0 Boost
What was the question?


B7FANB7FAN - 9/17/2008 10:01:11 AM
0 Boost
why cant you just judge the whole car your main concern was it doesnt have a grab rail ooooohhhhhh whopty fkn doo....please if I am buying a car that I really want you think a grab rail is going to stop me from buying it....no...maybe nitpick enthusiats like you but we all have our nitpicking but I never thought a grab rail would rule out the overall performance and fit/finish of a car


LexSucksLexSucks - 9/17/2008 11:04:35 AM
+1 Boost
B7FAN,

Who said that I'm using that to judge the whole car? Also, who said that NOT having grab-handles would prevent me from getting the car? Stop putting words in my mouth. Cars are not perfect dude. If a car is missing something that other cars have, are we not even allowed to mention it? Get a clue.


B7FANB7FAN - 9/18/2008 12:27:29 PM
+1 Boost
your useless another one that is useless your not worth my time on this article anymore


Cornholio852Cornholio852 - 9/19/2008 9:07:55 AM
+1 Boost
yeah it is minor


golfer38golfer38 - 9/16/2008 10:02:19 AM
0 Boost
Great for GM. They still need help with the rim design. I think they detracts from the bodylines.


StarStar - 9/16/2008 10:03:53 AM
-9 Boost
I completely disagree with the review. Performance wise it can hang with the German offerings but that's about it. If you don't care about build quality, driving experience, endurance and resale value the CTV-S is probably what you are looking for but if do care about this things the Cadillac cannot make the list. Patriotism is not enough to give Cadillac an edge in real life. I take a M or AMG any day over any GM push-rod.
I'm not saying that the Cadillac is bad, in fact I would take one any day over a Lexus IS-F but is just so far from what BMW and Mercedes offer in this segment when it comes to quality and overall driving experience.

There is absolutely no reason to buy this Cadillac over a Mercedes or BMW other than maybe running at a drag strip. If that's your thing you found your car. I personally pass on this Cadillac and stick with the best.



snatchandgrabsnatchandgrab - 9/16/2008 12:13:18 PM
+1 Boost
Star as usual...u don't know what you're talking about. The resale value of German cars sucks too. Look at any car 4 years old and see how much depreciation is has. My S class was worth about half after 4 years. When you consider how much you pay its ridiculous. AMG's and M's seem to do (a little) better. Thats why I no longer buy new.


snatchandgrabsnatchandgrab - 9/16/2008 12:14:24 PM
0 Boost
How can you disagree with a review when you haven't driven one? Find a German car site Star.


StarStar - 9/16/2008 4:10:42 PM
+1 Boost
snatchandgrab "The resale value of German cars sucks too"

That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever read. What brand of cars have better resale than BMW, Mercedes or VW? The answer is simple. NONE.
...and by the way the S class you are talking about has still the best resale value of all cars in its class. Try again.


StarStar - 9/16/2008 4:14:18 PM
-3 Boost
snatchandgrab,

I've driven the CTS-V and most of the cars you only read about in mags. I'm in a completely different league than you are so my advice for you is to take notes every time I post something here. You have a lot to learn.


david999david999 - 9/16/2008 5:32:45 PM
+1 Boost

Star,
Japanese cars (Lexus, Acura) have great re-sale value.


StarStar - 9/16/2008 7:47:36 PM
0 Boost
Yes, Lexus and Acura have also good resale value but ONLY in America.


Tour18Tour18 - 9/16/2008 10:34:15 PM
+1 Boost
I'm going with Star on this one. I have two Porsches a Z06 and an FX4. I would love to be wrong.

The Germans have it right. Right on all fronts... If you want a Corvette sedan, this looks like the ticket. I might even be interested in the Coupe V. To class anything with AMG or M Series cars is a BIG deal.


Htay7500Htay7500 - 9/16/2008 10:54:22 PM
+1 Boost
"There is absolutely no reason to buy this Cadillac over a Mercedes or BMW other than maybe running at a drag strip."

So you're saying it can't handle and will only pull 1/4 mile runs? I guess thats why they ran the fastest lap time on a sedan in the ring. Build quality? Where is that "poor quality"? I was in the interior of the CtsDriving experience? Why would anyone buying this car not want that? The cadillac has a real stick offered and doesn't require a computer (unlike an SMG or a slushbox) to keep it going. That fails to appeal me. The M5, CTS-V and E63 are all amazing cars but I fail to see why any one buying the CTS-v would not want any of those qualities you mentioned. That seems to me that you're biased.


