As we transition from drooling and salivating over the 2014 CTS into the more concrete stage of thinking about the model we would get if we were in the market for Caddy’s all-new midsize luxury sedan, the spotlight falls on the range-topping Vsport model.
Sure, the Vsport is not the CTS-V, but it is the fastest and most capable CTS sedan that doesn’t punch you in the face every time you blip the throttle. In that regards, it’s like the BMW 550i to the M5, the E550 to the E63 AMG… and so forth. So, what does the 2014 CTS Vsport actually include? This:
- Twin-turbo V6 engine (LF3) making 420 horses and 430 lb.-ft. of torque mated to Caddy’s first eight-speed automatic transmission
- 18-inch aluminum wheels (18 x 9.5 inch rear wheels) with Pirelli summer-only performance tires (275/35R18 rear wheels); 19-inch wheels with all-season tires are available
- A quicker steering ratio
- Brembo disc brakes with aluminum calipers and high-performance brake pads
- Heavy-duty track cooling package
- Driver-selectable track mode with specific steering rate and Magnetic Ride Control calibrations for greater track performance
- Electronic limited-slip differential that enhances capability on the track -– including optimal acceleration out of turns
So the question now is, the more livable and docile CTS Vsport, or the punch-in-your-face-fast CTS-V?
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Comments
Even though i would like to test drive a V-Sport when it hits showrooms just to see how much piss’n vinegar the twin turbo 6 really has i still prefer the “pin-you-in-your-seat/staple-your-head-to-the-headrest/punch-in-your-face-fast” CTSV. Wait, you ARE referring to the current CTSV arent you?I mean, i’m sure the V3 is going to be obsurdly quick, but again, i wanna make sure you’re referring to the current one. Even though its practically a given that the next one is going to be a damn demon…………..give or take a few horses. Might i add though, styling wise the only thing i’m worried about is the backend because i JUST DONT LIKE IT, styling wise i think its TOO SOFT, to me it just wouldnt make sense to have the new ( imo very conservatively styled) backend represent the backend of the next iteration of Cadillac’s highest performing offering.
Oh heck, the current V or the third-gen V… Both are/will offer up nearly the same experience, albeit I expect more refinement from the third-gen model.
Well in any case, there still going to make a V line, this I think is more so a competitor to the 5 series M sport lineup they have. Not to be confused with the M5, while they both have the M sport bit, ones just with a slightly uprated engine and the M interior package. While the M5 is the beast.
Tyler, unless the 2014 CTS is made available with the twin-turbo LF3 in non-Vsport trim, then the CTS Vsport is really a 550i competitor. By comparison, the M sport offerings (just like Audi S line, Benz AMG package, Lexus F Sport) usually includes an M body kit with M wheels and some sporty interior bits, also from the “real” M cars (the ones with the actual powertrain and suspension upgrades).
That said, it would be a great idea for Caddy to offer the Vsport trim (wheels, body kit, sportier/unique interior) on all of its models, rather than tying the name to a powertrain configuration.
Can anyone explain why the V Sport won’t be available in AWD? I live in New England, my CTS Coupe is AWD and almost all the CTSs (except Vs) sold are AWD. The XTS with the 3.6 TT will be AWD. This seems like a mistake to offer such an amazing car and engine without AWD, they’re limiting the market.
From what I’ve gathered, its a limitation of the Aisin 8-speed gearbox being used in the 2014 model. Aisin is a temporary measure until GM’s own 8-speeds are ready.
Will the GM made 8 speed work with AWD?
That’s the million-dollar question! One would assume that the in-house-developed transmissions would support any and all applications… but that’s simply speculation on my part.
im sure they will offer awd with their 8 speed no doubt but offering awd on the debut of the 8 speed is a better question..i wouldnt be surprised if they did with all the time gm is taking fine tuning them i wouldnt be surprised if they announced a full rollout on all rwd vehicles with the exception of the vette because of the rear transaxle the fact that they using aisin’s 8 speed is showing us how serious they are about their 8 speed and engineering all together further proof is the LT Ecotec 3 lineup
I expect AWD at some point. It would better fit the V series car as it will have more than 600 HP and just need it to hook up for better 0-60 times.
As for winter driving the electronic aids more than make up for it. Here in the snow belt of Ohio a AWD CTS is a rare sight as most people here know how to drive in the snow. Now as a performance aid I think it would have more appeal.
Agreed, dual-practicality. Better handling in inclement weather and better at putting big power down. Plus especially having AWD so that it can compete with the performance and supposedly great road holding of the new 4matic E63 amg which i’m sure its a competitor with.
It will be interesting to see the fuel economy of the LF3/8 spd.? 30+ hwy? Could be a big deal? Unfortunately, I’m expecting the V-sport to be a very pricey set of wheels. The current 550i starts at about $63K, so here you go, this car will likely be in the mid $60’s? Then a year or so later, the new CTS-V is $70-72K? Too much for me…….
