Clarkson on all three: "We came wondering if America had finally made a car that might actually work in the civilized world. The answer is no, they haven't. As you can see from our smiles, they've made three."

Car: 2009 Corvette ZR1
Driver: Jeremy Clarkson
Review:"This is made by two fat blokes in Kentucky." "I'm starting to like this Corvette...it isn't the power, it's the surprise of the power. When you're driving a Ferrari Enzo, you're expecting it. This though, it's quiet, it's comfortable, it's beautifullyair-conditioned...so you're simply not ready for the savagery when you put your foot down. I've got a heads-up display with your lateral G...and the best stereo in the world...!" "Man, this is great. " "How can a car as docile as this one be as exciting when the road gets this twisty." "A proper manual gearbox." "Are you listening Ferrari? Well done fat man from Kentucky...this...is...a.masterpiece!"
Bonneville Salt Flat Speed - One Mile Marker: 176.549 MPH

Car: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8
Driver: Richard Hammond
Review:"Is that real carbon fiber?" "Challengers aren't very good at this type of thing... (curves)"
Bonneville Salt Flat Speed - One Mile Marker: 150.2 MPH

Car: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V
Driver: James May
Review:"Stupid..." "This isn't a proper luxury car..." "robble, robble, robble..." (Then on the curves) "This is the best American car I've ever driven by a distance as great as this road."
Bonneville Salt Flat Speed - One Mile Marker: 163 MPH

Cadillac's All-New 2009 CTS-V Ready For Launch

DETROIT – The 2009 CTS-V, Cadillac’s 556-hp expression of ultimate performance and luxury, begins production this month with initial sales beginning around November 1. The latest in the brand’s V-Series of high performance models, the new CTS-V is intended to reach the top of the world’s most desirable luxury cars, at a starting price of $59,995 in the US market.

“The launch of the new CTS-V presents a compelling proposition for luxury and performance enthusiasts,” says Mark McNabb, North America vice president, Cadillac/Premium Channel. “The CTS-V is a strong statement about Cadillac design and technology and a new member in the club of the highest performing luxury cars.”

The CTS-V, based on Cadillac’s critically acclaimed CTS sports sedan, expresses the full extent of the brand’s dramatic design and technology. Designed to enter the stratosphere of the world’s fastest and most exclusive luxury sedans, CTS-V includes advanced performance technology such as a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine and Magnetic Ride Control, the world’s fastest reacting suspension.

The new CTS-V comes standard with a nearly complete collection of features, including a hand-crafted cabin, a 6-speed manual transmission and a Bose surround sound system with a 40-gigabyte hard drive with a USB port. In addition there are a few options available, including a new 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted shift buttons, 14-way adjustable Recaro performance seats, microfiber interior accents and a large “Ultra-View” sunroof.

“Along with the new Escalade Hybrid, the CTS-V is a key aspect in Cadillac’s ongoing renaissance, with dramatic designs and very sophisticated technologies for luxury consumers,” McNabb said. “These two new high-tech Cadillac models pave the way for a series of new Cadillac models coming in 2009, including the upcoming CTS Sport Wagon and SRX Crossover.”

[GM]

We know the CTS-V has gone over well with even the most anti-American critical European journalists, like Jeremy Clarkson. Now, imagine a car with many of the CTS-V's sporting upgrades, but with a lower price, just as much torque, and much better fuel efficiency. They've been going crazy over BMW turbo diesels in Europe for years, so a Duramax CTS could finally be Cadillac's big push across the pond. But who knows, maybe the it'll never happen. [MotorTrend]

Obviously Clarkson grabbed the ZR1, Hammond got the keys to the CTS-V, and of course James May gets the outgunned Challenger SRT8. Pending the results of the show, we're assuming the ZR1 and CTS-V will be getting their just due on the world stage, while May will probably end up with the Challenger doing donuts and catching on fire. We have no idea when this episode will be hitting the airwaves, but when we find out it'll be pinned to our calenders. We eagerly await the metaphoric gymnastics Clarkson will be performing on the ZR1. Wonder how the Top Gear America guys feel about the British crew stealing their product thunder? (Hat tip to Paul!) [FinalGear]

Climbing into the CTS-V in New York’s northern suburbs, I was on a high. Just one week previously, I’d spent the day lapping GM’s Milford Proving Grounds in the best car ever made, the 2009 Corvette ZR1. The CTS-V promised to be more of the same; it uses a similar 6.2-liter supercharged engine, but here making a not-quite-as-ridiculous 551 lb-ft and 556 HP (to the ZR1’s 604 LB-FT and 638 HP). Also present are similar electromagnetically controlled shocks, promising both a smooth ride and, more importantly, mind-bending handling. Those numbers lead to a 0-60 time of just 3.9 seconds, that 191 MPH top speed for the manual transmission version (the only model I drove) and combine with that suspension to deliver a ‘Ring time of 7:59.32, making it the fastest production sedan in the world.

