Cadillac CTS-V ... M3 has got serious competition

[coyotefreek]

Here is Car and Driver Magazine's review of the Cadillac CTS-V. They did road tests with it comparing it to the M3 and M5. enjoy

http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=7780

 

[dzervit]

Too bad it looks like crap (its got no style, no panache... ) For the love of GOD WHY DOESN'T FORD TURN THE LS OVER TO THE SVT TEAM?!!!

 

[jrt67ss350]

I like it - I think it's badass. I've liked the CTS since it came out, and the CTS V is just awesome.

 

[epj3]

It's american, that means it's bloated with plastic thats filled with foam for bumpers. It has shitty plastic interior and shitty leather. I dont have any hard proof but I guarantee it's going to be a serious piece of shit.

 

[epj3]

This is why i hate plastic cars

 

[jrt67ss350]

It's american, that means it's bloated with plastic thats filled with foam for bumpers. It has shitty plastic interior and shitty leather. I dont have any hard proof but I guarantee it's going to be a serious piece of shit.

Because the E46 bumpers are such high quality. Get off it, already - we all already know you are the resident anti-American spokesperson.

 

[KevRC4130]

My friend has a CTS (not V) and the interior feels pretty quality, but the dash (and pretty much whole interior) has this HARD plastic trim, and the plastic has like little nubs, like a basketball. just sort of takes away from the cushiness factor youre looking for if you buy a caddy....

 

[Dave8812]

It looks nice. And the CTS V is very fast if i'm not mistaken.

 

[jrt67ss350]

My friend has a CTS (not V) and the interior feels pretty quality, but the dash (and pretty much whole interior) has this HARD plastic trim, and the plastic has like little nubs, like a basketball. just sort of takes away from the cushiness factor youre looking for if you buy a caddy....

Yep. That's the whole point of the CTS - it isn't supposed to be a cushy Caddy deVille; it's supposed to be a more sporty, aggressive kind of car. My parents almost bought one (a non V), and I was very impressed by it. It felt like it was put together very well to me and very solid. I think the styling is a love it or hate it kind of thing, and I love it.

 

[bmw046series]

The only reason they’re building a bulkier Caddy is because BMW’s Market share in the US increased 13 % in the last 2 years, that’s the most any car company has done. They know they do a better job with better quality and GM & Ford cheap their cars out just to beat BMW, but BMW will always be 20 car lengths ahead.

 

[dzervit]

Because the E46 bumpers are such high quality. Get off it, already - we all already know you are the resident anti-American spokesperson.

All I read was "blah blah blah I'm a close-minded jackarse" And I don't even like the CTS.

 

[jrt67ss350]

All I read was "blah blah blah I'm a close-minded jackarse" And I don't even like the CTS.

Glad I'm not alone here!

I agree with you though - Ford should turn the LS over to SVT. I would like to see more efforts in this segment from the US manufacturers. I'm a hardcore Chevy guy, and even I certainly respect the work of the SVT division at Ford - they typically do a pretty decent job as far as performance goes. I'd like to see what they could do with the LS. 460, baby - 460!

 

[coyotefreek]

I'm an American and I love American cars. Granted there not always the best I dont think you should diss them that bad. Maby Ford becuase it is so crappy but GM is much better. I like the CTS-V as well as all Cadillacs.

 

[aNoodle]

As much as I hate Bangle's abominations...I have to say that I actually like the chiseled lines of Cadillac's new "diamond" design direction. It works because it's totally fresh.

I agree with the premise of the article. And from what I've read, GM is serious about making that line…well…the Cadillac of the industry again.

They are on target. Problem is the CVT's interior is circa E36. Its suspension and engine is up to speed. But now BMW's 5er has moved to all aluminum in half the body…putting the BEST the CTV can now offer (after they get rid of the tweaks) against an OUTGOING 5 series. So they are falling 2 steps behind as this article is being written.

But I think a lot of people are downplaying what a huge first stab Cadillac just made. If they continue evolutionary steps from here…we could see a real contender in the next CVT body style…and maybe even a winner in the third itineration in 10 years or so. I'm told GM is famous for not having that sort of long-term focus. They'll be onto something new in 5 years...back to front wheel drive...or whatever else is 'next.'

Then again even BMW seems to have lost focus lately. Active steering? Maybe Bangle's "promotion" will be all that I'm hoping it means.

 

[dzervit]

....I'm a hardcore Chevy guy....

Maby Ford becuase it is so crappy but GM is much better..

AAAAaaaarrrgggghhhhh! I'm surrounded by GM guys!!! [joke]

GM has done an increadible job at getting Cadillac's image and sales up to par. The CTS-V is yet another prime example of their mission. If I were going to buy an M-car I would seriously consider the CTS... well, actually I'd go talk to my buddies over at Roush to see what they could do with an LS first..

 

[donmbmw]

Look, it's American so we have to want it to be a winner. I'm really glad that GM has decided to get serious about building a genuine sport sedan. But I have to laugh at the notion that it's a serious threat to the M3. No way.

 

[dzervit]

Look, it's American so we have to want it to be a winner. I'm really glad that GM has decided to get serious about building a genuine sport sedan. But I have to laugh at the notion that it's a serious threat to the M3. No way.

If buyers can get their heads of of their arse and truely compare the cars (ie, not just buy the bimmer for the 'status'), the CTS will indeed give an M3 a run for it's money. The performance numbers are extremely close, and the caddy has a little more grip. That leaves the track times up to the drivers....

 

[frolf]

but what about feel? what about communication with the road? bmw's (and porsche's) refined steering? what about the pre-bangle lines!!#J@JK

just a thought ^^

my pre CTS V, non escalade opinion of Caddy's: they should have parking sensors on all sides of the car, and the blinkers should automatically shut off after 30 seconds or so (ie old people)

my CTS V opinion: if the numbers really do line up, then thats cool. and i kind of like the rear design.

 

[bmw046series]

I think one point is being overseen on all of this, the best resale value of any brand -- BMW. In the end the BMW all gets the run for the money. In the next couple of years BMW is introducing a "redefined" M3-5 that will basically be a jet with wheels, steel and leather. BMW also is years of ahead of Caddy anyways so you can’t really compare the two, how long has the M3-5 been out compared to the Caddy???

 

[jrt67ss350]

I think one point is being overseen on all of this, the best resale value of any brand -- BMW. In the end the BMW all gets the run for the money. In the next couple of years BMW is introducing a "redefined" M3-5 that will basically be a jet with wheels, steel and leather. BMW also is years of ahead of Caddy anyways so you can’t really compare the two, how long has the M3-5 been out compared to the Caddy???

Yeah, when the new M3/4/5 come out, then the bar will most likely be raised again. However, the length of time that the M3/5 have been on the market doesn't really mean anything. The CTS-V is a newcomer to the segment, and any competition in the segment should be welcomed because it leads to better cars from all manufacturers in the segment. Plus, if you take the stance that because the CTS-V is a newcomer it must not be as good, then you'd have to say the same thing about the X5 - how many years was the Chevy Blazer built before the X5 came to market? I don't think anyone in their right mind would say that the Blazer is/was a better SUV than the X5. I'd even go so far to say that the X5 is a better truck than most other SUVs out there. You certainly can come to market with a newcomer that is as equally competitive or even better than the other vehicles in the market that have been around for a while.