By Nitish S. Rele, nitishrele@gmail.com
Who doesn’t want to own a super sedan that shares its powertrain with the Corvette Z06? That’s the 2017 Cadillac CTS-V, a ride with tremendous power just a throttle away.
The 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine doles out 640 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 630 pounds-feet of torque at 3600 rpm. Mated to an 8-speed auto gearbox with magnesium paddle shifters, the rear-wheel-drive car can take off from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds with top speed at 200 mph. Magnetic Ride Control adjusts the four-wheel independent suspension as per road conditions, resulting in a smooth but firm ride. It also keeps body roll to a minimum. Stopping power is exceptional, thanks to 15.3-inch vented front and 14.3-inch rear disc Brembo brakes. Drive modes are tour, sport, track and snow/ice.
Ensconced on the unitized welded steel body is a mammoth mesh grille that meets up a carbon fiber hood, quad stainless steel tips and prominent chrome strip on the trunk door. Climb into the Caddy and your first impression is of a tailored, upscale and luxurious cabin. Indeed, the fit and finish, gloss levels and materials are first-rate.
The sumptuous interior is equipped with the hands-on CUE (Cadillac User Experience). An 8-inch touchscreen in the center stack includes capactive controls, haptic feedback, gestures and voice recognition (yes, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available). Throw the 12.3-inch reconfigurable instrument cluster into the mix and you have an infotainment system that should be the envy of the competition. The driver and passengers are coddled by supple leather bucket seats with suede inserts. In fact, there is ample head and leg room for five adults to relax and sit in comfort.
To accommodate drivers of all heights, Cadillac has equipped the CTS-V with a power tilt/telescopic three-spoke steering wheel. Standard goodies include head-up display, sport alloy pedals, 20-way power and heated/cooled front seats, dual auto a/c and a sueded headliner. There are plenty of options such as a Carbon Black Package ($5,950), Recaro seats ($2,300), Luxury Package ($2,075) and more. Lest we forget, gas guzzler tax is $1,000.
Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, blind spot monitor, lane departure warning/alert, rear/curb view camera, remote start, active front head restraints, forward warning and front/rear park assist and obstacle detection, stability and traction control, extreme limited slip differential, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights are standard.
With incredible power at its command, the attractive and athletic CTS-V responds with nimbleness and quickness to any driving condition. This is one invigorating experience that will leave you wanting for more. The only catch?
You will need $85,995 and plenty of change for this fine prize.
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CTS-V
Tires: P265/35ZR19 front; P295/30ZR19 rear
Wheelbase: 114.6 inches
Length: 197.6 inches
Weight: 4,141 pounds
Fuel capacity: 19 gallons
City: 14 mpg
Highway: 21 mpg
Web site: www.cadillac.com
