Bob Lutz Challenges Any Sedan To Beat The CTS-V On The Track, Who Will Take Him Down?

Easy....Panamera....

Twice of the price of the Cady CTS V, but it will do the job..

well if we stick in the CTS-V's price range, i dont think any other sedan can beat it; even a stripped M3 sedan will lose to it horriblely. C63 cant corner as well as the M3 but has good speed going straight but the CTS-V will still out run it, RS4 will just lose all together... IS-F cant do it....seems like luts put some thought into this challenege before he went public with it

The international car companies can say at least they're not bankrupt :)

is that why Porsche just got swallowed up by VW?

Completely depends on the track. The CTS-V is a beast, but I think the M3's lighter weight may let it take the V on a shorter circuit. The M3 weighs 3,700lbs, compared to the CTS-V at 4,250.

525lbs is a lot of weight.

Is the panamera a sedan? Looks more like a station wagon.

also, did the v8 r8 get a faster ring time then it yet?

nope, r8=8:01.90 cts-v=7:59.32

lol! how about I don't take hair advice from a stranger over the internet XD

Can't be any worse than whoever is giving you advice now :)

Here, I'll keep it as this one in spite of that comment, It's horrible :D

What about an EVO FQ 400?

Maybe you shouldn't post pictures of yourself on a car forum...

Why not? I'd rather attach a picture of my face to my alias then a logo or symbol of someone/something I am not.

Why not? Well how about we don't want to look at your ugly face. How's that for honesty?

Also, I really can't understand why you want to destroy the best thing about interacting on the internet: anonymity. Notice nobody else has a photo of them self?

Haha to each their own. I'd rather see who I am talking to then see what brand they idolize thus helping stereotype them faster.

Also I entered and asked him to bring a Cobalt SS so I could school him in my Mini. I agree with others he has taken away the ability of people to beat him if price is inculded.

No doubt. I understand how desperate GM is to prove itself, and maybe, just maybe, this Bush-style tough-guy talk ("we're gonna smoke 'em out") will work with the American public, but I think it would be more constructive to try to tout things like fit, finish, reliability, and value rather than the kind of performance NOBODY is actually going to use.

funny you didn't say fuel economy... which is another platform GM is basing this marketing strategy on.

Lutz could very well be correct, but first off, it's not all about sheer performance. Prove to me that the CTS' long-term durability surpasses that of a Mercedes-Benz, or that its interior is crafted as finely as a Lexus', and that might be a better real world comparison. Second, his comment that "we have a lineup of vehicles that we think, if given a chance, can stack up with the best the rest of the automotive manufacturing world has to offer" should be tested in other car classes such as the aforementioned Mini vs Cobalt or how about the DTS vs an S550. I'd love to see them try to win that...my $0.02.

First off, 1UAW, learn to spell. I'll take you more seriously that way.

I happen to drive a GM at the moment. It rattles and squeaks far more than its meager number of miles should allow for. I've driven all of the current Cadillacs for sale. Let's see...the STS has a mid-nineties school of interior design, the DTS is a piece of front wheel drive s**t, the Escalade is for poseurs and ethnic folks trying to get noticed, but the CTS isn't bad, I agree. However, none of them will make me trip over myself and all of the senior citizens in front of me to get into a Caddy dealer to buy one. When they make me something that is a genuine competitor to, say, an Audi A4 or the C-Class I have my eye on, I'll look at it. The current CTS isn't bad, but it's faaaar too big a car for me, though I suppose I'm not a fatass like most Americans. And a long warranty won't make up for high rates of depreciation, poor gas mileage, and a car that's feels cheap inside. The nav screen fell off on the one I was test driving.

the CTS is far to big for you? who are you, mini-me? furthermore, the DTS is a 15 year old design that retails for less than $50k, how could it possibly stack up to the recently overhauled, ninety-thousand dollar S550?

oh, excuse me. I just noticed your 'ethnic folk' comment. I get it now, you are a racist cock$%#*er, no class and no style. also, the majority of Escalades are in fact purchased and driven by white-collar white guys in their forties and fifties.

