We have yet to get our hands on one, but those sneaky devils at Autoguide were lucky enough to beat us to the punch! We’re of course talking about the 2016 CTS-V, a car that has already gained legendary status thanks to its supercharged LT4 powerplant. Displacing 376 cubic inches, or 6.2-liters, the LT4 has taken the now iconic Cadillac musclecar to the next level with its 640 hp and 530 lb-ft of torque.
The children among us will be solely focused on the horsepower rating and the fact that it still falls short of the Hellcat Charger it (somewhat) competes against.
Of course the adult enthusiast, however, will look passed the factory rating, citing that first and foremost, the ‘V is a driver’s car, one that exudes all-round performance that includes handling, braking, steering and overall balance. Oh, and in typical GM fashion is more than likely underrated as well.
But imagine a car that gave you 99% of the Hellcat’s straight-line speed and acceleration, but completely outguns the boosted Mopar on literally every other level. Throw in a much higher level of luxury and sophistication, and the new-gen CTS-V is now battling the best from Europe overseas, not across town on the other side of Detroit.
With an 8-speed automatic gearbox, the only transmission offered in the musclecar-meets-sport sedan Cadillac, 0-60 arrives in 3.7 seconds, with a 200 mph top speed. Fuel economy, admittingly, isn’t terrific with 14 city/21 highway and it’s not exactly affordable for most with an MSRP of over $80,000. But the cost/performance value for money, with the amount of luxury and features you get? It’s a bargain compared to its German and British rivals, and that’s the goal Cadillac went for.
Rick Seitz is the owner and founder of GMEFI Magazine, and has a true love and passion for all vehicles. When he isn’t tuning, testing, or competing with the brand’s current crop of project vehicles, he’s busy tinkering and planning the next modifications for his own cars.
