Overview
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 2017 Cadillac CTS-V.
The 2017 Cadillac CTS-V is a five-passenger midsize luxury sport sedan with a starting MSRP of $85,995.**
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. With 20-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, leather and suede microfiber upholstery, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, and the latest version of the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system, the CTS-V delivers luxury and performance in equal measure.
The Perfect Ride for…
Fans of Cadillac’s midsize CTS sedan with a hunger for greater 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.
Drive & Handling
The 2017 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 an 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 2017 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 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).**
Key Features
Rear Camera Mirror
A newly available feature for 2017, the Rear Camera Mirror streams a live view of what’s behind your vehicle to your rearview mirror. The result is substantially more vision than you’d get with a traditional mirror, but you can switch the mirror back to normal use with a flick of a switch.
Carbon Black Package
This available package highlights the aggressive performance spirit of the CTS-V with unique exterior and interior features. Outside, you’ll find the exclusive V-Series black chrome accented grille surround, After Midnight dark finish wheels, and the automaker’s Carbon Fiber package. Interior updates include a low gloss carbon fiber trim, V-Series performance front seats (which can be swapped out for available RECARO® V-Series seats), and an available suede microfiber steering wheel.
Alternative Options
The Cadillac ATS-V joined the V-Series lineup for 2016 and is available as a rear-wheel drive sedan or coupe. The 2017 ATS-V carries over for the new year with the new Carbon Black package and all of its attitude intact, including its turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 engine that delivers 464 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. If you’re not looking for a track-ready sedan, consider the base Cadillac CTS. The 2017 model features a new grille and rear fascia, new wheel designs, and streamlined trim levels for a more convenient luxury buying process.
Gallery
*The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment.
**EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
Image Credit: [OEM]