My ability to restrain my inner demons lasted all the way from White Plains across the Tappan Zee Bridge, a notoriously poorly assembled pile of broken concrete and steel plates that masquerades as the main route over the Hudson north of the city. Cruising down the right lane of the congested highway during rush hour, trying hard to preserve both my license and my life while dicing with trucks and crazy bitches from New Jersey, there’s little to indicate the CTS-V’s potential. The engine is quiet, the Tremec six-speed is smooth and the dual-plate clutch (similar to the ZR1’s) is light. The ride’s also seriously impressive; I prefer the controlled-but-firm nature of European performance car suspensions over the soft and squishy nature of most American cars. And the CTS-V satisfies my Euro snobbery not just with its suspension, but in the interior too. In V trim it gains glossy piano-black highlights, supportive and comfy suede Recaros, a suede steering wheel and a suede gear lever. Know how awkward most current BMW interiors are and how cheap most current Mercedes feel? The CTS-V is better. Seriously. I never thought I’d say that about a Cadillac.

Of course, all this only remains a factor if you’re driving slowly. Shift down a gear, switch the suspension into Sport mode, turn off the traction control and switch Stability to “Competitive mode” and you’re ready to drive fast. There aren't many passing opportunities along Route 9 West, but with ridiculous amounts of power and torque everywhere, that rapidly ceases to be a problem. Views of the Hudson over my right shoulder disappear as speed focuses my vision into a tunnel. Driving the CTS-V fast, on the road, you rapidly forget that you’re driving a big luxury car. Its movements are precise, yet untroubled by cracked pavement or pot holes. Hit one at speed while cornering and it scarcely upsets the car, never once punting it sideways. That I can say this about a car that will light the rear tires up merely by flooring the throttle in fourth gear is kind of mind-boggling.

Later in the day, out on the track, the rev limiter ceases to be an issue. Here, free to concentrate on your own driving instead of others’, it’s easier to keep the big engine in the middle of its torque curve, which peaks at just 3,800 RPM. The power becomes almost secondary to the cornering, which at high speed is controlled and grippy, while slower corners move the balance over to sideways. Compared to the ZR1, The CTS-V has to carry 836 LB more through the corners on narrower versions of the Michelin PS2s. Prone to initial understeer, it only takes some right foot to step the tail out into a controllable slide, so the experience is somewhat less controlled than driving a ZR1, and a fair bit slower, but equally fun in its own unique way. Cadillac had to order me out of the CTS-V at the end of the day, after four hours of continuous lapping.

By now, you’ve probably guessed that I really, really enjoyed driving the Cadillac CTS-V. It offers a new level of capability for performance sedans on the track, but especially on the road. In both environments it’s amazing fast, but also exploitable. Think of it as a ZR1 that you can drive people around in, that looks way classier and that you’ll actually be able to push to its limits, and you won’t be far off. Cadillac inevitably compares it to cars like the BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG, but starting at “around $60,000” it’s considerably cheaper; with a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds it’s considerably faster and it’s also considerably more involving. I’d compare it to the more closely priced BMW M3 Sedan, which may have a slight edge on precision, but is also shy 142 HP and 256 lb-ft, while the CTS-V only weighs 474 pounds more. With this car and the ZR1, General Motors now makes two of the fastest, most exciting and just plain best performance cars. Ever. And yes, the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V does epic burnouts, too.

[Edmunds]

[via CarScoop]

2009 CTS-V: CADILLAC'S ULTIMATE EXPRESSION OF PERFORMANCE AND LUXURY

DETROIT - As the new CTS sport sedan earns accolades and new owners, Cadillac takes the next leap forward by premiering the 2009 CTS-V, the brand's ultimate expression of performance and luxury.

Launching in the fourth quarter of 2008, the all-new CTS-V intends to combine the serious performance of an elite sports car with the poise and elegance of a prestigious luxury sedan. Part of Cadillac's acclaimed V-Series of high-performance models, CTS-V delivers an estimated 550 horsepower (410 kW). More than just power, CTS-V also includes a comprehensive suite of technical and design enhancements, including Magnetic Ride Control, an industry-first Performance Traction Management program and the addition of a new automatic transmission with paddle-shift control.

"The CTS-V represents the full extension of our design, technology and performance capabilities," says Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "The V-Series takes the award-winning CTS sport sedan and elevates it to a position within the club of the world's most exclusive and capable cars."

