Cadillac CTS-V Challenge throws down against the Germans
October 15, 2009 by George Skentzos
GM’s Bob Lutz has thrown down the gauntlet to highlight the Cadillac CTS-V as a world class performance sedan, issuing an open challenge to best the Caddy’s lap time around Monticello.
Lutz is so confident in the CTS-V’s capability that he is willing to stake its reputation against any standard production sedan, with several US automotive outlets taking up the challenge already.
The rules are simple, challengers can choose any production sedan they like to take on the Cadillac, and will have five laps to post their best lap time.
This will then be compared to the lap time set by a GM professional driver in the Cadillac CTS-V to determine whether anyone has risen to the challenge.
There are no prizes or rewards for this challenge – only reputation is at stake and on paper it seems the safe bet is on the CTS-V.
“We have a lineup of vehicles that we think, if given a chance, can stack up with the best the rest of the automotive manufacturing world has to offer. One of the examples I cited was the Cadillac CTS-V, and I went so far as to challenge the journalists to find a stock production sedan on the planet that could outperform the CTS-V on the track. I proposed a track duel, “run what ya brung,” at a time and place to be determined.” said GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz on the company’s blog.
With 415kW on tap from the 6.2-litre supercharged V8 engine, the CTS-V is capable of zero to 60mph in just 3.9 seconds.
Although straight line speed is not its only talent, with massive stopping power from the 6-piston front, 4-piston rear Brembo brakes and a Magnetic Ride Control suspension system which has earned it a lap time of 7:59.32 at the Nürburgring.
“As I said in the previous chat, we’re going to take away every last excuse people have not to consider our products. We know that some consumers still think Cadillac cars do not have the top-end performance they believe the German luxury cars have.“
The category is no short of challengers however, with obvious contenders like the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, BMW M5, Audi RS6 and of course the Mitsubishi Evolution X all eligible to take up the challenge.
It seems that the only contender which has Lutz worried is the Porsche Panamera Turbo S, mentioning that the Stuttgart flagship had reportedly eclipsed the Caddy’s Nürburgring lap time.
The Cadillac CTS-V Challenge is set to take place on October 29, 2009 at the Monticello Motor Club in New York.
Print it: 
Considering the Cadillac CTS-V currently holds the (unofficial) crown as the world’s ugliest performance sedan, no wonder they want to prove their performance prowess.
Looks like someone took an angle grinder to a Honda Prelude. Terrible.
You must be joking, it looks great and is a pure sports sedan.
Well done to Cadillac for throwing down the challenge!
You have to be pretty retarded to suggest that when in the same post that porsche is posted.
It’s nice to see a bit of fun come from a traditionally stodgy car brand. Nice one Lutz and Cadillac.
Agreed, a little healthy competition is always welcome
i think if i was in any car… id’s still win cause my car would be like “oh snap! a ugly car is chasing me!” go faster man! go faster!
Dream-On LUTZ the Cadillac wont and never will be on-a-par with any of those German Cars mentioned. You a “Day-Tripper” LUTZ.! To think the Cadillac requires 6.2 LITRES
of inefficient o.h.v supercharged POS V8 just to try and be[in Cadillacs eyes] competitive.!LOL.
No wonder G.M was classed Bankrupt with ???? running the show. Oops yeah not “show”
but the G.M “side show”.!
Cadillac will never be in the same league.
I think you forget the Merc is 6.2L aswell and produces only 336kw vs the 415kw of the caddy.
The Mercedes isn’t supercharged and 336 kw is the base tune of that engine. I think it is up to 370 kw in the CLS63.
Now up to over 380kw and 630nm in the new E63 :D
Still not 415kw. The Caddy will eat it alive.
But I’ll bet the Merc puts it to the ground better!!
Lutz is a Big Mouthed Fool, someone hurry up and shut him up.
Lutz may be big mouthed, but he’s putting his money where his mouth is…and this car isn’t slow.
