Cadillac has officially revealed its all-new, third-generation 2016 Cadillac CTS-V ahead of the 2015 North American International Auto Show. Here’s what you need to know:
- The 2016 Cadillac CTS-V possesses a class-leading 640 horsepower (477 kW) and 630 lb-ft of torque (855 Nm) from the 6.2L LT4 supercharged V8 engine, first seen with the 2015 Corvette Z06
- The 2016 CTS-V can achieve 200 mph — making it the fastest vehicle ever to launch under the Cadillac marquee
- 0-60 acceleration time comes in at 3.7 seconds; quicker than the BMW M5 and just a tick under the all-wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
- The 2016 Cadillac CTS-V sends its power to the rear wheels via an 8L90 8-speed transmission. There are no immediate plans for a manual transmission variant. But there is Performance Algorithm Shifting, which keeps the engine within the optimal spot of the rpm band, making it ideal for the track or otherwise spirited driving.
- It weighs 4,145 lbs, lighter than the smaller outgoing CTS-V, and far lighter than the BMW M5 (4,387 lbs) and just behind the 4,112 lb Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
- While it’s too early for Cadillac to know exact fuel economy numbers, the expectation is that the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V will perform better than the previous generation.
Like the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V, the body of the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V features a carbon fiber hood, while offering a carbon fiber vent, front splitter, rear spoiler and rear diffuser for improved aerodynamics. There is also of course the mandatory Brembo brake system, consisting of two-piece 15.3-inch-diameter (390 mm) front rotors with staggered six-piston calipers and 14.3-inch-diamter (365 mm) rear rotors with four-piston calipers. The calipers will be offered in three color finishes, as will be the lightweight forged aluminum wheels. No mention on whether or not the chrome bordering would have different finishing options, however. We’d like to see what the bordering would look like in a blackened or body color finish.
The shell of the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V is also 25 percent stiffer than lesser variants, thanks to the following:
- Strut tower-to-tower brace
- Strut tower-to-plenum brace
- V-braces for the engine compartment
- Strengthened rocker bulkhead
- Stronger rear cradle-to-rocker braces
- A unique aluminum shear panel at the front of the chassis
- Upper tie bar-to-bumper braces.
The 2016 Cadillac CTS-V tires are Michelin Pilot Super Sports, measuring 295 mm in the rear and 265 mm wide up front, wrapping 19-inch wheels that are 45-percent stiffer than the previous model’s. The track of the vehicle is also wider than the base third-generation CTS, now measuring 62.1 inches (1,577 mm) up front and 61.2 inches (1,554 mm) in the rear. All of which helps the CTS-V push nearly 1G in lateral cornering forces while maintaining adhesion to the pavement.
Cornering abilities also yields credit to the highly improved suspension system. The multi-link MacPherson front suspension with hydro bushings benefits from a higher spring rate and stiffened stabilizer bar for a 20 percent increase in roll stiffness. There’s also the latest generation of magnetic ride control, which reads the road 1,000 times per second. Or for an even cooler statistic, 1 inch increments of road travelled at a rate of 60 miles per hour. Performance Traction Management is also standard in the new CTS-V, which offers Snow, Tour, Sport and Track modes.
The back wheels have to handle that immense power coming from the 640 hp LT4, and to do so the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V incorporates an electronically limited slip differential, plus larger prop shafts and greater half-shaft symmetry. The CTS-V’s five-link rear suspension features reduced roll center migration, improved lateral control and a suspension geometry resistant to squatting. Contributing components include stiffer bushings, new cradle mounts, higher-rate springs and a stiffer stabilizer bar. Turning abilities comes from a ZF Steering Systems Servotronic II electric power steering system with variable-ratio electric power steering gear, with 14-percent greater system stiffness over the base model for better steering precision and feedback.
Inside the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V sees the return of optional Recaro racing seats, optional microfiber suede inserts, and three different color options. They are: Jet Black, Jet Black with Light Platinum accents and Jet Black with Saffron accents. There’s also a Heads Up Display, Siri Eyes Free, navigation, wireless inductive phone charging, Bose surround sound and of course, CUE, this time integrated with the Cosworth Performance Data Recorder.
Let us know what you think about the new 640 hp, 200 mph Cadillac CTS-V sedan in the comments below.
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Comments
Good job Caddy!!!! They were able to maintain the elegance of the cts but take the aggressive look to the next level! i have the feeling the 3.7 0-60 is a tad conservative as well, and will more than likely dominate in the twisties and the track. The German slaying American super sedan has arrived!