Gotta side with foreigner here. Although his remarks may be a bit crass, he's got a point. The CTS is certainly to big for many. It's a foot longer than the 3-series, which isn't exactly small nowadays, and weighs in at over 3,800lbs. Remember when these sedans weighed less than 3,500? I do, and it's sad to see them gain weight like the American population.

And lets not resort to accusations of racism, the point of his comments is that these cars seemed to be aimed at, and bought by, folks that not everyone wants to be associated with. Is there anything wrong with not wanting to be associated with drug dealers and rappers that purchase Escalades, minority or otherwise? Personally, I don't like chrome ALL over my damn car.

Why not? Well how about we don't want to look at your ugly face. How's that for honesty?

Also, I really can't understand why you want to destroy the best thing about interacting on the internet: anonymity. Notice nobody else has a photo of them self?

oops

Returnig to the point ...If we do not see a Panamera as a Sedan....then I can't think in any production car with it capabilities....Luts is right..and there is a new King of the Tracks....and with bargain price which is great for american cars..

What Bob Lutz needs to remember it's not just about speed. It's also about what the resdiual value will be in 3 years and there are people like me that will never buy an American car built by the SOB's of the UAW.

What did the UAW do to me?

The UAW are run by a bunch of @ssholes.

I despise all Unions.

My Aunt and Uncle were attacked by Union pigs. They crossed a picket line to go into a small grocery store in the city of Orange here in Orange County, Ca. The store had been there for 25 years and it was the only store the owner had. When my Aunt and Uncle came out of the store 15 minutes later those Union pigs had slashed all 4 of their tires.

5 years ago here in California the Union for the grocery stores went on strike. It was over 75,000 people on strike. I crossed their picket lines all the time and noting ever happend to me, but one time my mother crossed the picket line and 3 Union pigs followed her out to her car berating her to the point she went back into the store because she was afraid. She had the manager call the police. If she would have called me I would have down there and kicked those maggots asses! These Union swines were following people home to find out where they live.

I hate Union pigs and they can all die of starvation on Christmas day! Comprende?

Why hey Angry, Mad much? LOL

Unions are just like gangs.

If they can gang up on you they will.

I am not American but I'm willing to buy american just to help the economy of them. Why, cause all you europeans complaints about why you have to learn english instead of french or other language...but you forget that thanks to america now you are not speaking german (and I don't have anything against germans but Nazis). Beside that, most of you do not help anyone when emergenies comes up, but americans are always there...and lastly when their soldiers are defending you against enemies the only land that they hold, is the one were they bury the soldiers that gave their life for all of you....Freedom is not free for me, if I have to buy american to keep my world free, I will. and beside that. The Cadillac is a great car with excelent workmanship and high quality materials equal to any of the best. I have a Mercedes and also a Cadillac STS...and it is my favorite car.

Wow its sad to be schooled by someone that appreciates the U.S. for more than a pay out to the U.N. As a country, if we don't make a stand for what we are, we will be no different than the ones that look to us. Dependency on the world to help us is a scary thing. If the world had it together, then why do it consistently look to us for leadership? Reason is our innate structure that makes us great. No mystery there. But there are those that keep chipping away at that to make us weak day by day. I hope we wake up in time to turn things around.

It's thanks to the Russians you're not speaking German. It's thanks to the US you're not speaking Russian.

lol, true indeed.

Mitsu EVO FQ400 Will take it around a track for sure. And also in a straight line.

Can't because the "rules" state the owner has to be in the lower 48 and it has to be American spec. Also the Mitsubishi would be considered "modified" by GM's lawyers since HKS makes it for Mitsubishi in england.