As an all-new version of the CTS sport sedan was prepared for 2008, Cadillac engineers and designers began to scheme a new CTS-V that would reach much higher in terms of performance and luxury. Through the original CTS-V, Cadillac proved it could develop a very potent, high-performance sedan. The challenge for the 2009 model was enhancing every aspect in a comprehensive manner, along with reaching higher performance limits.

Several key technical and design elements combine to transform the already highly capable CTS into the new V-Series. Like the existing CTS, the V-Series is the product of an intensive development process across North America and Europe, including famed test tracks and millions of miles of road. Supporting Cadillac's ongoing global expansion, the 2009 CTS-V is planned to be offered outside North America for the first time, including exports to Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Sophisticated technical enhancements

The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V features the world's fastest-reacting suspension technology, Magnetic Ride Control (MRC). It uses shocks controlled by electro-magnets, rather than mechanical valves, greatly accelerating response time. Electronic sensors at all four wheels literally "read the road" every millisecond, making constant adjustments to damping to create virtually instantaneous and extremely precise control of body motions. This is of particular benefit for a high-performance sedan, helping to keep the car very composed during hard cornering, acceleration, braking and other dynamic maneuvers.

MRC technology first appeared on the Cadillac STS performance sedan and has been used on some of the world's most celebrated cars, including the Chevrolet Corvette and a select few European sports cars.

Enabling the precise control expected in a high-performance sedan, the CTS-V features Performance Traction Management system, borrowed from championship racing teams. This technology uses advanced electronics to manage engine torque for optimal traction during acceleration. In situations such as acceleration from a stop or exiting corners, Performance Traction Management regulates torque delivery for the best possible launch.

Performance Traction Management uses the same sort of electronics as stability control programs such as Cadillac's StabiliTrak system, but applies it in a different manner. Rather than monitoring and controlling wheel slip to assist in stopping or slowing the car, PTM regulates torque delivery to instantly match the available tire grip for maximum acceleration.

CTS-V also includes sophisticated braking and tire systems, in partnership with two companies renown for high-performance technology: Brembo and Michelin. Brembo brakes are at all four corners and include powerful, six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston calipers in the rear. Michelin worked with Cadillac engineers to develop its acclaimed Pilot Sport 2 (PS2) summer tire for CTS-V and its 19-inch wheels.

And, of course, there is the matter of power. It has increased nearly 35 percent for the '09 CTS-V, via a new 6.2L LSA supercharged V-8 engine generating an estimated 550 hp (410 kW) and 550 lb.-ft. (745 Nm) of torque. The engine delivers this power with remarkable refinement. A sixth-generation Eaton supercharger minimizes the added noise previously associated with supercharged engines, and tightly controls intake air temperature for optimal performance.

Transmission choices include either a six-speed manual or an exclusive, six-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. It is the first automatic offered on the CTS-V.

Accentuated design elements

The 2009 CTS-V extends Cadillac's acclaimed design language, both inside and out. The V-Series includes all the elements of the CTS sport sedan's well received cabin, while adding some elegant and purposeful accents.

V-Series will offer Recaro performance driving seats, providing excellent support for spirited driving and adding to the luxurious and purposeful interior. These new, 14-way adjustable performance seats include pneumatic bolster controls in the seat cushion and backrest.

A microfiber material is added to the steering wheel, seats and shifter, providing the soft feel and luxurious appearance of suede without suede's inherent drawbacks of difficult care and moisture sensitivity. These accents on the steering wheel, seat inserts and shifter are elegant to the touch and help support high-performance driving.

The car's integrated center stack is trimmed with a new Obsidian material that is also applied to the center console and door trim. Just like every CTS, the V-Series includes a hand-stitched instrument panel, door trim and center console. Leading-edge infotainment features, including a 40-gigabyte hard drive, advanced navigation system with a "pop-up" screen and Bose digital surround audio, extend to the V-Series, as well as factory-installed Bluetooth capability.

The exterior of the new CTS-V amplifies the assertive stance and elegant details of the standard car, and communicates the car's remarkable capabilities. The dihedral Cadillac grille is larger to enable more air intake and features a satin finish. The raised hood encompasses the supercharged engine, and new front and rear fascias identify the vehicle as a V-Series. The car's 19-inch wheels enhance its stance on the road.

The founding member of the V-Series, CTS-V was initially offered in 2004 and sold primarily in North America through the 2007 model year. The supercharged STS-V and XLR-V were added in 2006 to make the V-Series an exclusive trio of models all capable of zero-to-60 acceleration in less than five seconds with enhanced overall performance and luxury features. [Source: GM]