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Feature Spotlight: The Track-Honed Chassis And Suspension Of The 2016 Cadillac CTS-V

Dropping the supercharged, 640 horsepower 6.2L LT4 V8 in the front the 2016 CTS-V was probably one of the easier parts for Cadillac in developing its new high-performance midsize sedan. That’s because developing the chassis, suspension and brakes were the more time-consuming aspects of the super-sedan’s development process. The CTS-V has the exact same 114.6-inch Alpha chassis as the standard CTS sedan, but several improved components help make it even more Nurburgring-worthy than its non-V relatives.

Though the 114.6-inch (2,910 mm) wheelbase is exactly the same in the CTS-V as it is in non-V CTS models, the V has wider front and rear tracks to enhance grip, stabilize the car in the corners, and make the steering feel more direct.

In The Front

A revised version of the multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension on the standard CTS appears on the CTS-V. The standard car’s suspension bushings have been replaced with cross-axis ball joints, higher-rate springs and a more rigid stabilizer bar, all yielding a 20 percent increase in roll stiffness.

Out Back

Out back, a five-link rear suspension with stiffer bushings, new cradle mounts, higher rate springs and another stronger, stiffer stabilizer bar is used. The setup has a reduced roll center migration over the suspension of the standard CTS, resulting in stronger lateral control and enabling effective anti-squat geometry. A standard electronic slip differential, also featured in the CTS Vsport and the 2016 ATS-V, helps with traction and acceleration out of corners.

Magnetic Ride Control & Performance Traction Management

The 2016 CTS-V features Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) and Performance Traction Management (PTM) systems to help to adjust the car to the driver’s needs.

Third-generation Magnetic Ride Control calculates optimal damping for every inch of the road, and enables 40 percent faster damping response. The two systems enable four driver-selectable settings, including:

  1. Tour
  2. Sport
  3. Track
  4. Snow

Offered in Track mode, Performance Traction Management offers the driver five setting of torque reduction and brake intervention (traction control).

Steering, Wheels & Tires

Other steering component improvements include:

  • ZF Servotronic II variable-ratio electric power steering system: enables a 14 percent greater steering stiffness for improved feedback
  • Light wheels: are 45 percent stiffer than those on the the previous-gen CTS-V
  • Michelin Pilot Super Sport tire: because they’re sticky
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Sam loves to write and has a passion for auto racing, karting and performance driving of all types.

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Comments

  1. No ATS-V yet?

    Reply
    1. You’re about a month behind on that one. See the 2014 L.A. Auto Show.

      Reply
    2. Cadillac unveiled the ATS-V in Hollywood on November 18. I was lucky enough to be there when Johan pulled the wrapping off the car.

      Reply
  2. At the auto show Detroit will debut the car Cadillac cts-v 2016 month of January 2015. Manufacturer American neglect release this car’s high-performance v-series together the ats-v coupe and sedan 2016 to compete against the best from Germany, bmw and mercedes-Benz. (among others).

    Reply
    1. Reply
  3. Mercedes, BMW and Audi better be afraid…VERY AFRAID! ‘MURICA is coming for them once again!

    Reply
  4. How about the antilock braking system? Will it make it through the warranty period?

    Until Cadillac delivers a complete package that stays out of the repair shop, Audi and Mercedes have nothing to worry about.

    Reply

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