Cornholio852Cornholio852 - 9/19/2008 9:19:05 AM
+1 Boost
star you know you dont drive cars on thae cover of magizines, if you did you woulnd be posting comments to everything that isn't BMW. and yes you are in a diffrent league,the league of the poor, 40 year old basment dwellers, who hype up BMW's becuase they will never afford one. Ill start taking notes when I want to know how to become a Uninformed BMW Fanboy* who doesnt have a clue what he is talking about.

And what do you care about resale value? why would you drop this mutch money on a car and then sell it in a 4 Years? and dont tell me its because your rich, because we all know your not

* This does NOT mean i dont like BMW's, just idots like star


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 9/16/2008 10:05:16 AM
+5 Boost
striking car. and performance sounds amazing.

great job cadillac!


NewBornKosovoNewBornKosovo - 9/16/2008 10:19:03 AM
+2 Boost
Does it come with manual gearbox?


MateMate - 9/16/2008 10:25:19 AM
+5 Boost
yes it does :)


HSCenterconsoleHSCenterconsole - 9/16/2008 10:21:37 AM
-2 Boost
There is still hope for GM! Performance dominates the competition, but will people in the market for an E63 or M5 really consider the bargain Cadillac? I don't think so and I know I wouldn't if I was in that market. At the end of the day, I'd take the M3 with less performance, but being a better all around vehicle.


HSCenterconsoleHSCenterconsole - 9/16/2008 4:22:34 PM
+3 Boost
Damiko, do you really think most members of Autospies can afford an E63 or M5? I doubt most could even afford a 3-Series or regular CTS. If you do believe it, then you are being "ridiculis."


PlanBPlanB - 9/16/2008 10:21:43 AM
+2 Boost
Ever since those first pics with the piano black dash trim came out I wanted one. I truly hope GM can turn things around financially because their top tier product is really good now.


SHOWTIMESHOWTIME - 9/16/2008 10:55:17 AM
0 Boost
Id have to either black out or smoke the front grill...too much chrome for me. everything else looks sweet!


LexSucksLexSucks - 9/16/2008 11:11:46 AM
0 Boost
Another thing. It's like all or nothing with the CTS. There's such a big gap in power between the regular CTS and the CTS-V (About 250hp). They need to slot another CTS in there with perhaps the LS3 engine. this reminds me of Audi. Audi's normal cars are too slow (a4/a6) with little HP, while the cars that perform are too expensive and have Huge HP. there isn's an "in between". Its either everything or nothing.


LexSucksLexSucks - 9/16/2008 3:44:35 PM
0 Boost
You only named 4 cars and 1 of them isn't even out yet. Sorry but it's going to take more than 4 nice cars to save GM.


Cornholio852Cornholio852 - 9/19/2008 9:24:10 AM
0 Boost
I hate to agree with this dipshit, but he is right they do need a in between caddilac with a LS3

and GM has more that 4 good cars they make right now, and more to come


WhelanWhelan - 9/16/2008 11:28:38 AM
+1 Boost
How is there not an inbetween with Audi? If I read your comment correctly. They have the A4, then the slightly more modded and tuned S4, then the knockout RS4. A little somethin for everyone. I am kinda torn at the moment between purchasing an 06 BMW 330Ci or a 06 Audi S4. A nice coupe or a throaty V8 with Quattro at my fingertips, decisions decisions.

Either way this Caddy is slick and I still find myself turning to look at the new CTS, its a real eye catcher.


LexSucksLexSucks - 9/16/2008 12:00:38 PM
+1 Boost
The A4 has 265hp the S4 has 340. That’s too wide of a gap IMO. The S4 is more than just one level up on the A4 when it comes to performance. One car does 13sec second 1/4 mile times, while the other does 15second 1/4 miles. That is a huge difference. Audi needs a car in the low 14 second range to fill the gap IMO.


WhelanWhelan - 9/16/2008 12:47:38 PM
+2 Boost
Whats the boost from the S4 to the RS4 though? Is it comparable?

Granted the S4 has lots more performance than a regular A4, but when you put the 3 together A4/S4/RS4 you have your middle-man regardless of the closeness of the #'s.

Are you looking for a base car to have a few tweaks like the intake system, exhaust, maybe a small charger or somesort, or just a ported out engine?

If I am correct the CTS is available in a base then with some kind of injection system that boosts power. Maybe not to the degree of being in the middle, but I feel a lot of car makers are going to extremes with differences in power. Even in the realm of Honda's there is a difference.

Used to be the Civic had a DC LX and EX with different specs. The DC was just over 100hp, the LX gave you 117hp with VTec, and the EX was 127hp w/ VTec. I had an 03 Civic EX Coupe and loved it. Then you had the Si with 160hp when it was around. Now you simply have 140hp in all models except the Si with 197. So there is nothing special about an EX other than options and appointments. Then its a 57hp jump to the Si. I know it doesnt sound like much but compared to what we see here, it is similar in gap.

