Cadillac pulled the wraps off the second-generation CTS-V at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. A few years later, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was introduced, sharing its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 LSA engine, magnetic ride control suspension system, and more technology with the CTS-V. We didn’t know it at the time, but the second-generation CTS-V previewed what was to come in the form of the Camaro ZL1. So, does the 2016 CTS-V give us a glimpse of the all-new Alpha-based Camaro ZL1?
The third-generation CTS and the all-new 2016 Camaro will share a common Alpha architecture, though the version to be employed in the Camaro will reportedly be a touch shorter. As such, it would make sense that the two would also share powertrain technology, considering the previous-generations of both cars did, despite them not sharing a common platform (the Caddy was on Sigma while the fifth-gen Camaro is on Zeta).
What also makes us believe that the 2016 CTS-V previews the next-generation ZL1 is where they will be built. Production of the sixth-generation Camaro is moving from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada to GM’s Lansing Grand River plant in Michigan, while the CTS-V is built just 10 minutes away at the Lansing Delta Township plant. It would seems like a good move logistically for the two to share parts then, a point we doubt General Motors has over looked.
Of course this is all just speculation, and it’s based on the assumption that a next-generation ZL1 is indeed on its way. It’s impossible to guarantee anything this early on, but we wouldn’t be surprised if an LT4-powered Camaro pops up sometime in the future.
Comments
…”the CTS-V is built just 10 minutes away at the Lansing Delta Township plant”.
C’mon you guys – ALL the Alpha Cadillac’s are built at LGR. Delta builds cross-overs only.