The world has been put on notice!!!!!!!
What’s with the awkward engine cover? Overall very attractive car though
Beautiful car indeed! But leapfrogging its rivals? That’s yet to be seen.
From a driving standpoint, there are many would would stay with even the old CTS-V over the current BMW M5, the segment leader. Now the new CTS-V seems to stand with M5 in refinement, while towering it in horsepower and other specs.
I’m not surprised that it blows past the M5 in terms of weight and performance, that was to be expected, the M5 has long ceased to be the standard in this segment. I’m very surprised, though, that it is slower and heavier than the current, old, and AWD E63 AMG. That being said, 3.7 to 60 is mighty impressive, and i can’t imagine anyone on this planet who would be dissatisfied with that kind of performance in a large luxury sedan. 0 to 60, or quarter mile trap speed will not be the deciding factor for anyone with the wallet to shop in this segment.
NO DCT = FAIL
NO AWD = FAIL
NO STICKSHIFT = STUPIDITY
AWD is necessary in a performance sedan, especially when big and heavy. That new A8 automatic from a pickup truck has terrible lag when manually shifting and a torque converter has no place in a performance car. AWD+DCT is a modern drivetrain. GM is competing with the Germans…. from 10 years ago. This car is a fail . The only GM product that has not proven to be a failure is the 2016 Camaro. It better be 3,600lbs with a LT1 and a 7spd with a interior that you can see out of and that doesn’t look terrible while retaining the current 1ss price. RWD+STICKSHIFT+V8 is the ONLY thing GM does well.
Stupid post. AWD is necessary? Don’t need to read more than that.
TTC6 is no more than a Troll. He trolls the internet to nitpick GM cars because he feels he was wronged by GM years ago. He has been outed before on several forums. He’s a very sad, lonely person. Let it go TTC6 and move on with your life.
Let’s see, Formula 1 AWD, Nascar AWD, Daytona Prototypes AWD nope. Very few all wheel drive race cars.
In white is perfect
Regards From Spain
When you have to resort to KILLER looks in order to sell a prestigious vehicle , like the front end of the Caddie , you tell the public you are needy . This is not a good place to be , like a tarted up woman or fashion plate guy , do you want to be anywhere in their company for the long term ?? You’ll notice that the direct competition is understated and refined from years of sales and customer satisfaction growth , over the years . This is what makes any highly valued product in our society so desirable ; the refinement , the killer quality and the impeccable reputation enhanced over the years .
The industry is changing. Benz has upgraded to a ‘killer’ design, sleek with hints of art deco; as the new kid on the block, Tesla dresses to impress, as well.
To use a seasonal analogy: White Xmase elegant and stylish with boomers but millenials opt for vibrant color.
Times are changing…
The people who spend top dollar on a car like this want people to know they spent top dollar. They want that look.
Overall the design is far from over the top. It’s flat out elegant. CTS-Vsport is more reserved as it’s a lesser model.
I disagree. Those that already like the look of the CTS will probably like it, but in my eyes the look is gaudy, and, frankly, half-assed. It’s a hell of an effort engineering-wise, it’s just the car itself–like too much of what GM is offering these days–looks so… New Jersey-fied.
I don’t need 630 horsepower in a passenger car; I need to identify with it on a personal level. This simply doesn’t do it for me. It’s okay, at best. Awful in some respects. And I can’t imagine being the only one that feels that way.
Curious, what, in your eyes, is the ideal car in this segment?
Another troll who is showing how nervous the competition is of Cadillac’s, and GM’s, resurgence. After all, he was interested enough to click on a Caddy article and read it.
This tells me things are looking good for GM.
Hmm….I ddon’t know why, but I’m having mixed feelings about this…..Perhaps my expectations were a tad too high; I wasn’t necessarily expecting Cadillac to offer a driving experience heavily differentiated from the original CTS-V. But perhaps a more advanced power train would’ve been welcomed. Or at least an AWD system. Plus the looks, while handsome, sorta seem tame. I don’t have the same vibe I had when the ATS-V was recently revealed.
Nevertheless it should be stellar in the performance department!!
TTC6 and usayjim are both entitled to free speech as it is written in the Bill of Rights! That being said Cadillac is FINALLY is on it’s way to become the Standard of the World. This car is drop dead amazing and gorgeous just like the Cadillac Escalade which has become the vehicle to be seen in when pulling up to 5 star hotels and special events in NYC where I live. Great job to all of you who are part of the Cadillac team!
