The Cadillac CTS-V is a high performance version of the standard CTS, introduced in 2004. It is a mid-sized four-door sedan with a pushrod V-8 OHV engine and a sport-tuned suspension. It competes in the consumer market, alongside high-performance, luxury sedans such as the BMW M5, the Jaguar XFR, and the Mercedes E63 AMG.
The first generation CTS-V is based on the same GM Sigma platform as the base model CTS. The use of a V8 engine required a unique engine cradle distinct from the base CTS V6. Larger anti-roll bars and larger shocks were also added. The spring rate was significantly increased. The 2006-2007 update also included a stronger rear differential and half shaft design. Unique front and rear treatments also included mesh grilles over the front openings, a track-ready suspension, and 18×8.5 inch wheels inside of P245/45R18 Z-rated Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar run-flat tires. Brakes were 14.0-inch (360 mm) rotors with six-piston Brembo calipers on the front and four piston at the rear wheels. In addition, GM badges were added on 2006 models.
The CTS sedan is enhanced with GM performance parts like a GM LS engine V8 from the C5-generation Chevrolet Corvette Z06, as well as the Corvette Z06’s six-speed Tremec manual transmission. From 2004 and 2005, the CTS-V came with the 5.7 liter pushrod OHV LS6 engine producing 400 hp (298 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 395 lb·ft (536 N·m) of torque at 4,800 rpm. From 2006-2007, the previous LS6 engine was superseded by the new 6.0 liter OHV LS2 engine as used in the base 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. The new LS2 engine was rated at the same 400 hp (298 kW) at 6,000 rpm with the peak torque of 395 lb·ft (536 N·m) at 4,400 rpm.
The second generation CTS-V is based on the new GM Sigma II platform. The rear-wheel-drive platform is the basis for the 2008 to present Cadillac CTS base model with which the CTS-V shares most of the body work. The suspension features coil springs front and rear. The front suspension is a Control arm arrangement while the rear is an independent Multi-link suspension. To improve the handling and comfort, the 2009 CTS-V uses Delphi Corporation’s MagneRide technology. The dampers, filled with magnetorheological fluid, are adjusted based on sensor readings that happen at 1ms intervals. The sedan has four wheel disc brakes similar to the first generation. The front brakes were increased in size to 15.0-inch (380 mm) ventilated discs with six piston Brembo fixed calipers. The rear brakes are 14.7-inch (370 mm) ventilated rotors with four piston calipers. Steering is speed-sensing hydraulic-assist rack-and-pinion. The steering ratio is 16.1:1. Tire sizes are 255/40ZR19 front and 285/35ZR19 rear on 19×9.0 inch and 19×9.5 inch wheels front and rear.
The powerplant in the 2009 CTS-V is a supercharged OHV 6.2 liter LSA V-8, based on the LS9 V-8 from the recently released Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1. It produces 556 hp (415 kW) and 551 lb·ft (747 N·m) of torque. The choice to use an Overhead valve (OHV)) arrangement (also known as a pushrod engine) is unique in the luxury performance sedan market where competitors typically use dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) engines. The engine is produced in GM’s Silao, Mexico engine assembly plant. The LSA engine has a bore and stroke of 4.06 x 3.62 inches (103.25 x 92.0 mm). The engine block is cast aluminum 319-T5 alloy with cast-iron cylinder liners. The crankshaft is forged steel using powdered-metal connecting rods. Pistons are high-silicon Hypereutectic Aluminum alloy replacing the forged aluminum used in the LS9 engine. The compression ratio is 9.1:1. The cylinder heads are based on the Corvette’s LS3 head and are cast from type 356-T6 Aluminum alloy. The exhaust manifolds are cast iron. The supercharger is a twin four-lobe roots-type unit displacing 1.9 liters. It is Eaton’s Twin Vortices Series (TVS) generating a maximum boost of 9.0 psi (0.6 bar). Intake air is cooled with a water-to-air intercooler built directly into the supercharger unit. The stock LSA uses iridium-core spark plugs.
