Thursday, January 5, 2012

A moment with the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V


From the moment I saw this 2011 Cadillac CTS-V on my stock sheet, I couldn't wait for her arrival. Over the last few years, I've read countless reviews and accolades for the vehicle people are crowning the Fastest Production Car on the Planet! At 556 Horsepower this Cadillac isn't your Grandpa's old Deville. This is a turn of the times for Cadillac, an almost put up or shut up moment for American Automobile manufacturer's. I waited for the vehicle to clear the inspection process as well as the detailing, and when she finally showed her face in the sun, she was every bit as beautiful as I imagined she would be. Dressed in a bright silver metallic paint job, this CTS-V looked absolutely breathtaking. After several laps around the car to grasp every line and every piece of sheet metal I slowly slid into the plush, yet sporty black leather CTS-V Driver's seat. As with most luxury cars of this time, there is only a key remote, you have no actual key, just a key fob. All I had to do to ignite the roar of this 6.2L Supercharged V-8 beast was press on the brake pedal and turn the ignition switch slightly forward. What arose from under the hood was a growl that would make a tiger nervous. This thing sounds like a freaking rocket ship. As I sat with a grin from ear to ear, I made myself more familiar with the cockpit. Power everything and leather litter every inch of the vehicle's sleek and sophisticated interior. With the touch of a button the Navigation screen arose from the depths of the dash to show me Cadillac has not dropped a beat in the technology department. As I slid the transmission into reverse the rear view camera automatically presented the surroundings behind me on my generous Nav screen. I slowly backed out, but took the time to change the BOSE stereo system and all of a sudden Jay-Z and Kanye West came to life as if they were sitting in the backseat. The driver's seat felt perfect and fitted specifically to me, the driver. I finally head forward and take a quick turn off the lot, and with just the slightest push on the accelerator the CTS-V spoke to me with beautiful exhaust notes and a small slip from the rear end. At this point, I knew I wasn't going to have to mash the accelerator to feel the power of this baby. As I pull up to the stop sign, I look all around to make sure that no vehicles, bikers, or pedestrians are anywhere in sight. I barely :) push my foot into the accelerator and what happened next was mind boggling. My head was immediatley thrown into the headrest and gravity had taken over. In less than 4 seconds she was screaming way over 60 miles per hour down the roadway. The transmission was shifting through gears so quietly and seamlessly that I felt one with the car. The steering was tight, yet nimble, and with just a touch of the brake we came to a screeching halt. I love cars, always have and always will. I have driven some of the most exotic cars on the planet, but this one was different, this was a sedan, with my grandpa's favorite nameplate. For a moment at the light I wondered what my grandpa would have said and thought about this vehicle. And then with a blink of an eye, the light changed and we were shooting back to home base, while praying no one recognized the car or the driver. When I pulled in, the people on the lot froze to stare at this beautiful piece of automotive history. I found a spot to park and gently slid the car into park. A crowd quickly gathered around the car in conversation and awe. Before I could even slide out of the cockpit, the CTS-V reminded me that this is what we come to work for everyday, this is what being an enthusiast is all about, and this is what American excess has brought to our driveways. Personally, I would rate this car as high on my list as anything I have ever driven. From the styling to the performance, the CTS-V is my new favorite for 2012. She looks as stunning as she behaves, and she is as beautiful as any woman on the planet. I owe a huge thanks to Cadillac, I needed that reminder, I appreciate where you are headed, and I can't wait to see what's next!

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Specs:

Production2009–
AssemblyLansing, Michigan, United States
LayoutFR layout[3]
PlatformGM Sigma II platform
Engine6.2 L S/C LSA V8 (556 hp)
Transmission6-speed 6L90 automatic
6-speed Tremec TR-6060 manual
Wheelbase113.4 in (2,880 mm)
Length191.6 in (4,870 mm)
Coupe: 188.5 in (4,788 mm)
Wagon: 192 in (4,900 mm)
Width72.5 in (1,840 mm)
Coupe: 74.1 in (1,882 mm)
Height58 in (1,500 mm)
Coupe: 56 in (1,420 mm)
Curb weight4,250 lb (1,930 kg) (mfr est)
Related


Engine & Performance
  • Base engine size: 6.2 L
  • Cam type: Overhead valves (OHV)
  • Cylinders: V8
  • Valves: 16
  • Torque: 551 ft-lbs. @ 3800 rpm
  • Horsepower: 556 hp @ 6100 rpm
  • Turning circle: 37.9 ft.
  • Base engine type: gas
DriveTrain
  • Drive type: rear wheel drive
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • Rear limited slip differential
Suspension
  • Short and long arm front suspension
  • Multi-link rear suspension
  • Four-wheel independent suspension
  • Front and rear stabilizer bar
Fuel
  • Fuel type: gas
  • Fuel type: premium unleaded (required)
  • Fuel tank capacity: 18.0 gal.
  • Range in miles (cty/hwy): 252.0/342.0 mi.
  • EPA mileage est. (cty/hwy): 14/19 mpg
2011 Cadillac CTS-V Warranty:

Warranty

  • Basic: 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
  • Drivetrain: 5 yr./ 100000 mi.
  • Free Maintenance: 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
  • Roadside: 5 yr./ 100000 mi.
  • Rust: 6 yr./ 100000 mi.
Cadillac CTS
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1


http://www.edmunds.com/cadillac/cts-v/2011/
http://www.cadillac.com/cts-v-luxury-sedan.html?seo=goo_|_Cadillac_Retention_|_IMG_Cadillac_CTS-V_|_2011_CTS-V_|_2011_cadillac_cts_v&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Retention-Cadillac-IMG_Cadillac_CTS-V&utm_content=Search&utm_term=2011_cadillac_cts_v
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadillac_CTS-V
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadillac_CTS

1 comment:

  1. Cadillac has been on a roll lately. Chances are if you asked your grandfather what a Cadillac means to him, he would describe something along the lines of pink colors and huge fins.
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