Engineered for the Track  

What happens when you take a sedan already renowned for its luxury and performance, and throw caution to the wind in an effort to develop a more track-friendly variant? You don’t need to guess; it’s already happened, and it’s called the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V.

Performance

The 2016 CTS-V is the most powerful car Cadillac has ever built. Living under the hood is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine (sourced from the Corvette Z06) that creates 640 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a new eight-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters that sends power to the rear wheels via an electronic limited-slip differential.

To ensure a responsive ride, the CTS-V has four drive modes: Snow, Tour, Sport, and Track. Each mode offers a unique experience, with varying amounts of throttle, transmission, steering, and suspension calibration.

The 2016 CTS-V will thrive wherever you take it, but its natural habitat is the track. In fact, selecting Track mode from its various drive modes opens up five more levels of traction control, so you can fine-tune just how much (or how little) you want the traction and stability control systems to intervene.

Fuel economy (good or bad) is never the point for a model like the CTS-V, but that doesn’t mean Cadillac has disregarded efficiency. The new engine and transmission bring improved fuel economy to the third-generation CTS-V, earning it an EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined (14 city/21 highway).*

Features

The 2016 Cadillac CTS-V is a five-passenger midsize luxury sport sedan with a starting MSRP of $83,995.**

The CTS-V is available in a solitary trim, but any concern that it might lack the requisite amount of refinement and features befitting the Cadillac brand is quickly dispelled with one glance at its standard features list.

Standard equipment for the 2016 CTS-V includes 19-inch alloy wheels, Brembo performance brakes, adaptive suspension dampers, and an electronically controlled rear differential. The CTS-V also sports standard xenon headlights, LED taillights, heated side mirrors, and keyless entry/ignition.

Inside, you’ll find leather and simulated suede microfiber seat upholstery, LED accent lighting, and a reconfigurable, high-definition gauge cluster.

Cadillac is no stranger to technology, and the CTS-V leverages the very latest in-demand features to deliver a comfortable yet exhilarating ride that goes beyond mere luxury. In addition to a science-fiction-inspired head-up display, drivers can make use of a rearview camera, as well as a front curb-view camera that provides a low-level view to help avoid potential curb damage.

The CTS-V also incorporates a number of additional convenience features as standard. These include remote engine start, an automated parking system, and Bluetooth® phone and audio connectivity.

In addition to the latest CUE infotainment system, which handles navigation, music, phone integration, and, for the 2016 model year, both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, there’s also OnStar 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless inductive phone charging, Apple's Siri Eyes Free voice-to-text, and an available Performance Data Recorder co-developed with Cosworth to help CTS-V drivers get the most from their time on track.

It doesn’t end there, though. The CTS-V can also be outfitted with additional packages and stand-alone options. These range from a Luxury package that adds three-zone climate control, as well as heated and folding rear seats, to a Carbon Fiber package designed to generate increased downforce by adding a hood vent, rear spoiler, front air splitter, and more.  

Design

The 2016 CTS-V is a bold, stylish sedan with crisp lines and an imposing front end. The creased fenders and rippled hood add an additional element of dynamism, while the thin-strip LEDs help it stand out regardless of time of day.  

Inside, the cabin strikes a fine a balance between aggressive and educated. And there are plenty of focus points to salivate over, including the modern instrument panel and central technology cluster.

Comfort is another high note, and getting yourself settled shouldn’t be an issue, thanks to the CTS-V’s 20-way power front seats (with power lumbar adjustment and manually adjustable seat cushion length), heated and ventilated front seats, driver memory settings, and heated steering wheel.

Safety

Despite a penchant for performance, the CTS-V includes an arsenal of tech features to keep things from getting out of control, and to ensure your safety.

The 2016 CTS-V comes with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front and rear side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Also standard are front and rear parking sensors, a front curb-view camera and rearview camera, a head-up display and adaptive forward lighting.

Standard active safety systems include forward collision alert, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and lane departure intervention. GM's Safety Alert seat works with the various other alert systems, vibrating the bottom left or right edge of the driver seat depending on which side the potential danger waits.

Bottom Line

The 2016 Cadillac CTS-V is the perfect blend of world-class luxury and unfiltered performance. Drive it to and from the office during the week, then treat yourself to some track time on the weekend; it’s one of the rare vehicles that’s designed to do both.

For more information, or to schedule a test drive, contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516.

*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits or conditions.

** The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees optional equipment and gas guzzler tax

Image: Cadillac