Cadillac CTS SEDAN

The CTS sedan is enhanced with GM performance parts like a GM LS engine V8 from the C5-generation Chevrolet Corvette Z06, as well as the Corvette Z06's six-speed Tremec manual transmission. From 2006-2007, the previous LS6 engine was superseded by the new LS2 engine as used in the base 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. The 2006-2007 update also included a stronger rear differential and half shaft design. Unique front and rear treatments also included mesh grilles over the front openings, a track-ready suspension, and eighteen-inch wheels inside of Z-rated Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar run-flat tires. In addition, GM badges were added on 2006 models.

There is some controversy surrounding the rear differential and half-shafts of the 2004-2005 models. In addition to many internet forum postings from unhappy owners, one can find reference to the "whine" problem in Road & Track's November 2006 issue. There are also numerous complaints with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) for both the 2004 and 2005 models. On page 6 of the November 2006 issue of GM High Tech Performance, author Rick Jensen claims to have an internal GM document indicating that some engineers within GM and Delphi realized the torque load from the engine could exceed the half shafts capabilities. Cadillac/GM have not released anything official, though some dealers have replaced the units under warranty. The upgraded differential starting in 2006 is seen by some as a silent admission of the problem. This problem has not affected the reliability of the non-V series version of the car, which is given a 5 out of 5 reliability rating on autos.msn.com.

A supercharged 6.2 liter LSA V-8, based on the LS9 V-8 from the recently released Corvette ZR1, is the powerplant in the 2009 CTS-V. It produces 556 hp (415 kW) and 551 lb·ft (747 N·m) of torque. The LSA engine has a bore and stroke of 4.06 x 3.62 inches (103.25 x 92.0 mm). There are manual and automatic transmission choices, a six speed transmission with a short-throw shifter and dual clutch surface flywheel, or a paddle shift conventional (planetary gearing and torque converter-based) automatic six speed.There will also be LED flash tracers to tell the driver when to shift. For the first time, Cadillac will offer 14-way adjustable performance Recaro seats. To improve the handling and comfort, the 2009 CTS-V uses Delphi Corporation’s MagneRide technology. The dampers, filled with magnetorheological fluid, are adjusted based on sensor readings that happen at 1ms intervals.

The 2009 CTS-V has a base price of US$59,995, and is available for purchase as of November 1 2008.

Official 0-60 mph time for the 2nd-generation CTS-V is 3.9 seconds, while the quarter mile is run at 12.0 seconds at 118 mph (190 km/h).

Coinciding with the release of General Motors' Viability Plan, the automaker has disbanded its High Performance Vehicle Operations team, the crew responsible for the line V-series Cadillacs, the Chevrolet Cobalt SS, HHR SS and the V8 version of the Colorado. According to Vince Muniga, a spokesman for the General, "All high-performance projects are on indefinite hold. The engineers are moving into different areas of the organization, and they will work on Cadillacs, Buicks, Chevrolets and Pontiacs." Muniga went on to say that there are no plans for high-performance versions of upcoming plans, but once GM is in a better financial position, the team could be reinstated.

 CTS-V coupe

In a 2009 interview, General Motors Vice-Chairman Bob Lutz mentioned the production of CTS-V coupe had been planned.

 Speed Record

The CTS-V sedan achieved a lap time of 7:59.32 at the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife, which is the fastest documented time for a production sedan on factory tires. The vehicle was driven by John Heinricy in Nurburgring, Germany during the attempt. The record breaking vehicle was sold in 2009 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction for $60000 (before buyer premium).