2009 CTS-V: CADILLAC'S ULTIMATE EXPRESSION OF PERFORMANCE AND LUXURY
06/09/2008
Cadillac
Combining the serious performance of an elite sports car with the poise of a luxury sedan, the 2009 CTS-V is Cadillac's ultimate expression of performance and luxury.
Part of Cadillac's acclaimed V-Series of high-performance models, the CTS-V delivers 556 horsepower (415 kW) at 6,100 rpm - making it the most powerful production Cadillac ever and one of the world's fastest and most capable sedans.
More than just power, CTS-V also includes a comprehensive suite of technical and design enhancements. These include Magnetic Ride Control, super-capable Brembo brakes and the addition of a new automatic transmission with paddle-shift control.
"The CTS-V represents the full extension of our design, technology and performance capabilities," said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "The V-Series takes the award-winning CTS sport sedan and elevates it to a position within the club of the world's most exclusive and capable cars."
The V's development team tirelessly fine-tuned the car on some of the world's most demanding and legendary environments. Germany's famed Nürburgring, and roads and tracks throughout the United States and Europe, were the proving grounds.
The 2009 CTS-V extends Cadillac's acclaimed design language, both inside and out. Several key technical and design elements combine to transform the already highly capable CTS into the new V-Series.
New 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine
The all-new LSA 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine is, perhaps, the most dramatic example of the V's world-class comportment. Rated at 556 horsepower (415 kW) and 551 lb.-ft. of torque (747 Nm), the CTS-V's new LSA engine is the most powerful ever offered in Cadillac's nearly 106-year history.
The LSA engine is based on GM's legendary small-block V-8 architecture and features an intercooled supercharger system, premium aluminum-alloy cylinder heads and numerous details designed to ensure it makes its power as quietly and smoothly as possible. The supercharger, for example, has a new, four-lobe rotor design that enhances quietness while also optimizing the performance parameters of the engine.
Complementing the LSA's tremendous output is a combination of components and design elements designed to ensure a quiet, refined driving experience. Examples include:
Balanced, lightweight reciprocating assembly
Hypereutectic pistons
Lower-lift, low-overlap camshaft
Center-feed fuel system
Acoustic engine cover
Piston oil spray cooling
Transmissions
A pair of six-speed transmissions is offered with the LSA: a new, Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual with a dual-disc clutch; and a Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic with paddle-shift control - the first automatic offered in the CTS-V. Each transmission is designed to channel the engine's tremendous power while simultaneously delivering exceptional refinement and smoothness.
The new TR6060 transmission is based on the proven T56 six-speed used in the previous CTS-V, but upgraded to handle the LSA engine's substantial increase in torque, as well as improve shift quality, via a dual-disc clutch system. The twin-disc clutch delivers exceptional clamping power and excellent shift effort, achieved with the use of a pair of smaller-diameter clutch discs that have less inertia than a single, larger-diameter disc. Like the previous CTS-V, a dual-mass flywheel is used, which allows for smooth, rattle-free performance.
GM's Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission features steering-wheel- and console shifter-activated tap up/tap down gear control, as well as driver-selectable modes that deliver different performance characteristics (i.e. shift points, shift firmness 0, for different driving conditions. Performance Algorithm Shifting is part of the 6L90's controller programming and provides a performance-oriented shift pattern during sustained high-performance driving, such as at a racetrack.
Magnetic Ride Control
The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V features the world's fastest-reacting suspension technology, Magnetic Ride Control (MRC). It uses shocks controlled by advanced magneto-rheological technology, rather than mechanical valves, greatly accelerating response time and precision. Electronic sensors at all four wheels literally "read the road" every millisecond, making constant adjustments to damping to create virtually instantaneous and extremely precise control of body motions. This is of particular benefit for a high-performance sedan, helping to keep the car very composed during hard cornering, acceleration, braking and other dynamic maneuvers.
The Magnetic Ride shocks also enable a much broader range of damping control to optimize the ride and handling for all driving conditions. In the CTS-V, Cadillac provides an extra measure of control, as Magnetic Ride has two selectable modes (Tour and Sport), enabling the driver to tailor the suspension for grand touring or more spirited performance driving.
Elite levels of performance
The combination of advanced technology and extensive testing behind the CTS-V results in elite levels of performance, yet also remarkable poise on the road. The CTS-V accelerates from 0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds - performance that is common to only a select few "supercars," placing CTS-V in select company as one of the world's highest-performing sedans.
Unlike most "supercars," though, CTS-V provides a luxury driving experience across a range of conditions. Whether grand touring over winding roads, or even in daily driving conditions, CTS-V is poised. The car retains the inherent characteristics of the CTS itself, including well-tuned quietness and road manners.
Braking and tire systems
CTS-V includes sophisticated braking and tire systems, in partnership with two companies renown for high-performance technology: Brembo and Michelin. Brembo brakes are at all four corners and include powerful, six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston calipers in the rear.
Slotted and vented rotors enable strong initial braking force while optimizing heat resistance and eliminating fade. CTS-V also includes an electric parking brake for the first time, enabling more legroom for the driver, key for high-performance driving.
Michelin worked with Cadillac engineers to develop its acclaimed Pilot Sport 2 (PS2) summer tire for CTS-V and its exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels.
Exterior elements
The exterior of the new CTS-V amplifies the assertive stance and elegant details of the standard car, and communicates the car's remarkable capabilities. The dihedral Cadillac grille is 100 percent larger than the standard CTS, enabling much more air intake and features a satin finish. The raised hood encompasses the supercharged engine, and new front and rear fascias identify the vehicle as a V-Series. The car's 19-inch wheels enhance its stance on the road.
Interior amenities
The V-Series includes all the elements of the CTS sport sedan's well-received cabin, while adding some elegant and purposeful accents. It offers performance driving seats, providing excellent support for spirited driving and adding to the luxurious and purposeful interior. These new, 14-way adjustable performance seats include pneumatic bolster controls in the seat cushion and backrest.
The steering wheel, seat inserts and shifter are covered in microfiber, providing the soft and luxurious character of suede without suede's inherent drawbacks of difficult care and moisture sensitivity. These accents are standard, elegant to the touch and help support high-performance driving
The car's integrated center stack is trimmed in new Obsidian black material that is also applied to the center console and door trim. Just like every CTS, the V-Series includes a hand-stitched instrument panel, door trim and center console. Leading-edge infotainment features extend to the V-Series. They include a 40-gigabyte hard drive, advanced navigation system with a "pop-up" screen and Bose digital surround audio, as well as factory-installed Bluetooth capability.