Click below to watch a video review of the Cadillac CTS-V.

Paul Batista
Instant Wheels Editor, InstantPride.com

The 2009 CTS-V is impressive. As the numbers go, it’s powered by a 6.2L V8 – 556 HP – 6 speed manual. This is a luxury race car with 4 doors. And when compared to equally luxurious performance sedans, I consider its base price of $58,000 to be a bargain!

Recently I was given the vehicle for a week-long test drive. My media car, which is the same one given to Motor Trend, and featured on the July 2009 cover, topped out at nearly $67,000. That might seem steep for a 4-door American performance sedan but the price included what I considered to be many desirable features. $3,400 covered the cost of the cozy Recaro seats. They were adjustable in 14 different ways.

Other standard features include a Bose 5.1 surround sound system, Sirius-XM, bluetooth, magnetic ride control, ambient lighting, adaptive HID headlights, and rear park assist.

I drove the CTS-V up to Lake Arrowhead. If you haven’t been, getting there involves navigating a winding road. I was not disappointed. This car hugged every curve and never felt unsure. Those Recaro seats held me right in place.

The pop-up navigation is a $2100 option. (You see more of this in my video report.)

While there is no doubt this is another Cadillac helping to give the brand a younger, more vibrant identity, engineers and designers had their sights set squarely on the German competition. And, in my opinion, they’ve succeeded. GM has finally landed a solid spot at the top of the luxury performance sedan category.

Locally the CTS-V is sold at Dutton Motor Company in The Riverside Auto Center. While my car had a manual transmission, sales manager Mike Whitney said “most customers are opting for the automatic, it basically performs the same,” said Whitney.

Behind the wheel, you’d never have a clue of the current state of the auto industry. This is GM at its finest.

Filed under Video Library, Wheels

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Not working? Click here!