Its not his money its the Governments.
That one made me smile. :-)
None of these comments change the fact that this car IS the performance benchmark for production super sedans, and has been for some time. Swallow your pride euro-snobs
How is it the performace benchmark for the 4 door cars? That 4 door porsche would smash this thing to bits
The fact that the CTS-V with its 550+ Bhp 6.2 Litre Supercharged V8 is the fastest V8 Production Sedan in the world [0-100Km/h in 3.9sec].. a fact which a lot of Euro-lovers on this site are finding it hard to believe/accept.
I hope the Porsche humiliates this american bucket of bolts.
“we’re going to take away every last excuse people have not to consider our products”
So what is he going to do about brand perception and looks…
Despite their looks; Cadillacs are quite popular among a number of Hollywood Moviestars; Rock-Pop Stars; TV “Celebrities” etc.. not to mention numerous NFL NBA and NHL Sports stars.
So when you’ve got people with that kind of money buying your cars every year or so do you really need to bother about improving the look of your cars or your image?
Americans can’t build cars for peanuts.
Actually i’m quite the fan of this car. Outright performance, some of you better watch your mouths, it’s fast. Very fast. Pre-Panamera it was the fastest production saloon in the world – Fact.
Over in the US it’s priced like a F, C63, RS4, M3 – Yet, would eat everything twice the price.
Styling is a bit iffy for some, kinda like the Dodge Nitro and Chrysler 300C, there’s a market for it though. I personally quite like the ruler straight lines, looks sharp and smart (hardly offensive at the very least).
Interiors in the Caddy’s are half decent imho, granted maybe not the best built but they are pleasing to the eye.
C63 can at least get it’s hands dirty with this one in a straight line, ECU flash and you’ll be looking at north of 400Kw at the crank and sub 4 second 100km/h runs (which I myself am looking into).
What does your guide dog think of it?
=P
He pee’d on it.
My guide dog prefers the looks of the Cadillac to Skodas. He yowls in pain every time a Skoda drives by, which isn’t very often as nobody is buying them.
Thats a yowl of Envy!!
Due to Australia’s isolations and fairly high level of ignorance, latest world tastes & trends take ages to catch on!!
Skoda is bound to catch on in Aus, as they did in Europe and asia!!
Yeah – and you’d know all about the level of ignorance [which is closely related to prejudice] in Oz wouldn’t you Tomas?
However; Australia actually has one of the highest “take up” rates of new products technology features etc in the world.. particularly with electronics.
Although cars are a little bit different.. its up to the major manufacturers to decide as to which models they import into Australia.. its not as easy for an individual to buy a car online from overseas as it is a camera or item of clothing etc.
Not only that but some imported cars can be a year or so old by the time they finally reach Australia.. cars which [in Europe] are about to or already have been replaced by newer models.
Man, where there is one there is is the other. Two trailer park girls go around the outside, around the outside.
Well said Jon!!
Tomas you said Skoda is bound to catch on in Australia, as they did in Europe and Asia!!
However; Mad Cow Disease not to mention the Chicken Flu caught on in various parts of Europe and Asia.. [ as did a number of other plagues and epidemics etc] but not so much In Australia.
So just because something is popular in your Home Country doesn’t necessarily mean it will be popular elsewhere in the world
Exactly, The Falcadores produced in my home country are completle flops around the world!!
Tomas79 says:October 17, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Exactly, The Falcadores produced in my home country are complete flops around the world!!
As far as I am aware they don’t make Falcons or Commodores in Czechoslovakia or Croatia or anywhere else in Europe.. They are Uniquely Australian
Good observation wheelnut, too bad you didn’t observe that Czechoslovakia doesn’t exist….
Falcadores are however partially produced in Australia, my home country!
Also please note, don’t bother me from now on…. I’m not interested in stupid offtopic arguments…
Do you have no feeling in your leg either? He isn`t howling at the Skoda he is humping your leg.
quote ” Skoda is bound to catch on in Aus, as they did in Europe and asia”
hahahahaha ,rightio……….define catch on ?