Yupp, the class realignment taking place with the ATS and CTS is moving prices of the CTS up to where they are supposed to be. It will affect previous CTS owners who are used to ATS prices… but will be ok in the long run.
I hope to see an ATS Vsport, maybe with a detuned version of the LF3 (390hp-395ft-lbs and premium recommended, not required) available with AWD. WHat bugs me is once awd is added, Cadillac takes seems to take away all the good bits like mrc.
I concur Alex!!! I think Caddy has it all wrong. They have the ATS 2.5, 2.0T, and 3.6. CTS 2.0T, 3.6, and Vsport? No! It should be CTS 3.6TT! I should be able to get Vsport on an ATS4 3.6 (I live in Chicago) like Bimmer, MB, and Audi (even Lexus) does. It should be Vseries trim without the motor. Wheels, brakes, seats and even Vseries exterior look (IMO). Hopefully this will change after the CTS has settled a bit (second year on market).
ATS 3.6TT – YES!!!! What a tasty commute!
CTS 3.6TT – OK, if you have to cart around 4-5 adult-sized passengers on a regular basis. This car will be a huge hit with sales people and real estake brokers.
I can wait this out in my 135i. No hurry – I’m not suffering 🙂
I would go with the CTS VSport 400+ horses is enough fun for me as a daily driver a 550+ Hp CTS-V would get me into a lot of trouble in florida…I get extremely giddy whenever the 2014 is up for discussion this car is just Sick
“I get extremely giddy whenever the 2014 is up for discussion this car is just Sick”
You and me both. Caddy needs to give the ATS a similar exercise in design. Mid-cycle refresh, here we come!
Hey Alex do you know anything about a VSport for the ATS or is Gm just going to add the V and be done with it?
Nope, nothing about an ATS Vsport yet… however, the CTS Vsport might be Caddy’s way of “testing the waters”, and lead to an expansion of the Vsport line.
My suggestion would be to offer the Vsport package on all Cadillac models (perhaps with the exception of the Escalade), no matter the powertrain. Such a package would include larger wheels, better brakes, more aggressive body work, and some unique interior materials. In effect, it would be some of the bits from the “real” V models, but without the powertrain and LSDs, etc.
U all would continue the convo while I’m at work all day… 🙁
No manual transmission, I’m sure. No thanks.
I’ve been waiting for the new CTS body. It looks great ! I like the rear much better than the current model. My only complaint, Caddy should keep the “V” for the top of the line, fastest, M and AMG killer CTS. They could have called the twin turbo model the CTS sport.
I hope the new CTS-V has over 600 or more HP.
Caddy, great job on the redesign !
Yea i agree with you on naming it CTS Sport instead of V-Sport…the V emblem should only be used for the highest performing variant, but its already done so yea nothing anyone can do about that i guess. Also, to hit on the 600hp part of your comment, i have a sneaking suspicion that the next V is going to be either right at 600 or perhaps just over. However, if it hits the realm of 630+ i’m going to be oooooooooooooooone happy V-series enthusiast. According to my dad his mechanic at the dealership he takes his v-series to for regular maintenance keeps saying that the next v-series cts is going to be a monster, i dont know if the mech knows something we dont or what…i suppose its possible, but i just have a feeling that it WILL at LEAST hit the 600 mark. The 2 other sneaking suspicions i have is that 1.) AWD might be a feature this time (so that it am compete with the 0-60 of the 2014 4matic e63amg s-trim as well as wipe the m5’s slate clean) and 2.) that the engineers are going to go with the twin turbo version of the LT1 as the version to put in the gen 3 V to battle the M5 with its tt 4.4 and the new amg’s that will have the tt 5.5.
I agree that they will probably use forced induction on the new LT-1 from the Stingray. 600 hp easy! Cant wait to hear the final word
I dont think whether or not to use forced-induction was ever a question for this 3rd gen V. I mean yea they didnt use it on the first gen…they did on the current 2nd gen with the LSA…so after seeing how the LSA with F.I. performed in the 2nd gen i dont think the engineers would have gone w/o it for this next one. Besides, i’ve read many articles where it was stated that engineers are testing 2 versions of the new LT1, one with a s/c’r and one with tt’s. I really hope it hits at least 600 at the motor…if its over, well, at that point the more the merrier!I wont be complaining…well actually the only part i might complain about is if it has the same backend as the ’14 cts because i just dont like it. I also would like the engineers to give it a more aggressive exhaust note off idle and make the sound of the turbo’s more pronounced…i also wouldnt mind being able to hear the blow off valve’s a bit either. I’m also hoping they put a version of the HUD from the C7 in there.