• HOME
• 
• AUTO LISTINGS
• 
• FINANCE
• 
• NEWS
• 
• DIRECTORY
• 
• REVIEWS
• 
• FORUM
• 
• BLOG
• 

Cadillac's Super Supercharged CTS-V Laps Nurburgring in 7:59!

If you're into high-performance sedans, Cadillac's upcoming CTS-V ought to

Cadillac is the lap time leader for production sedans at the Nurburgring. (Photo: Cadillac)

be on your radar. The previous version was an understated American performance weapon, combining Cadillac luxury with all-American muscle from the previous generation Corvette Z06. And while it might have lived in the shadow of such high-performance luxury sports sedans as the BMW M5 or Mercedes-Benz E55 and E63, this latest model is, as according to Cadillac's ads, going to break through.

The new CTS-V, which made its debut at this year's North American International Auto Show, features what is in essence a detuned version of the engine that's been fitted to the new Corvette ZR1. While the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 (dubbed LSA) may be less powerful than the ZR1's LS9, it still makes 550 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque, which is well above the Mercedes-Benz E63 or BMW's M5, which are both rated at 507 hp.

It isn't just the LSA that's helped to make the CTS-V so quick, though it plays a big part. (Photo: Cadillac)

But it isn't just a big, powerful engine that's going to make the difference for the CTS-V; it's the way it drives. Seeking to be on the top of the heap, Cadillac has invested serious money into R&D and high-end components. The final tuning for ride and handling took place in the backyard of the Germans - the Nurburgring.

As a gauge for performance, Cadillac let the CTS-V loose on the famed German race track with GM's executive race tester, John Heinricy at the wheel. He was able to lap the track in 7:59:32, which bests the lap time set by the M5 (8:13), and according to GM, makes it the fastest production sedan to ever lap the track!

Page:  1

AUTOMOBILE REVIEWS BY MAKE

Acura  Audi   Bentley   BMW   Buick   Cadillac   Chevrolet   Chrysler   Daewoo   Dodge   Eagle   Ferrari   Ford   Geo   GMC   Honda   Hummer   Hyundai   Infiniti   Isuzu   Jaguar   Jeep   Kia   Lamborghini   Lexus   Lincoln   Lotus   Maserati   Mazda   Mercedes-Benz   Mercury   MINI   Mitsubishi   Nissan   Oldsmobile   Plymouth   Pontiac   Porsche   Saab   Saturn   Scion   Subaru   Suzuki   Toyota   Volkswagen   Volvo