OK so he challenges all takers. So What? Yes the CTS-V is an awesome car, but it is not the car that drives volume for GM. How about a Malibu challenge to see where GM really stands? Simple, safe & conservative as always exterior styling and a pretty decent interior for a GM vehicle. Not segment leading exterior styling or interiors, but good for GM. Maybe Lutz should take a look around to where the volume GM need to be succeeding in, the challenge is that these executives NEVER actually purchase or own a vehicle themselves. They are given vehicles, do not know about buying or owning them. I would hazard a guess that Mr Lutz has not personally purchased a vehicle to drive in decades. Yep that is who should be posting the challenge to consumers -- someone who doesn;t own or purchase vehicles themselves. I am a fan of American manufacturers and am cheering for them but come on, let;s hang our hats on vehicles that most people will actually drive & use. It;s like cheering for the ZR-1, yes awesome car for those buyers who would 'never' own another GM vehicle in their driveway. Well played.

that's not really the point of this challenge. the CTS-V and ZR1 are halo cars, they don't exist for volume sales, no one expects that. they are there to bring attention and bragging rights to the brand. it's the same as this challenge. most people aren't in the market for a CTS-V, but something like this will grab a lot of attention and bring people into the showroom, hopefully they will leave with a regular CTS. Do you think that AMG provides volume sales for Mercedes-Benz? No, it's the AMG connection that makes the guy in the C230 feel like he's in something special.

THESCOOTER : Good point...well in that case compare the Malibu aginst the Accord...and yes it look as good as the accord but more atractive to me eyes.. and it is better in several aspects than the competition...It is nice to see how amrican companies (under pressure) are able to bring great products....but looks like the americans are beside all the ones that wants to kill all american car insdustry. Traverse is another great product a reasonable price....so what's your next excuse to avoid buying american?.....ups sorry may be you prefer imports cause it looks like an smarter decision?...Smart decision is to support your country in a crisis...if you are american of course. long time ago you said american cars are bad or do not performe, now they are good quality and good performers and cheaper...so tell me....why no to buy american?

Why doesn't he just get the ruler out and start measuring?

I don't know. But it has a better 0-60 time, better 0-100 time. Better Power-to weight ratio, Better drivetrain and is able to put more power down to it's wheels coming out of corners (without making them spin).

Wow this car is fast, it is tied with some super cars like the Viper and a few other super cars, impressive even if you don't like this car.

There is that ridiculously powerful Lancer which you get in the UK but not in the US. It is around 400bhp, has lots of torque and is very lightweight with a superb 4WD system which can kick ass of this CTS-V as the specs are faster. It is not yet tested on the ring but has faster acceleration, slalom, handling etc. but the question is if it is as comfy as the CTS-V. I love the way the CTS-V looks. We have the right car at the right time at the right price. Go USA!

While I respect the abilities of the CTS-v as genuine 1st class, its one thing to build an extraordinary vehicle, its another thing to do it and make a profit. While I applaud the engineering feat, i suppose anyone can make a super car and break the bank. Making a great car while sustaining a profit with it is a greater challenge, one GM should embrace.

Metal is $30. a ton.

I don't think GM should go the Hyundai way. Mass discounts are only going to cheapen the brand name. Quality product at a competitive price (competitive not necessarily meaning by being the cheapest out there). GM needs to return to a comfortable position where they can make money off of brand name reputation. How do they do that? Make good product, and don't discount it. The strategy seems to be working wonders for vw/audi.

Nope, one of the big draw backs of buying american or korean is the depreciation. This depreciation is fueled by huge incentives on current models. If people can buy new cars for cheap the demand for used dies and used vehicles become worthless. People are scared of spending $30,000 on a vehicle to find out it is worth $15,000 the next year because you can get a new one for $20,000 after incentives.

Are you a girl? You shore carry on like one and I feel bad for your significant other.

It PAINS me to say this but a Dinan M5 will beat it, but it's still an evil BMW with issues!

Ok Street legal cars, the rules state the guy has to live in the lower 48 states too. hmmm Nothing can beat this car in America because"the Rules" Gm makes are only to US living people with "cars" that have to be within "GM" spec almost..not very fair since a panel of GM employed "judges" must "approve" any such competitor first. Its like me making a really really fast bulldozer and only challenging us spec bulldozers that are in my price class can come out and play!

Well after all the bailouts at least government motors made the fastest sedan. Kudos. We can call the billions of dollars spent as R&D.

LOL! cause the CTS-V was obviously made after the bailout.

Any German car.