Probably more fun humping his leg than driving a Skoda I suspect,got knows its backside looks better !
Oh here it goes, wouldn`t have driven one. But oh well it is a know it all at the end of the day, then again maybe your the dog humping his leg.LOL
I love how these articles drag up the people who hate any car unless its from Europe. This car is astounding. In the end it really doesnt matter how it acheives its outputs but the way in which its delivered and how much it gets to the ground. No one can complain about the quality either as they source their materials from MB’s supplier. Learn how to applaud a great car when you see one.
Its as ugly as sin and it would be poorly built. I mean we build crap cars in this Country but they are better than what America produces
lol way to reinforce his point on stupid ignorant posts. BTW Cadillac CTS ranked 2nd in this years JD power quality survey
The JD Survey also consistently says Lexus is the best – but the bogans on these blogs won’t hear a bar of it…
When was the last time you actually drove an American car jon? This thing is a beast, despite weather you like the styling or not.
I`m not taking anything away from its performance, but it has the refinement of a donkey. How do I know? I drove one when in NY recently. I`m not saying that I love everything European or Japanese but there is a level of refinement in European cars and in the Lexus that American and Aussie cars can`t touch. I won`t say that its impossible for Americans and Aussies to match them, but its improbable that they ever will. If you set you benchmark at Fleet sales and Taxis you won`t achieve refinement. If Ford or GM want to be serious competitors, stop catering for Bogans and trailer park trash. At the end of the day its only the red neck patriots that continue to buy this crap. I mean why else would you tolerate bad workmanship and poor quality?
Stop talking out your *rse.
quote ” At the end of the day its only the red neck patriots that continue to buy this crap. I mean why else would you tolerate bad workmanship and poor quality?”
Soooooooooooo your saying the writers of CA are red necks for choosing the Falcon over your precious Skoda in the latest big car test ?
Grow up . Enough of the bogan red neck stuff its getting very lame now !
I dont like the look of it personally but I wont discount the fact its obviously fast and must have some refinement in its chassis to do so well around the ring……I agree that German cars do offer a better package when it comes to a performance car, but nothing wrong with a little rawness either…………..unless you cant drive I guess :P
BM, I don`t know how many times I have to tell you ,I don`t own a Skoda . And I didn`t say they were Rednecks or Bogans or trailer park trash.But apparently you are one of them by the looks of your response, abit to close to home BM is it? Ah well it does explain alot.
Jon you say that you don’t drive a Skoda..
However; the way you go on about them their build quality etc..
Not to mention the way you so vehemently defend them and you take any negative comments people make about them so personally.. one could be mistaken for thinking that you do own one.. in the same way Tomas does..[ maybe you are one and the same ]
Sure the Caddies might not be as refined as the Eurpeans.. and they mightn’t be that good looking there are a number of Movie Stars; TV Celebrities; Rock-Pop Stars and NBA NFL NHL stars who own a number of Caddies including the CTS-V
So when you’ve got people with that kind of money buying your cars every couple of years why would you bother about a major change of your image etc
Wheelnut, are you serious? Do you even read what you write? Surely you can`t believe it. And in regards to me apparently defending Skoda`s, go drive something other than a lime green Commodore ute and you might see some quality. Then again you would probably be in denial like the rest of the BOGANS who think that our cars are as good as quality Euro offerings.
I would but I wouldn’t be able to compare it to a Skoda now would I?
Oh and I dont drive LIME GREEN UTE…………
Jon, I wouldn’t even bother replying to Wheelnut or Bavarian missile…
When they are not using other nicks, trolling the forum, trying to offend and start up arguments, they just to go offtopic, discussing posters, rather then cars or topics…
Look at the offtopic, incoherent essays wheelnut types up!!
YOUR AN IDIOT ,READ WHAT YOU WROTE GOOSE !
