This week, I have been driving around one of America's greatest cars ever built. In fact, I may be willing to wager it
is the best American car ever built.
The CTS-V.
It can be a beast in a taut suit or it can be a wild maniac on a speed binge. The CTS-V is a fantastic piece of engineering. Its 6.2 liter supercharged V8 produces 556-horsepower and a staggering 551 lbs-ft of torque. Taking it through the twisties, the V grips for days and its V8 produces an addicting hum through the massive dual exhaust. What is there not to like?
The best part; a coupe is on the way.
However, it is so clear that time is running out. Cars like the V have their days numbered. And it is not just V8s neither, the V12 and V10s will likely be getting put to rest too. The question is, when?
We know that CAFE standards are pretty high and firms are scrambling to produce electric vehicles to boost their EPA average. And although it appears that there will be cars like Porsche's 918 with a hybrid/V8 set up, will there be cars like the V that are realistically attainable and with power?
And if so, will they still have the character and non-artificial feel? That is this writer's biggest fear because after driving numerous hybrids and even an electric car, there has yet to be a car with character.
So, how much time do we have left? And if motors with a lot of power do stick around, will we lose the character that comes with them due to alternative energy solutions?
What say you, Spies? Let us know in the comments below.
Excuse the BlackBerry picture...
2011 Ford Mustang Photo Gallery
Geneva Motor Show Photo Gallery
2011 Hyundai Sonata Launch Photo Gallery