Cadillac’s 2016 CTS-V is truly a car for the enthusiasts. The type of buyers interested in a 640 horsepower sedan capable of sprinting from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and hitting 200 mph are usually car nuts of the highest order, so why isn’t it available with a manual transmission?
The lack of a row-your-own gearbox in the latest ‘V is a little disappointing, but hardly surprising. As automatic transmissions continue to improve, the appeal of the manual to the majority of buyers dwindles. The 2015 Corvette Z06, which the CTS-V shares its supercharged LT4 engine with, will hit 60 mph from a stop in 2.95 seconds with the available automatic, while the manual will take 3.2 seconds to perform the same feat. For some buyers, the improved performance is all the convincing they need to take the automatic.
If you want a manual, mid-size performance sedan in America, your only choice is the 2015 BMW M5. That car can be had with a six-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, while the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is only available with a 7-speed “multi-clutch” automatic. For now we can only speculate as to why Cadillac opted out of offering a manual, but they probably believed the take-rate would be low and not worth the investment.
We don’t think the lack of a standard gearbox makes the 2016 CTS-V any worse or less appealing, but we wouldn’t be complaining if they came out and offered it. Would you like to see a stick in the 2016 CTS-V? Let us know in the comments below.
Comments
yes why not.
I would buy one with a manual
I would definitely buy one with a manual transmission it’s a lot more fun
I’m hoping they do- like the SS, the Manual Came later, so i’m not without hope.
The manual is one of those finicky situations where Marketing and Accounting argue.
Guess what, 99% of them would be automatic. So the accounting office says the 1% isn’t worth the investment.
However, the piece they are always forgetting is this> The experts, enthusiasts, writers, etc. will write off a “sports sedan” without a stick. The Cadillac has a 0% chance of being within 10 miles of a M5 if it goes without a stick. The people who convince 30% of the automatic buyers that the CTSV is a good car to buy will only do so if the CTSV has a stick.
In short, On paper it doesn’t make sense- but if they don’t put a stick in that thing, they’ll never be able to accomplish their goals. I also think they will lose a lot of AUTOMATIC sales if they don’t have a stick. Don’t underestimate the power of Mavens, enthusiasts, and recommendations- especially when a brand such as Cadillac is desperately trying to “prove their worth” in the luxury market.
A stick option would be most welcomed. But if 8-speed is as good as it sounds, I don’t mind it much.
I have a 2014 CTS-V with a manual transmission, but I had to order it from the factory to get it. Compared to the automatic 2013 CTS-V I had, the manual CTS-V is a blast to drive. I am hoping the 2016 CTS-V will get a manual option, but GM already said there will not be a manual for the 3rd generation CTS-V or any other body styles like a coupe or wagon. The manual just gives the drive a lot more control and the engine.
For the manual, I’ll take it or leave it; does not matter much too me. But I wonder if the decision is based on the ATS-V and Cadillac want enthusiast to buy the ATS-V since that car only comes with a manual as an option for the reason not offering the CTS-V a manual.
Yes; at least offer the manual TR6070 as a low volume option, please.
-V series faithful
Here is the deal you have to take all the factors in that GM has to consider to make this an intelligent choice.
The fact is much of this information is not available to us.
While it may seem a no brainer the issues come in on other levels.
Cost vs. number sold. Not just the cost of the parts but the cost of extra emission testing and crash testing.
How long is this model going to be around to recoup the cost of a manual? this may only be a 3-4 year car as Cadillac has changed up their game and is aiming higher yet.
How long is this driveline going to be in a Cadillac? With them going to their own engines this money would be better spent on their future designated engines and transmissions.
So while yes it would be a nice option the fact is there is a whole lot to consider these days. I think it missing is because they have plans for other things in the much nearer future. These things will rationalize why we do not have it now.
Also did anyone notice the survey is on the wrong story??????????????????????????
Since I had my 09 stick CTS-V, I had been saying that they were never going to make a car like this again. 4doors, 550+hp, rear drive, H-gate shifter! The manual transmission was going to lose out at the accounting departments debates. They are not wrong to do so, it does make sense, and this is a profit-oriented-business.
I sold my CTS-V in 2013, worst day for a car owner. I did try the new M5 manual, close second best… it didn’t have the sledge-hammer feel of the V.
