Car Gazing
By Derek Price
When it comes to sport sedans, it seems like Germans have all the fun.
Just look at the BMW M5 or the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG, both four-door
screamers designed for triple-digit blasts down the Autobahn. Their powerful
engines and taut, refined suspensions are the envy of the world – and for
good reason.
Until now, American automakers have been content letting the Germans stand
alone in their quest to build super sedans, but Cadillac is taking the
giants head-on with its new 400-horsepower CTS-V.
CTS-V, as its name suggests, is a souped up version of the popular Cadillac
CTS that had only two drawbacks when it was introduced this year: too much
plastic on the dash, and a less-than-inspiring V6 engine. When it goes on
sale in fall 2003 as a 2004 model, the CTS-V will fix at least one of those
problems.
Key to its potent power is – as if Americans would want anything else – a
big, 5.7-liter V8 engine that comes straight from the Corvette. According to
Cadillac, that's enough to reach 60 mph in less than five seconds and hit a
top speed of over 155. Impressive numbers, indeed.
But, without an awesome suspension like those on its German competitors, the
CTS-V is a sitting duck. So what did Cadillac engineers do? Go to Germany,
of course, to refine its sporty suspension on the famed Nurburgring race
track just like they did with the original CTS.
Cadillac says the suspension was designed to "meet the expectations of the
world's most avid driving enthusiasts." We'll have to wait and see.
In addition to the monster engine and tweaked suspension, expect to see big
Brembo disc brakes at all four corners, six-speed manual transmission,
improved steering feel, 18-inch wheels, and minor changes to both the
interior and exterior styling when CTS-V hits dealer showrooms before
Christmas.
Exterior changes will include a completely new front fascia designed to
improve stability and performance at high speeds. It includes an integrated
aero splitter for better aerodynamics, brake ducts vented to cool the front
brakes, and stainless steel mesh grilles below and above the bumper to
provide a unique front appearance and allow for free air flow into the
engine compartment.
As for price, Cadillac isn't giving any hints, but you can probably count on
a sticker near $40,000. That's less than either the BMW or the Mercedes, but
performance numbers should be very similar to the giants from Germany.
(Derek Price is a newspaper editor and freelance writer living in Texas.
Contact him at dprice@cargazingonline.com)
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