So I think what your asking for is a toned down uncharged LS3 engine that would put out numbers comparable with a base Vette? Not a bad idea, but they are putting the CTS-V out to market soon and with the new DTS/STS coming, they may yet use the LS3 in the new Northstar V8 and then offer it in a CTS model that is mid range.

You want to tell a company to get ballsy with their power #'s. Talk to Acura, they are in the corner of the playground wetting themselves from embarrasment.


WhelanWhelan - 9/16/2008 12:48:35 PM
+2 Boost
DC --> DX


ubercoolubercool - 9/16/2008 1:51:45 PM
-3 Boost
Would rather wait for the new Jag XF-R myself, very tasty motor...


LexSucksLexSucks - 9/16/2008 1:58:24 PM
+2 Boost
and about 50% more in price.


Htay7500Htay7500 - 9/16/2008 3:49:42 PM
-2 Boost
If I felt like a lazy butt to not shift a stick, then the M5 or E63 is for me. I would have to eat glass and shards before owing a car that imitates a real manual transmission. Computer-controlled shifting can go take a hike. And the stick in the M5 doesn't turn the stability control off. And thankfully, the CTS isn't horrible to look at than the M5.


LexusLexus - 9/16/2008 5:17:51 PM
+1 Boost
The Cadillac CTS-V already own the the BMW from 0-60, and around the famous Germany. Inside line did a test between the two like what last month, I belief.

You can't be number #1 forever, this Cadillac CTS-V is currently owning this segment for now.

Congratulation Cadillac, and what an Awesome job you guys/girls did with this new Cadillac CTS/CTS-V.


LexSucksLexSucks - 9/16/2008 6:39:43 PM
+2 Boost
Funny isn't it? Cadillac is doing something that Lexus couldn't do. LOL!!!


LexusLexus - 9/16/2008 11:52:24 PM
0 Boost
No, it Funny when the New Nissan GT-R came out and Destroy anything the Big German 3 put in it way. What car that come from German that can't beat the Nissan GT-R in both performance and price?

None, Zero...All you need to remember is that the U.S. own this segment now, LOL....


LexSucksLexSucks - 9/17/2008 9:32:37 AM
+1 Boost
What about Lexus? LOL!!!


LexusLexus - 9/16/2008 11:53:25 PM
+1 Boost
correction,
can beat the Nissan GT-R in both performance and pricing? None

LOL


kablaamkablaam - 9/17/2008 2:03:15 AM
0 Boost
Ariel Atom :-)

0 - 60 (sec): 2.8
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph): 10.6 @ 128.4
$70,000 USD

Yes it can be ordered US Street Legal (Road Kit = Lights, reflectors etc.)

Yes it doesn't have a lush interior etc.... but neither does the GTR.



kablaamkablaam - 9/17/2008 2:17:08 AM
+1 Boost
Not saying the GTR isn't an epic vehicle, it is..... but if you look at only one aspect of a vehicle, there will always be a better car in that spectrum.

The key to a great car,your great car, is to have a balance of everything with a slight bias to a trait you desire most in a vehicle ie. performance, luxury, drivability, efficiency,safety,refinment,quality etc...... Note the above is probably,arguably, the king of performance, nothing else..... not the definition of my great car.

I think the GTR is skewed a bit more towards harsh performance vs. the 911 Turbo, with the Turbo obviously having better fit/finish, quality, efficiency with matching performance, this to cater to their target demographic(affluent, 55+ male,350k+ Yearly Income).

To each his own....... fact of the matter is, someone looking to buy a 911 Turbo is not cross shopping a GTR..... if you believe so, you are insane.


LexSucksLexSucks - 9/17/2008 10:29:01 AM
+1 Boost
GTR is a nice car. But I doubt that Ferrari and Porsche are worried. Different class of car.


mpwrmpwr - 9/17/2008 11:49:05 AM
+1 Boost
Everything about this car is an improvement form the previous generation which says the company is finally figured out that they need to invest in the long term. The only thing I don't like as much is the proportion of the upper grill to the lower grill. The regular CTS's grill proportions are more striking to me and the change ( I'm sure there may be a cooling requirement) makes the V look more like the previous generation.


Agent63Agent63 - 9/17/2008 9:05:13 PM
+3 Boost
I don't care how much of a German car fan I am but I can't ignore the fact that the CTS is a beautiful car and the CTS-V blends that beauty with supreme performance. I like it and I respect it. I finally see some potential with Cadillac now. They're in my opinion more exciting than Lexus. The CTS-V is far more chiseled and more aggressively styled than the IS and IS-F. Even the old CTS-V despite its cheap plastic bits handled relatively well and was tested on the Nurburgring.

I'm sold completely.


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