German Car Zone

Wow...will this mean the end of the M3 and C63?

Can this American car dethrone the Germans?

What's special about it?
What's special about it?! Well, how about 550 horsepower? That's pretty special, wouldn't you say?

For those of you who haven't been paying attention for the last 10 minutes or so to the horsepower war raging among carmakers, this 550 hp means the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V's supercharged 6.2-liter V8 makes 43 hp more than the 6.2-liter V8 of the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, 50 hp more than the 5.0-liter V10 of the BMW M5, 130 hp more than the 4.2-liter V8 of the Audi RS4 and a whopping 134 hp more than the 5.0-liter V8 of the Lexus IS-F.

You might assume from the above description that the CTS-V, which debuts at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, is powered by a version of the Corvette ZR1's engine. And you would be correct. Indeed, the two share the same basic pushrod 6.2-liter small-block. The Eaton Roots-type supercharger nestles between the Caddy's cylinder banks and is topped with an intercooler, just as it is in the ZR1. The Cadillac runs a slightly lower compression ratio of 9.0:1 and its so-called LSA engine doesn't get the pricey titanium rods and intake valves of the ZR1's LS9. The LSA also uses more pedestrian cast pistons in place of the LS9's forged pieces, and it has a conventional wet sump instead of the Vette's racecar-inspired dry sump.


- 2009 Cadillac CTS-V - 2008 Detroit Auto Show


Edmunds compares it to the E and 5, but I think it's more in the league of the C and 3.

It has insane power output but won't bet the M3 sedan in terms of balance, handling and precision. Mind that the M3 will be getting a new tranny in a matter of months. The CTS will be a good alternative but won't be the best in the class.

I think the CTS V competes with M5/E63. It is about the same physical dimension and even heavier. But probably a bit cheaper. Cadillac press material also states M5/E63 as the competition. And I think it will do very well against those cars.

Against M3, it will be way faster in a straight line, but I doubt it will be able to match M3 in handling given that its 600-700lbs heavier.

Enourmous useless power doesn't appeal me.

Yes, that is Cadillac wish list, but they have the STS to compete with the E and 5. And the DTS as a supposed S and 7 competitor. CTS is really G35, C, 3 and IS territory.

How could that be useless power? If thats the case, then the AMGs and Ms are all useless power. We just need cars with 100 hp on the road?

i voted C63 is the best
wich isnt true maybe.. M3 is probably the best car here..
on the other hand.. i want the C63 most so hence my vote..

the cadillac?..hmm i would want to drive it..but not own it

According to the pressrelese this is a competitior to E63 and M5 but the topic is about M3 and C63 so here is my view.
In straightline it will beat both M3 and C63 easily, we are talking about 550hp here.
But it doesnt mean its going to be as involving and engaging as C63 or M3 to drive. Power isnt everything. I rather pick M3 over M5 becuase of the weight,balance and driver involvement. You rather be playing with a M3 than a M5.

Yes, Just_me they wish they could compete with the e and 5, but thats what the STS is for.

Out of the three, I would still bet on Benz.

CTS - I had a 2001 Caddy Deville and the car had sooooo many problems. It drove nice, but they have too many issue. I never liked the CTS, caddy have always been respected based on size. This car never really fit, plus the competitors like the G35 look way more sleeker and sexier. The ONLY thing this car has that I want is the 550 hp.

M3 - Well you know my issue there

C63 - Looks good and is just enough power. My Pick

S5 - Sexy as hell, but I still need to see it up close.