2009 Cadillac CTS-V Uncovered
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From: What is G?
2009 Cadillac CTS-V Uncovered
B] 2009 Cadillac CTS-V Uncovered[/B]
Any speculation about the styling of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V can now be laid to rest thanks to our exclusive spy photos. Snagged during a photo shoot of the upcoming Cadillac super sedan, these shots reveal a CTS V-Series with a dramatically revised front end, bigger wheels and tires and a few modest changes out back.
Gone is the egg-crate grille that gives the standard CTS such a distinctive look up front. In its place is a two-piece trapezoidal mesh grille much like the setup on the original CTS-V. We suspect the mesh design does a better job of feeding fresh air to the engine, as Cadillac has boasted about borrowing the design of the standard CTS's grille from the Sixteen concept.
Although the airdam on the CTS-V is certainly aggressive, it doesn't appear as though it's much lower to the ground when compared side by side with that of the standard CTS. This could be due to the fact that there's no bump strip at the bottom of this prototype piece, a detail that could be added to the production cars.
The shape of the airdam is continued all the way around the car by extended rocker sills and a reshaped rear fascia. It's more subtle than we expected, although the car already has fairly aggressive bodywork to begin with. Even the hood bulge is pretty sedate, as it blends in perfectly with the rest of the original hood creases.
Of course, the big question still remains: What's under that hood? Our best sources have been telling us to expect a normally aspirated LS7 V8, but a recent interview with Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor seems to confirm the other most talked-about option — a supercharged 6.2-liter V8. Either way, the 2009 CTS-V will have roughly 525 horsepower, a figure that will put it slightly ahead of direct competitors like the Audi S6, BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.
Taylor also confirms that the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V will offer the choice of a manual or automatic transmission — both six-speeds. This should help broaden the appeal of the CTS-V, which has been a sales disappointment so far. Look for the official unveil of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January.
Gone is the egg-crate grille that gives the standard CTS such a distinctive look up front. In its place is a two-piece trapezoidal mesh grille much like the setup on the original CTS-V. We suspect the mesh design does a better job of feeding fresh air to the engine, as Cadillac has boasted about borrowing the design of the standard CTS's grille from the Sixteen concept.
Although the airdam on the CTS-V is certainly aggressive, it doesn't appear as though it's much lower to the ground when compared side by side with that of the standard CTS. This could be due to the fact that there's no bump strip at the bottom of this prototype piece, a detail that could be added to the production cars.
The shape of the airdam is continued all the way around the car by extended rocker sills and a reshaped rear fascia. It's more subtle than we expected, although the car already has fairly aggressive bodywork to begin with. Even the hood bulge is pretty sedate, as it blends in perfectly with the rest of the original hood creases.
Of course, the big question still remains: What's under that hood? Our best sources have been telling us to expect a normally aspirated LS7 V8, but a recent interview with Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor seems to confirm the other most talked-about option — a supercharged 6.2-liter V8. Either way, the 2009 CTS-V will have roughly 525 horsepower, a figure that will put it slightly ahead of direct competitors like the Audi S6, BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.
Taylor also confirms that the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V will offer the choice of a manual or automatic transmission — both six-speeds. This should help broaden the appeal of the CTS-V, which has been a sales disappointment so far. Look for the official unveil of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January.
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Well, several things. First, don't forget that this was a relatively long-distance spy shot with a telephoto lens. Second, the distortion you sometimes get when far-off shots are blown-up in size may account for some optical illusions in the front end and wheels, especially if the camera is at an angle and not right on. Third, that, and the slope of the road surface interacting with the camera and the intervening terrain may account for that nose-down "snow plow" look. Fourth, even if it does have long front and rear overhangs for real, a CTS is not supposed to look like a Mini Cooper with the front and rear bumpers right on the the wheel wells. Fifth, if the engine is placed optimally on or behind the front axle for optimum weight distribution, it pretty much cancels the long, lever-like effect of the weight of the front end overhang anyway.
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Yes, I hope they reconsider on the mesh grille. That was one of the things that really made Caddy's V-series. Not only did it look classy, but it was REAL metal wire, not that plastic junk that you and I spend so much time bringing up in our posts.
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From: What is G?
What I liked about the new CTS (besides the interior) is that huge grill. It really makes the car IMO. But I really dont care for the rest of it as it looks to similar to the first generation CTS. This smaller grill looks like it was lifted right offof the 1st CTSv. So basically, what the heck did they change design wise?? 
Though I am excited to see a showdown between this, the IS-F, M3 and C63.
Though I am excited to see a showdown between this, the IS-F, M3 and C63.
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This is cool - it will force everyone to kick it up a notch. Rumors are already out about a 570+ hp M5.
I can hear it now - probably 10+ years away, maybe less... "Remember when we thought the Bugatti had a lot of hp???"
I can hear it now - probably 10+ years away, maybe less... "Remember when we thought the Bugatti had a lot of hp???"
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Speaks French in Russian
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From: What is G?
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