General Motors has really upped the ante when it comes to their performance division, and the proof is consistently found in the new 2010 Cadillac CTS-V.

The latest Cadillac CTS-V packs a serious punch in the form of 556 horsepower and 551 ft. lbs. of torque. That’s enough power generated by the 6.2-liter Eaton Supercharged V8 to rocket the 4,233 pound sedan to 60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds. That makes the 2010 CTS-V the fastest production sedan in town. Power is delivered through either a Tremec TR6060 6-Speed manual or a Hydra-Matic 6L90 6-Speed automatic transmission as equipped on our test car.

Unmatched performance in the CTS-V is often argued among those who may choose a big Bavarian sedan with an M badge on the trunk or even the plush Sedan from Germany that is dressed in AMG lettering. All are worthy contenders but the 2010 CTS-V has an edge in terms of shear effortless power. Stomp on the gas pedal of the CTS-V and you better have it pointed in the right direction or you will end up on the 6’oclock news for causing the latest major traffic backup.

During our drive of the 2010 Cadillac CTS it left us with an empty feeling in our stomach. Now having a chance to spend some time in the 2010 CTS-V our stomach is quite full because now we can have our cake and eat it too. The Cadillac CTS is already one of Car and Driver’s 10best cars. This will now offer a coupe version to complete a full line-up of styles for the true car enthusiast. Not to mention the CTS-V will eventually come in the coupe flavor as well and we can’t wait to get our hands on it.

Styling of the 2010 CTS-V has very subtle changes from the normal CTS. The CTS-V adds 19-inch alloy wheels, styled front mesh grills, a different front bumper, a “power dome” hood, and the infamous “V” logoed badges. The CTS-V is almost a sleeper, just the way I like it. Otherwise the CTS-V blends well in the mix of traffic as a normal run-of-the-mill sedan which is very helpful when the police are looking for their next speeding ticket recipient.

Under the “power domed” hood is where you find the pride and joy which is a derivative of the current Corvette ZR-1’s powerplant. Of course the ZR-1 shows off its heart through a hood window. Many people on the road have no idea what lies beneath the aluminum bonnet when they see the CTS-V roaring past them on the highway.

Inside of the 2010 CTS-V is all very familiar to our 2010 CTS test car with very few exceptions. The only differences in terms of the interior of our CTS-V vs. our regular CTS is the Alcantara covered steering wheel, a few different button controls (for the magnetic ride shock adjustment and traction control disable), and the center dashboard console.  The console is a nice glossy black compared to a dull cheap plastic look on the CTS. Our CTS-V came equipped with climate controlled Recaro sport seats (same as on our CTS test car) in the front. The bolster adjustments need to be tweaked to find that ultimate seating position but are otherwise comfortable and supportive at the same time. Support is what you want when your car is capable of going 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds and pushing 0.92g’s on a skidpad according to the built-in lateral G meter. Not to mention this baby can stop in only 109ft from 60mph because of its beefy Brembo brakes and sticky P255/40ZR19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport rubber up front and 285/35ZR19 in the rear.

The cabin in the CTS-V is very quiet until you hear the deep exhaust note which is always reminding you that you are driving a serious machine. You never hear any rattles or odd sounds other than the occasional tire slap on some highway bumps. The CTS-V is nothing but music to my ears.

Using my butt dyno it is easy to tell that the CTS-V is a competitor with some exotic sports cars. The power delivery is effortless and the magnetic ride control adjusts suspension dampening to the point that it does not isolate you too much from the road. There is just enough disconnect to provide a nice balance of comfort and sport while reminding you that this is a 4000+ pound sedan. In addition, there is an option for the driver to select a Sport mode to stiffen up the ride when you feel rather advantageous to take that next exit ramp faster than the posted speed.

The controls of the CTS and CTS-V are virtually identical combining easy usability and readability. Our CTS-V test car came with a 40gb hard drive 10-speaker Bose 5.1 surround sound audio system integrated with the navigation system. Of course with that type of setup you get all of the other bells and whistles that you would expect in a Cadillac such as Bluetooth integration, USB port for iPod connection, and a touch-screen navigation unit that provides 3D imaging of major landmarks. Top all of this off with OnStar and you have a winner in my book.

Now a days it seems just about every new car is just as safe as the next. But that’s really not the case with some vehicles. Cadillac made sure they did not lack in this area. The 2010 CTS-V is well planted on the road combining traction control and stabili-track that seamlessly keeps you in check for those times you unleashed all 556 ponies at an inopportune time. The stability management on the CTS-V is not so intrusive that it spoils all of your fun the instant that you do something that you should not have. Don’t worry, if you really mess up you still have an assortment of airbags and crumple zones for that second chance on life although I highly recommend you not resorting to this scenario.

If you are one of those guys with a wife that won’t let you get that Corvette, then you can always compromise with her by buying a CTS…. V. She does not have to know it has 556 horsepower unless you give it away when you accidentally depress the gas pedal to the floor.  Just tell her that rush of power she felt must have been the premium-unleaded gas that you put in it. Of course you will have to explain why it is getting 20 miles to the gallon on the highway and only 12mph in the city.

The 2010 CTS-V is a rocket ship with 4-wheels and 4-doors. Our test vehicle came in at $68,445 and a base CTS-V can be had at just over $60,000.

Copyright: 2010 AutomotiveAddicts.com

SPECIFICATIONS

Price: Base CTS-V $60,720 As-Tested $68,445
Type: Midsize Sedan
Where Built: United States
EPA Class: Midsize Cars

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 191.6 in.
Width: 72.5 in.
Height: 57.3 in.
Wheel Base: 113.4 in.
Curb Weight: 4222 lbs.

Interior
Front Head Room: 38.8 in.
Front Hip Room: 55.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 56.7 in.
Rear Head Room: 37.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 54.7 in.
Rear Hip Room: 54.1 in.
Front Leg Room: 42.4 in.
Rear Leg Room: 35.9 in.
Luggage Capacity: 13.6 cu. ft.
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 14 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data

Engine Size: 6.2 liters
Number of Cylinders: 8
Engine Type: V8
Horsepower: 556 hp
Max Horsepower: 6100 rpm
Torque: 551 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 3800 rpm
Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 37.9 ft.
0-60mph: 3.9 seconds

Fuel Data

Fuel Tank Capacity: 18 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Manual: 14 mpg / 19 mpg / 16 mpg
Range in Miles:
Manual: 252 mi. / 342 mi. / 288 mi.