The Many Vs Of The 2014 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe: Quick Spin

by Manoli Katakis
— Nov 2, 2013

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The Cadillac CTS-V Coupe might be a little gray-haired. But when it comes to outright performance, the Cadillac is still a top-tier luxury driving machine — with a six-speed manual transmission, no less. To reassure us that it’s still awesome, I recently danced with one, and along with a fresh crop of photos from Steven Pham, was able to sum up the experience in words that only begin with the letter V.

Velocity: The Cadillac CTS-V family may be the oldest in the brand’s portfolio, but it’s still the fastest. By far. A 556 horsepower 6.2L supercharged LSA V8 that likes to rev a little faster than its naturally-aspirated Small Block cousins, sticky Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires, and integrated aerodynamic components give the CTS-V Coupe a top speed of 198 mph, despite weighing a hefty 4,250 pounds. Truth is, the V-Coupe drives a lot lighter than it actually is on paper.

Validated: The Nurburgring time of under eight minutes speaks for itself. But the fact that it outright spanked the E60 BMW M5 in just about every comparison test, and is currently right behind the new F10 M5, says a lot about the caliber of this vehicle. Expect the inevitable next-generation CTS-V to continue the line’s dominating lineage.

Vascular: If the CTS-V Coupe doesn’t get its driver’s blood flowing, most likely nothing will.

Vigorous: Like a well-bred pit bull. Everything about the CTS-V Coupe’s design and driving nature is big, robust, and makes you feel alive.

Vocal: Press the throttle into the firewall, and listen to the supercharger of the 6.2L LSA V8 wind up with a satisfying whine and the exhaust burble louder and louder as you approach redline, indicated by a flashing tachometer.

Visceral: With a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds, the 2014 CTS-V Coupe with throw your head into the back of its Recaro seats. A hard stomp on the V’s Brembo rotors will imprint a seatbelt mark into your chest. Probably.

Vagrant: It’s all-too-easy to put miles on this car. It’s fast, comfortable, the Bose sound system is great, and before you know it, you’re far from anywhere that’s home.

Vibration: Or lack thereof. The interior of the CTS-V Coupe is tomb quiet, and the vibration transfer from the road is minimal thanks to its magnetic ride suspension.

Vicing: You might not care much for its flashy presence, until you drive one. Then you’re hooked.

Veteran: Its Sigma vehicle architecture and technology might be getting up there in years, but like a retired marine at the firing range, the CTS-V Coupe is still a force on the track.

Volition: All 556 horsepower of it.

Verbose: Because sometimes words are wasted, and all it takes is some seat time with one to really understand why this car is special. Glancing at the gallery below should help.