Cadillac CTS-V Review

2006 Cadillac CTS-V 4dr Sedan Shown

The wickedly fast Cadillac CTS-V is easily one of the best Cadillacs ever. In an effort to take advantage of its recent vogue, Cadillac decided to build high-performance versions of several of its cars. Collectively called the V-Series, they are meant to be high-powered, tight-handling, all-around track-tuned performers in the vein of the European performance marques, such as BMW's M series and Mercedes-Benz's AMG lineup.

The CTS-V was the first Cadillac to get the V treatment, and it's no exaggeration to call it an enthusiast's dream. Based on the first-generation CTS entry-level luxury sedan, the CTS-V has exclusivity stamped all over it. The throaty V8 may get all the publicity, but the CTS-V looks, sounds and drives like a very special car.

As you'd expect, though, the Cadillac CTS-V shares a few inherent flaws with the original CTS, including an awkward interior design and mediocre interior materials. These attributes will be addressed with the second-generation CTS-V, which is based on the excellent new-generation CTS. Available for 2009, it will feature a 550-horsepower V8 likely to blow its German competitors out of the water.

Past Cadillac CTS-V Models

Produced from 2004-'07, the Cadillac CTS-V was a powerful, rear-wheel-drive midsize luxury sport sedan available in one body style and trim. The V6 engine from the standard CTS was swapped out for a 400-hp 6.0-liter V8, which was the same engine found under the hood of that era's Corvette. A six-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential were standard, and no automatic transmission was available. Put the pedal down hard and you can expect to move from zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds. Prior to 2006, the CTS-V was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine, which had output nearly identical to the current model's 6.0-liter.

But the performance upgrades went far beyond the bigger engine. Additional highlights included a tightened suspension, massive Brembo performance brakes and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with performance tires. Antilock brakes and a driver-adjustable stability control system (StabiliTrak) were standard. More subtle adjustments included a strengthened engine cradle and hydraulic engine mounts.

Cadillac tried to gussy up the CTS's normally dull interior to make the V-Series sedan feel special. The original instrument cluster was replaced by more upscale dials and computer readouts, which even spit out real-time driving dynamics, such as lateral G-forces. There were also aluminum and satin chrome accents on the dash. The more heavily bolstered front seats were comfortable and supportive during aggressive driving. As in that generation's regular CTS, the backseat is spacious, which makes the CTS-V more useful on an everyday basis than its similarly priced compact rivals from Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

In road tests, our editors found this generation of Cadillac CTS-V to be the automotive equivalent of a Fourth of July fireworks celebration. It oozes enthusiasm and begs to be driven hard. Whether you're pushing hard in a straight line, around long curves or in sharp corners, this CTS-V does everything you expect from a high-level sport sedan and then some, though its drivetrain exhibits the sort of raggedness that sets it slightly below the standards of its European rivals. But no excuses need to be made for the handling, which is precise and predictable in all conditions.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.