Quote ”
And I didn`t say they were Rednecks or Bogans or trailer park trash
Quote your first comment again will I ……….
“stop catering for Bogans and trailer park trash. At the end of the day its only the red neck patriots that continue to buy this crap. I mean why else would you tolerate bad workmanship and poor quality?”
So if the Falcon is bad quality explain to me why it won the comp……….mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Thats coming from the writers of CA………….
Sorry I got it wrong you own a Prado,not a Skoda………
awwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tommy…….your just sore after the Falcon nailed the Skoda as I said it would…….didums.
Quote Tom-assumes: Jon, I wouldn’t even bother replying to Wheelnut or Bavarian missile…
When they are not using other nicks, trolling the forum, TRYING TO OFFEND AND START UP ARGUEMENTS, they just to go off-topic, discussing posters, rather then cars or topics…
Hello Pot; Meet Kettle!
As i said, TROLLING!!
As I said Bogan Mother, sorry BM. I never said they were red necks bogans or trailer park trash they haven`t bought one, they only drove one.
I’ll admit that if I had to select between this and a Holden W200 I would go with the Cadillac. It may not be at BMW / Audi levels of interior, but it is quite nice.
Thankyou Shak, right on the money.
This is a bloody amazing car, im not a fan of anything american in 99% of the situations, and this car might not be as good as I think it is (im assuming quality and drive is infinitely improved…) but I think its the sexiest thing ive ever seen from america -not being so much a fan of supercars as salloons-.
Besides which people, the Panamera is in a different class, poor Lutz just issued the challenge when this new Lamborghini/Aston Martin/Porsche class is emerging.
P.s. European cars = Great… until your warranty runs out =)
It would be great if FPV could take a F6 or an F6e to see what time they can post against the CTS-V, although saying that with the CTS-V having so much power (415kw vs 310kw) it would monster even the already quickest FPV or even HSV.
Any car should be worried when Porsche Panamera Turbo S is around hehehe For me anyway, this is the best car…style, power or should I say it’s the perfect car for me…though, Cadillac CTS-V has guts, it looks kinda nice too.
If anyone is interested, hit up Wiki and checkout the ‘Ring times. The CTS-V holds it’s own on the board, it’s quite the impressive car.
Here’s a link -> http://tinyurl.com/ygmkxyc ["TinyURL" link used for length purposes]
Really depends on what sort of test he wants to do, high speed? Acceleration? Lap time? And if on track, slow and tight or fast and smoother?
I think Panamera Turbo will destroy the Caddy in any of the test. If it’s straight line performance, S65 should trash the Caddy. If on track, I think E90 M3 or Evo FQ400 will both kick the Caddy’s ass.
Still, mighty effort from GM with this Caddy, it’ll outrun M5, E63, RS6 around the track, and that really is saying something. But I’d still pick the M5, that V10 engine really makes it special, and sounds very different to any other fast saloon. Shame they’re getting rid of it soon
looks like something from Mad Max///
I agree this car is ugly, but too say it is ugly in an article which mention’s the king of ugly sedans (well equal ugly with the E2 HSV range) the porshce panamera is ridiculous IMO. The CTS-V looks like the prom king/queen next too the panamera and latest HSV.
Personally I think the germans will give this car a real run for its money but there is no denying it’s place in the super sedan hall of fame. 0 – 100 in around 4 secs, the 400m in under 12, a top speed of over 300km/h and a ring time under 8 seconds while still remaining a quiet, comfortable luxury car all place it as a formidable car in anyones language.
The UK Top Gear boys (after years of ridiculing cadillacs, except for the fabulous “Sixteen” concept) came too admire the CTS-V in their US documentary. It may not have the prestige, name etc. of it’s german rivals, but boy it is a fabulous performance sedan.
