As the new CTS sport sedan earns accolades and new owners, Cadillac takes the next leap forward by premiering the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, the brand's ultimate expression of performance and luxury.

Launching in the fourth quarter of 2008, the all-new Cadillac CTS-V intends to combine the serious performance of an elite sports car with the poise and elegance of a prestigious luxury sedan. Part of Cadillac's acclaimed V-Series of high-performance models, CTS-V delivers an estimated 550 horsepower (410 kW). More than just power, CTS-V also includes a comprehensive suite of technical and design enhancements, including Magnetic Ride Control, an industry-first Performance Traction Management program and the addition of a new automatic transmission with paddle-shift control.
 

As an all-new version of the CTS sport sedan was prepared for 2008, Cadillac engineers and designers began to scheme a new CTS-V that would reach much higher in terms of performance and luxury. Through the original CTS-V, Cadillac proved it could develop a very potent, high-performance sedan. The challenge for the 2009 model was enhancing every aspect in a comprehensive manner, along with reaching higher performance limits.

Several key technical and design elements combine to transform the already highly capable CTS into the new V-Series. Like the existing CTS, the V-Series is the product of an intensive development process across North America and Europe, including famed test tracks and millions of miles of road. Supporting Cadillac's ongoing global expansion, the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V is planned to be offered outside North America for the first time, including exports to Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
 

Enabling the precise control expected in a high-performance sedan, the CTS-V features Performance Traction Management system, borrowed from championship racing teams. This technology uses advanced electronics to manage engine torque for optimal traction during acceleration. In situations such as acceleration from a stop or exiting corners, Performance Traction Management regulates torque delivery for the best possible launch.

Performance Traction Management uses the same sort of electronics as stability control programs such as Cadillac's StabiliTrak system, but applies it in a different manner. Rather than monitoring and controlling wheel slip to assist in stopping or slowing the car, PTM regulates torque delivery to instantly match the available tire grip for maximum acceleration.
 

Dimensions

  • Wheelbase (in / mm): 113.4 / 2880
  • Overall length (in / mm): 191.6 / 4866
  • Overall width (in / mm): 72.5 / 1842
  • Overall height (in / mm): 58.0 / 1472
  • Track (in / mm):
    • front: 61.8 / 1570
    • rear: 62.0 / 1575
  • Curb weight (lb / kg):
    • manual: 4200 / 1905 (est)
    • automatic: 4300 / 1950 (est)
  • Weight distribution (% front / rear): 54 / 46
  • Approach Angle (deg): 10.4
  • Departure Angle (deg): 18.3
  • Tumblehome (deg): 24.6
 

A microfiber material is added to the steering wheel, seats and shifter, providing the soft feel and luxurious appearance of suede without suede's inherent drawbacks of difficult care and moisture sensitivity. These accents on the steering wheel, seat inserts and shifter are elegant to the touch and help support high-performance driving.

The car's integrated center stack is trimmed with a new Obsidian material that is also applied to the center console and door trim. Just like every CTS, the V-Series includes a hand-stitched instrument panel, door trim and center console. Leading-edge infotainment features, including a 40-gigabyte hard drive, advanced navigation system with a "pop-up" screen and Bose digital surround audio, extend to the V-Series, as well as factory-installed Bluetooth capability.
 

Chassis & Suspension

  • Front suspension: independent SLA; 29-mm hollow stabilizer bar; elastomeric handling and ride bushings; 65-N/mm spring rate; Magnetic Ride Control with electro-magnetically controlled shocks
  • Rear suspension: independent SLA; 24-mm solid stabilizer bar; elastomeric trailing arm bushing; 90-N/mm spring rate; Magnetic Ride Control with electro-magnetically controlled shocks
  • Wheels
    • 19 x 9-inch; forged alloy, 5-lug (front)
    • 19 x 9.5-inch, forged alloy, 5-lug (rear)
  • Tires
    • 255/40R19 Michelin PS2; summer Z-rated (front)
    • 285/35R19 Michelin PS2; summer Z-rated (rear)
  • Brakes: four-wheel disc with four-channel ABS, hydraulic brake assist and dynamic rear brake proportioning
  • Steering ratio: 16.1:1
  • Turn radius (ft / m): 37.9 / 11.55
 

Engine

  • Type: 6.2L supercharged V-8 (LSA)
  • Displacement (cu in / cc): 376 / 6162
  • Bore & stroke (in / mm): 4.06 / 103.25 x 3.62 / 92 mm
  • Block material: cast aluminum
  • Cylinder head material: cast aluminum
  • Valvetrain: overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder; 0.492-in (12.5 mm) lift
  • Supercharger: Gen. 6 R19 with single brick intercooler; 1.9L displacement w/4-lobe rotor design
  • Fuel delivery: SFI; center feed
  • Ignition: direct-mount ignition coils; extended-life dual platinum-tipped spark plugs
  • Compression ratio: 9.0:1
  • Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 550 / 410 @ 6200 (est)
  • Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): 550 / 745 @ 6200 (est)
  • Recommended fuel: premium recommended but not required