The 2016 Cadillac CTS-V Strikes the Perfect Balance of Class, Suave and Performance!

The Cadillac CTS-V was the first vehicle to launch the American luxury automaker to the limelight in the recent era and its third-generation variant has a few points to prove. Cadillac was never known for being a sports vehicle manufacturer. In fact, they were one of the biggest luxury automobile manufacturers in this part of the world.

However, with the changing tides, the company decided to design vehicles that would appeal to the younger generation, and what better way to do it other than increasing the performance of the vehicle.

The 2016 Cadillac CTS-V draws power from a 6.2-liter engine block lifted directly off the Corvette Z06, which means that this monster develops around 640 BHP along with 630 ft-lb of torque, and is capable of reaching 60 MPH within 2.7 seconds, from a complete standstill.

Cadillac claims that the CTS-V is capable of achieving a top speed of 200 MPH, if given enough room, which makes the CTS-V all the more interesting. However, a Cadillac is never just about performance and the 2016 CTS-V is no different. The vehicle sports an incredibly comfortable interior, nothing less in comparison to its German or British counterparts.

Cadillac tried to tame the beast underneath the hood, by mating it to an eight-speed automatic transmission system. The vehicle features a limited-slip differential, which helps put the entire power output down to the ground.

Even though Cadillac is offering an optional manual transmission on the CTS-V, officials say that it is impractical since most luxury vehicle owners prefer an automated transmission over a manual drivetrain.

In order to give the drivers the sense of optimum performance, Cadillac has used a 25% stiffer chassis underneath the vehicle. The suspension settings are different, which reduced body roll, enabling the vehicle to improve response time in and around corners.

The advanced Magnetic Ride Control shock absorbers absorbs undulations 40% quicker than the standard shock absorbers while larger disk brakes are in place, inciting additional confidence into the heart of the driver. The vehicle stands on 19-inch stock rims, although, aftermarket options are available.

The vehicle is equipped with 15.3-inch disk brakes up front along with 14.3-inch disks at the rear, giving this vehicle a mammoth stopping potential. Cadillac has installed four driving modes to enhance the overall experience from behind the wheel, and they are Track, Sport, Tour and Snow!

You can feel the vehicle adjust itself along with the surroundings, every time you change the drive mode. However, unlike most other premium segment vehicles in the class, Cadillac does not offer a ‘customizable’ drive mode.

The original CTS-V, which released back in 2004, was a four-door sedan. However, Cadillac experimented with the body styles for the next few years, introducing a coupe and wagon. However, the 2016 variant has gone back to its roots with the four-door sedan.

Cadillac claims that the CTS-V sports a price tag close to $84,990, which is close to $10,000 less than any of the premium European sports cars. Customers who are eyeing the range-topping variant of the vehicle will we treated to a Land Departure Warning system, automatic parking assist ad curb-view camera, etc.

If you think that a vehicle as large and heavy as the CTS-V does not boast of performance, you’re mistaken. This vehicle is surprisingly stable at high speeds and handles quite well. The Magnetic Ride dampers perform exceptionally well and absorb most of the shockwaves generated by the undulated ground level.

Cadillac made a lofty claim of designing a luxury vehicle that would challenge Europe’s monopoly in the segment, and they have lived up to their reputation. However, what separates this vehicle from the other luxury automobiles is its ability to prance from 0 – 60 MPH!

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