As for it’s engine the, CTS-V is running a detuned version of the ZR1 engine. It is called the LSA and has 415kw. This engine in the ZR1 is called the LS9 and has 476kw in a low state of tune. Over 500kw is easily achievable with one of the many tuning packages. The CTS-V could easily be made into a more powerful machine if anyone wanted if for some strange reason the performance on tap was not enough
What about challenging it with the VXR8 Bathurst :)
somehow i dont think bob lutz would take too kindly to a car sold to the poms and manufactured downunder by GM proved him wrong about the cts-v
It is a fast car I drove one, yet it is seriously not as refined as any of its German competition, GM once again, a step behind.
The angular design is much more suited to the Escalade- I would purchase that GM vehicle before the CTS, but then again every rapper on the planet drives one – Even Bob Dylan did an Escalade commercial; I don’t see many rappers driving tricked out CTS’s.
The cadopel ctxV or whatever
It is called hurts the eyes.
The porsche panamthing is a
Boring watered down version
Of the showcar on the looks
Standpoint. Car lust starts
With looks, and neither of
These is a “starter” like
The CLS .
Who said there were any takers to this challenge. “The category is no short of challengers however, with obvious contenders like the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, BMW M5, Audi RS6 and of course the Mitsubishi Evolution X all eligible to take up the challenge.”
The amount of ignorance in this thread is off the charts. Who saved BMW and made it what it is today? Thats right, Bob Lutz. I’m sure if i read through the dribble above this post im sure i would hear endless amounts of BMW sackriding, Without Lutz that company would be nothing.
The CTS-V is an amazing car, and nothing on this list will touch it.
Thanks for your contribution. Perhaps you could also list his recent achievements with Government Motors sorry GM?
Delivering some of the best driving cars in the world, Namely the Cobalt SS Turbo, Cadillac CTS and V (picture), Corvette, Camaro etc.
GM was 6ft under in union contracts and debt well before Lutz touched it. They make brilliant cars.
Although Bob Lutz helped improve the image of a number of car companies that he has worked for [mainly because he isn't as narrow minded etc as your typical auto execs] I wouldn’t say that without him BMW would be Nothing..
On topic: HSV should introduce a new entry level model with the V8 and the transmission etc from the CTS-V.
It would be interesting to see how a specially tuned FPV F6 with the optional six pot Brembo brakes stacked up against the Caddy. I’m thinking it would be very very close.
The car is not ugly in my eyes, it is just different and made to stand out in a croud. What is wrong with being different? How boring would this planet be if everything looked the same. Step outside the box and have a look around for once.
Why is the Evo X in the same sentence as those high end Europeans? 200kW less than the Caddy isn’t really going to cut it.
Depends, if the track is really tight, the Evo can easily keep up with cars 10x the price. Sure it falls short on power like you said, but it handles like a car worth a lot more than $70K.
just came back from a 5 week holiday round US and drove american cars all the way, LA to vegas on escalade, vegas to frisco on a charger (wow!!) cops are driving chargers as well, frisco to LA on fusion hybrid, New york to DC to NY on this cts-v beast , new york to niagara/toronto on ford edge and in toronto drove around with my friends GMC yukon, but i’d say the CTS-V really won me over, cant take the smile out of my face while driving in the new jersey turnpike, it’s really an amazing car
Dude. Did you not see the Evo FQ400?
That thing can monster almost ANYTHING.
quote Jon…………..” As I said Bogan Mother, I never said they were red necks bogans or trailer park trash they haven`t bought one, they only drove one.:
Well there you go assuming again …………..Have you seen the CA Ute ? Or know which CA writers are Holden and Ford supporters……no, didnt think so.I wonder if Matt Brogan takes offence to you calling him a bogan cause he owns the local product ………….mmmmmmmmmmmmm
Go look up the term bogan mate cause seriously………your sounding like one!
I looked up BOGAN and it said see you .Oh poor little NUT, it appears you have cracked.
Proved his point there didnt he Jon…. seems you get all upset when your proven wrong !