I was hopeful though, I did want the new CTS-V to come out with a stick. If it ever does, I’ll be signing up again without hesitating.
I hope I’m not wrong in saying that to hardened manual transmission enthusiasts… the little 0.2 or 0.3 seconds saved to 60mph or uber-quick shift times or driving ease/comfort is not something that would change the mind, I hope I’m understood.
I’m sure Cadillac wants to bring the stick back, but simply can’t, and that is everyone’s misfortune!
Spacey
Space the problem comes in now too that the Automatics are now tuned to be as fast of faster than the Manuals. So even the many people who were willing to learn how to drive one have lost one of the incentives of buying the stick over the automatic.
It is sad but people have lost the will to buy, the cars are no longer faster in all cases with a stick and the cost of offering them due to government regulations has strangled the beast.
I am not even sure anyone could make money or beat the regulations doing an aftermarket conversion unless they perform it on their own car.
Sad but it is a hard sell outside a Corvette and Camaro anymore.
I still say if you want to save manual shift take a kid out an teach them to drive one. That is if you can get them to put their cell phone down.
I have a ’07 CTS-V and a ’11 Black Diamond CTS-V sedan, both manuals. I have no interest in the automatic.
Automatics are now as quick as manuals? Don’t I remember the two speed Powerglide being used for years in drag racing?
Buyers who opt for the manual transmission don’t do so because they think it is faster. They do so because of the more dynamic driving experience. The manual is simply more engaging (no pun intended).
I was first on the waiting list when the 09 CTS-V was introduced in the Fall of 2009. I had the only one in the area for the longest time and absolutely loved it, black on black, sunroof, 6 speed, recaro seats, navigation, chrome wheels and missed the suede shifter and steering wheel, as it was included with the recaro option at pre-order time, but was a stand alone option when the car went into production.
I had a 2005 6 speed Corvette when I ordered my V. From the first time I drove the V, I never looked back at getting into another Corvette. I swapped my 09 for an 11 6 speed V coupe, same option, plus suede shift and wheel. I never really liked the looks of the coupe, but loved driving it.
I sold my 11 V for a 2014 Corvette, 7 speed. I love the looks, but it doesn’t have the ace rating violence of the V. I do like the cutout exhaust and most of all the gas mileage. My best 50 mile average is 34.5!!! My V’s at best averaged 17, driving it like a women.
I hope the V gets a manual option, before I order the Z06. I hope the new V gets better mileage or a bigger gas tank.
Nice car, Cadillac.
I have a 2010 sedan with a manual. When the 2016 was first being talked about the word was it would get the 8 speed automatic and a 7 speed manual. As an avid manual driver, my plan was to trade the 2010 for a 2016, but that isn’t going to even remotely happen. If I’m paying $K to $100K for a vehicle I’d better get exactly what I want…and that’s a manual. I guess I’ll be keeping the 2010 for the foreseeable future.
I am a gm fanatic and have always loved cadillac. When I first saw the 2016 cts v I decided I would have one at any cost until I learned it only comes automatic ????? That to me is idiocy how can you not offer standard shift in a Sportscar, I don’t care if it’s 2 seconds faster I won’t buy any Sportscar that isn’t standard shift it defeats the whole purpose of having a Sportscar. I am extremely disappointed for I have always wanted the v and I thought this year would’ve been the year but now I see it’s not going to happen. The first Gen cts offered a standard shift and that was a great car to drive I had a lot of fun in it, then they took that away and only offered it in the V but now to me that car is dead AUTOMATICS ARE BORING AND THEY SUCK. Keep your paddle shifters it’s lame and no where near the same thing. I can buy a 2.0 ats standard shift but not a 90k cts v? It should be an option even if it were a special offer, now your just worried about your pockets instead of the people who actually buy and drive your cars. Screw imports, ford’s and dodge I only buy GM everything else is junk period and I’ll put my money where my mouth is, you can’t get better than GM but the more they remove standard shift from their cars the less appealing they are. Stupid move on they’re part. I won’t spend a dime until they bring back the standard shift.
Since this CTS V is such a great car and has been previously offered with a manual, it would be better if Cadillac continues to offer their loyal fan base the option of a manual transmission. Without a stick, driver involvement, product satisfaction and just plain fun are greatly reduced. Bring back the fun factor! Bring back the manual trans!