Test Cadillac CTS-V Coupe 564 hp V8 6.2

How many times have we heard the same arguments against US cars: American cars do not hold water, the motor efficiency of American cars is completely outdated ...

It is true that our friends across the Atlantic may not have been recognized for their know-how in running gear (except the modern Corvette). But there is a reason for that. Their roads - the overwhelming majority - are straight, wide, flat and roundabouts are conspicuously absent. And then, with a few pans as the Chevrolet Corvair (down by American lawyer Ralph Nader) and more recently the Ford Explorer 2 (Firestone tires in question), the remaining production is the pavement.

In engines, Americans swear by the cubic inches. Mean by that that they focus on big cars to small engines full of technology. If this trend is reversed in recent years, the bulk of sales in the U.S. market is made up of V6 or V8 petrol cars. Here, only the account registration and Diesel is obviously turned to dross.

Rest assured, no diesel on the occasion of this essay. The Cadillac CTS-V integrates into effect all the recipes that make her a "great American". A mouth of hell, a mechanically supercharged and a price / equipment / performance unbeatable.

LOOK DISCLAIMS

We say what we did and we do what we say. It's essentially the message system tries to pass Cadillac since the early 2000s, with the takeover of style. The Cadillac of today look like two peas in a pod concept cars on which they were derived. Check out this CTS Coupe. It incorporates virtually all the aesthetic elements of the prototype shown in Detroit in 2008.

Picked, cut the damn aggressive and sickle, the CTS-V version drives the point home. We are amazed by the chrome grille and impressive front air intake, as a nod to the U.S. of yesteryear.

But that's not all! To emphasize the real sport of his beast, his Cadillac CTS-V bestowed a dual exhaust stainless steel heavy gauge and beautiful rims anthracite sheltering Brembo calipers and discs 380 and 373 mm respectively.

Finally, nothing but the Red Crystal is better suited to this Cadillac CTS-V. Left to afford a car exuberant as well go after his idea.

FINISH THE EUROPEAN

Luxury brand, Cadillac has always taken care of the cockpit of his car. At least for a US manufacturer. The interior of the CTS-V nailed the beak to many skeptics.

It is also well designed and close to European expectations. Normal you say, since Opel is based productions.

Anyway, we are far from flashy side of his countrymen. The Cadillac CTS-V in the same pay and serious sport, but after all, is what is asked.

Very snugly into the Recaro seats, half leather, half alcantara, we find the ideal driving position. And the steering wheel rim and wrapped thick alcantara has adjustments for height and depth.

With its generous wheelbase (2.88 m), the Cadillac CTS-V hosts correctly two adults in rear seats, provided they do not measure more than 1.80. Similarly, the trunk has a rather low threshold of access and has a rather interesting volume (380 liters).

Only real regret finally in this interior, dispersal orders, which will require a little time to adapt.

THE WORK OF HEART

You never have to wait longer. The centerpiece of the Cadillac CTS-V is obviously under the hood. If the V6 3.6 with 311 hp version of "entry level" seems too shy, Cadillac offers a 6.2 V8 564 hp ...!

Motorists were given a good idea to graft the Eaton supercharger 8 cylinder that does not already missing dog.

The original mechanical Corvette is a true gem. And proves that with Uncle Sam is also known to engine "technology".

The long tour of the property has increased tenfold as our desire to start the slumbering beast. A stroke of key and the big V8 awakens in a roar evocative, before finding a stamp rather quiet. Admittedly, the sound is pushed.

We performed most of the test driving the automatic version Hydra-Matic 6-speed. The latter managed the feat twice to collect the 747 Nm of torque, while remaining relatively soft with use.

Taking our troubles patiently in traffic congested traditionally the Berlin area, we expect to come across a stretch of motorway ended. At that time, the V8 purrs nicely at very low revs.

The horizon is released and finally we decide to talk about the powder. Right foot down and spent some latency torque converter, we are propelled on another planet.

The Cadillac CTS-V accelerates violently and glue the driver and passenger seats. The V8 gives more voice in the towers, but the rumble is however covered by the whistling of the compressor.

What force, whether in acceleration (0 to 100 km / h in just 4 seconds) or times, the Cadillac CTS-V swallows almost anything that moves, even on German motorway!

We briefly drove the version Tremec 6-speed manual gearbox. This distills an even greater pleasure to the automatic transmission is astonishing in its precision. Especially for a car USD. However, it is more tiring to use because it involves a sporty driving permanently.

For these times, it is difficult to broach the subject consumer. Indeed, the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe has never claimed less than 16 liters per 100km during our test, with highs of 23 liters in sporty driving. While it is possible to descend to 12/13 liters while driving with an egg under your foot. But what interest in this case to opt for a sports car of this caliber.

CHASSIS AMAZING

If the engine of the Cadillac CTS-V is amazing, its chassis is equally important. Despite the monstrous power, the U.S. does not zigzag any acceleration pedal to the metal. Instead, it's about control, thanks to the presence of a limited slip differential and a trajectory control effective without being too castrating.

And then the other argument of the Cadillac CTS-V is called Magnetic Ride Control. This system can be varied continuously controlled dampers to obtain either comfort or greater strength when conditions warrant. And it works!

In relaxed riding, the American household gommards its passengers despite its 19-inch. A nice feat. Then when it comes to attack, she always responds with a well weighted steering. In short, it is possible to ride hard without ulterior motives.

The only caveat is braking. As powerful as they are, Brembo discs have much to do with some 2.1 tons of gear. If decelerations are effective, endurance can be challenged after a few good braking feel.

A TARIFF TO THE AMERICAN

The Cadillac CTS-V Coupe still hits harder than the Nissan GT-R . Sold € 84,132, it delivers 564 horsepower, against € 89,900 and 530 hp for the Japanese.

Michigan native and does not ignore the equipment: Xenon headlights, backup camera, burglar alarm, keyless entry, monitoring tire pressure, six airbags, Magnetic Ride Control, 19-inch alloy wheels, system control of tire pressure, Recaro seats leather / alcantara, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bose ® audio system with HDD navigation ...

Source : http://www.turbo.fr