2016 Cadillac CTS-V Styles & Features Highlights

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James Flammang, Contributing Editor - July 27, 2015

A new, even more potent powertrain goes under the brawny hood of the super-performing, aggressively-styled CTS-V sedan, billed as “all new” in its third generation. The midsize CTS was the model that originally launched Cadillac’s V-Series. Few cars come even close to the CTS-V in standing-start acceleration: now 0-60 mph in a claimed 3.7 seconds. Truly track-capable, this luxury rear-wheel-drive sport sedan mixes urbane road manners with what Cadillac accurately calls “unprecedented” performance. Cadillac notes that the functionally-designed exterior contributes to such performance factors as lift reduction and improved aerodynamics.

What's New for 2016

For its third generation, Cadillac’s CTS-V gains a new, more powerful 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, whipping up an eye-opening 640 horsepower. A carbon fiber hood is standard; additional carbon fiber components are optional. Features include Brembo high-performance braking; touring, sport and track driving modes; and Cadillac CUE connectivity, including Apple CarPlay. GM’s Gen 3 Magnetic Ride Control is claimed to provide 40-percent faster damping response.

Choosing Your Cadillac CTS-V

Once you’ve decided to go all out with a CTS-V, sticker-priced near $84,000, there’s not too much else to choose, other than determining whether to pay extra for a sunroof, Recaro seats, and the available Carbon Fiber package. The new supercharged 6.2-liter V8 generates 640 horsepower at 6400 rpm, and 630 pound-feet of torque. Equipped with paddle shifters, the eight-speed automatic transmission includes launch control and Performance Algorithm Shifting. A manual transmission is no longer available. Fuel-economy estimates are not yet available, but with a big supercharged V8 engine on tap, no CTS-V ranks as thrifty. The 2015 model was estimated at a mere 12 mpg city/19 mpg highway with automatic.

Brembo brakes and a carbon fiber hood are standard. So are pushbutton start, a performance suspension, sport alloy pedals, quad exhaust, and 19-inch forged aluminum wheels. Heated and ventilated 20-way front seats are trimmed in semi-aniline leather and sueded microfiber inserts. Driving modes are selectable: touring, street, or track. A curbview camera is standard, and the Parking Assist system guides with parallel and perpendicular parking modes.

Bose 13-speaker surround-sound audio includes active noise cancellation. The CUE system incorporates navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and natural voice recognition. Interior elements are handcrafts. In addition to a 12.3-inch instrument-cluster display, the driver can view a head-up display in the windshield. OnStar 4G LTE connectivity includes a built-in wi-fi hotspot. Standard features also include a Siri Eyes Free and text-to-voice system and wireless inductive cellphone charging. A performance data recorder is available.

Also on the modest option list, a $5,500 Carbon Fiber package includes a more aggressive front splitter, hood vent trim and rear diffuser, as well as composite rocker extensions and a taller carbon fiber rear spoiler. Available race-inspired, 16-way Recaro performance front seats ($2,300) are trimmed in Mulan leather.

CarsDirect Tip

Anybody old enough to recall Cadillac’s century-old reputation as the American luxury leader, and the choice of affluent senior citizens, is in for a rude awakening behind the wheel of a CTS-V. Few luxury-oriented sedans deliver such a visceral experience, while providing the benefits of a host of comfort and convenience features.

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