Sure, the current CTS-V has been designed to take on Europe's best super sedans, but its suspension has not been a good match for the 400-horsepower V8 under the hood. The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V should deliver a more balanced package thanks to extensive testing on the world's toughest test track. It started last fall when we caught our first spy video of early CTS-V prototypes.
Our latest footage from the Nürburgring doesn't reveal anything new in the way of looks, as the latest batch of prototypes appear unchanged from last year's test mules. Compared to the current CTS, these V-Series prototypes feature wider bodywork, taller wheels and wider tires, plus oversize, slotted brake rotors. But there is one new thing: a massive hood bulge that has been the source of rampant speculation.
The natural explanation for the protruding hood might involve the need to make way for a supercharger underneath. Most of the rumors suggest a blown 6.2-liter LS3 V8. Since a naturally aspirated, 430-hp LS3 will debut in the 2008 Corvette, a supercharged version should produce well over 500 hp. A recent photograph of the 2009 CTS-V's engine bay shows a strut tower bar that arches over what looks like a tall engine that might incorporate a supercharger, but a cover over the block hides the mechanicals underneath from our prying eyes.
Despite the rumors, we've said all along that our best information indicates the new CTS-V will use the Corvette Z06's LS7 V8. With a normally aspirated 505 hp, this engine should be more than enough to keep the CTS-V competitive with the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. After examining the latest photos and listening closely to the video from the track, we're sticking to our story.
Listen closely to the sound of the CTS-V and you'll detect no audible supercharger noise. Whether it's at full speed on the track or slowly pulling into a parking lot, the 2009 CTS-V doesn't betray any supercharger whine.
Just to be sure about our judgment, we looked closely at the front end of the test mule for additional clues. One notably absent piece of supercharger hardware is a visible auxiliary heat exchanger to go with the intercooler. If the CTS-V is using an integrated cooler like the one we saw on the Corvette SS, it would need a separate radiator to cool the fluid from the intercooler. These radiators are typically placed right up front to catch ambient air, and all we can see on these prototypes is what looks like a big air-conditioning condenser.
So our detective work with the video and photography has turned up an absent heat exchanger, an inexplicably tall strut-tower brace and an engine that sounds suspiciously like an LS7.
Cleary, none of this is conclusive. If anything, it leads us to believe that this CTS-V has a much better chance of competing with the high-performance German sedans this time around. We'll know for sure soon enough, but until then enjoy the sights and sounds of this V8-powered Cadillac at full speed on the Nürburgring.
Our latest footage from the Nürburgring doesn't reveal anything new in the way of looks, as the latest batch of prototypes appear unchanged from last year's test mules. Compared to the current CTS, these V-Series prototypes feature wider bodywork, taller wheels and wider tires, plus oversize, slotted brake rotors. But there is one new thing: a massive hood bulge that has been the source of rampant speculation.
The natural explanation for the protruding hood might involve the need to make way for a supercharger underneath. Most of the rumors suggest a blown 6.2-liter LS3 V8. Since a naturally aspirated, 430-hp LS3 will debut in the 2008 Corvette, a supercharged version should produce well over 500 hp. A recent photograph of the 2009 CTS-V's engine bay shows a strut tower bar that arches over what looks like a tall engine that might incorporate a supercharger, but a cover over the block hides the mechanicals underneath from our prying eyes.
Despite the rumors, we've said all along that our best information indicates the new CTS-V will use the Corvette Z06's LS7 V8. With a normally aspirated 505 hp, this engine should be more than enough to keep the CTS-V competitive with the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. After examining the latest photos and listening closely to the video from the track, we're sticking to our story.
Listen closely to the sound of the CTS-V and you'll detect no audible supercharger noise. Whether it's at full speed on the track or slowly pulling into a parking lot, the 2009 CTS-V doesn't betray any supercharger whine.
Just to be sure about our judgment, we looked closely at the front end of the test mule for additional clues. One notably absent piece of supercharger hardware is a visible auxiliary heat exchanger to go with the intercooler. If the CTS-V is using an integrated cooler like the one we saw on the Corvette SS, it would need a separate radiator to cool the fluid from the intercooler. These radiators are typically placed right up front to catch ambient air, and all we can see on these prototypes is what looks like a big air-conditioning condenser.
So our detective work with the video and photography has turned up an absent heat exchanger, an inexplicably tall strut-tower brace and an engine that sounds suspiciously like an LS7.
Cleary, none of this is conclusive. If anything, it leads us to believe that this CTS-V has a much better chance of competing with the high-performance German sedans this time around. We'll know for sure soon enough, but until then enjoy the sights and sounds of this V8-powered Cadillac at full speed on the Nürburgring.
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