I know they aren’t building a coupe for Gen 3 but it would be interesting to see what one would look like. Having said that, I still think the Gen 2 CTS-V coupe is sill smoking HOT after all these years (and please spare me the comments about the fat butt. Some people like fat butts!)
Gen2 Coupe is on my short list of “next car to own”. Simply stunning. To me, it’s the perfect car, especially with the 2 tone Recaro interior.
pretty decent and i like. One thing that stood out the ugly in these pictures is the shifting lever. Today is already used in all kinds of beautiful solutions. the same ugly solution is also a Cadillac Escalade.this car would already be all LED lights. But today, the competition is very strong, and customers appreciate all the tiny details. Customers will see things you do not even know how the suspect.
awd could also come up. But I hope it goes well, and it has the same feel as the Corvette. Cadillac and Corvette has taken a step forward in my opinion. But it can certainly be even better, and should be monitored for the tiny details. Should follow very closely the detail of competitors. only 19 alloys !? not bad but
The shifter? It looks good. What don’t you like about it? And those “only” 19″ wheels are engineered for the vehicle, being 1) light and 2) stiff. You at least negate the lightness with a larger wheel. This is a performance car, remember?
and the sale of a lot faster than it should arrive, because the auto industry is evolving as fast as the computer world. Each month, the automotive industry is important.
Anybody else seeing some Holden/HSV Commodore influences in the body?
Yes, it’s very cut-and-paste.
Cadillac can’t usher in a new design direction fast enough; one that emphasizes elegance over brawn.
Well, my question wasn’t a negative association. Look at the current CTS-V. This new CTS-V has greater lines, they are long and defined, flared fender arches, the car has a raked look, the front fender vents…the outgoing CTS-V really has none of these and it looks pitiful compared to this one.
Look at the ATS V, then look at a 09 Pontiac G8, to which I own. From a side view I think they are very similar, therefore, for me GM has perfected my G8, henceforth, I will be buying an ATSV (White)! Thanks Cadillac & GM! It’s definitely your time to make a big Splash in the auto industry, aka, Corvette, Z06, ATSV, CTSV!
Oh, so what happened to the Buick-esque waterfall grille you said would be on it. Called that one, knew it was a mule camp grille.
The shifter. okay it is a matter of taste. this class of machine, I would expect any different solution. I’ll see what designs are also other competitors. I remember such a large piece does not fit, and hides much of the center console. Imagine the impression that it has not been shifter. It would be pretty clean look center console. Neither major alloy wheel does not always have more to consider. US loves big alloys. Buick regal GS 20 alloys should be lighter than the 19 alloys. But all this no problem.
But the shifter not like me, and in breach of the center console, the beauty of it. Why must it be so big
This car will do to this segment what the Z06 has done for the Corvette and make Cadillac much more legitimate in many eyes.
Now keep in mind this car alone is not going to be the single model that will transform Cadillac. This car is only one brick in the wall of the new image and we have more to come.
Now that the GM has fully committed to Cadillac what ever it takes we will see after the CT6 much more greater leaps forward.
These products will be the AWD models and much more.
I believe that due to lack of AWD if may be on par with the E63AMG to 60. The AWD is advantage in the Benz due to lack of spin on take off, but.. Cadillac may have quelled that issue with the new Performance Traction Management tho. I’m thinking Cadillac bench-marked and exceeded the 11.6 sec @ 121.8 mph of the Benz E63AG from MT especially considering it boasts 50lbs of torque.. 63 more HP, and weighs 400lbs less than it and 300lbs less than the M5. Handling wise the two GErmans match the VSport’s .95g.. I’m thinking the VSeries will beat this as well.
Wow I did not expect such high power numbers!! I thought GM would detune it more like with the outgoing car. Well done!
Having the new 8-speed is nice, though I suspect in a few years it will give way to the 10-speed.
I’m not sure there is much need for a manual in this car. Cool, but how many shopping in this segment would really buy the manual?
It looks both powerful and classy. Great job!
I love this as well as the ATS-v. But I’m already sick and tired of people comparing this car to the hellcat in terms of hp. (Aka motortrend folks)
THE AMERICAN MANUFACTURER DECIDED TO RELEASE TWO HIGH-PERFORMANCE IN THE V-SERIES ENTHUSIAST CARS; BOTH THE CADILLAC ATS-V COUPE AND SEDAN 2016 AND CADILLAC CTS-V SEDAN 2016 TO PLAY WITH THE BEST OF GERMANY BOTH BMW, MERCEDES-BENZ, AUDI AND JAGUAR.