Going “V” with the 2018 Cadillac CTS-V

Nobody needs a fast car.

You need a car that can hit 322 Km/h about as much as you need a watch that’s waterproof to forty fathoms or accurate to half a second per century.

In other words, you don’t.

But that doesn’t stop anybody—us at Budds’ included—from wanting one.

And, practically speaking, there are indeed good reasons for investing in capabilities you will likely never use.

For example, a car with performance far in excess of what’s needed on public highways always has something extra in reserve in case of trouble. Whether it’s avoiding someone who runs a red light or merging onto the highway in traffic, that extra power could be what you need to stay safe.

But there are other reasons to buy a Cadillac CTS-V, too. Here’s a look.

Meet the 2018 Cadillac CTS

Cadillac has been a byword for quality and luxury since the company was founded in 1902. Today they build both cars and SUVs. Every bit as luxurious as their predecessors, maybe more so, these are also designed to satisfy the most demanding drivers.

In addition to the XT5 and Escalade SUV’s the range comprises three sedans: the compact ATS, the full-size CT6 and the mid-size CTS.

Low and wide with crisp lines, the four-door CTS sedan makes other premium sedans look bland and boring. It’s the same inside where a driver-focused cockpit merges the latest technologies with high quality materials and elegant design.

The CTS is available with either a turbocharged 2.0 liter engine or a silky-smooth 3.6, and in three trims: Standard, Luxury and Premium Luxury. Whichever you pick, you can be sure you’ll get impressive performance, great road manners and equipment levels your neighbors will envy.

But what if you want more?

Well, that’s why they build the CTS-V.

Now meet the 2018 Cadillac CTS-V

To call the 2018 Cadillac CTS-V a performance variant does it a disservice. It’s more of a race car you can drive on the street. Think of it as engineered for the track but equipped for luxury. Or more simply, consider it a four-door Corvette.

Power, with responsibility

Under the hood lurks a supercharged 6.2 liter V8. It’s essentially the same engine as in the Corvette Z06. Cadillac quotes 477 kW and 855 Nm of torque, which gets channeled to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Bury the gas pedal at rest, let launch control minimize spin from the Michelin Pilot tires, and you’ll hit 60mph in under four seconds.

Keep the pedal in the carpet, shift gear with the paddles on the steering column if you want, and pretty soon you’ll reach the 322 Km/h top speed. Or in engineering parlance, “V (for velocity) max.”

So, what’s responsible about this awesome engine? Well it’s packed with state-of-the-art technology, including cylinder deactivation (meaning it partially shuts down under light load.) As a result, the official fuel consumption numbers are 16.5 L/100Km City and 11.1 L/100Km Highway.

Now that’s pretty responsible.

Engineered for the racetrack

Should you ever be tempted to explore this car’s limits on a track, Cadillac has made sure it’s ready. Functional vents in the carbon fiber hood extract engine heat while special intakes let in more cooling air.

Massive rotors and Brembo calipers deliver sensation braking ability, quickly hauling this car down from outrageous speeds. (Another example of how it pays to have greater capability than you might need.)

At the corners, Magnetic Ride Control continuously adjusts damper settings to suit the track surface while the rear-mounted electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) helps you power through turns. And keeping it all under control is the five-mode Performance Traction Management (PTM) system.

Still (more?) luxurious

Cars built for the track are usually loud and uncomfortable, but that isn’t the case here. The front seats are trimmed in semi-aniline leather and provide 20 separate adjustments. The interior is finished in carbon fiber trim with suede microfiber inserts. A 13 speaker Bose surround sound system cossets your ears, and those intelligent dampers ensure the ride is velvet-smooth when you want it to be.

Still not convinced the CTS-V is a luxury car? Well how about this: for 2018 the steering wheel has a “smart” heating system that keeps it comfortable to hold on the coldest mornings.

Seeing is believing

The Cadillac CTS is a hugely accomplished and very impressive luxury sedan. The regular engines and trims deliver everything most drivers need, but if you want more, go for the V. The sales professionals at Budds’ Cadillac will be happy to show it to you.