The New Cadillac CTS-V on Course to Match the Racing Pace

I was privileged to be the first hack to drive the new Cadillac CTS-V on Dubai’s astounding roads. It was a bit smoggy as I prepared to go in the new Cadillac CTS-V, which elevated the heart rate…..

Hailed as the dawning of a new era for the American carmaker, the new flagship sedan has been comprehensively re-engineered. It seems that GM intends it to mount a successful challenge against upmarket rivals such as Audi S6, and Lexus GS F.

Inside, the new Cadillac has a clean and contemporary-looking dashboard, a re-designed multi-function steering wheel and 12.3” high-definition display closely modelled on this first seen on the previous model. And the Head-Up Display lets you view select vehicle data through the windshield while keeping your eyes on the road.

Super Power

The 2017 CTS-V is offered with the choice of supercharged 6.2L V8 engine developing 640-hp and 630 lb-ft of torque capable of pushing you from 0 to 60 mph ( 100 km/h) in an Autoscommunity tested 3.8 seconds and has the ability to reach a top speed of 200 mph (322 km/h) on the racetrack.  The engine is allied to an 8-speed automatic transmission plus structural and suspension components for decisive steering and cornering.  Shift through all eight seamlessly and automatically select the right gear with Performance Algorithm Shifting to improve lap times, or switch to manual control by tapping the magnesium paddle shifters, mounted on the steering wheel for a truly hands-on experience.

Performance Traction  Management

Among the showcase features available from the new Cadillac’s long list of advanced equipment is a so-called Performance Traction Management that provides you with competition-spec traction and stability controls. Adjust to conditions with five modes specifically for the track: Wet, Dry, Sport 1, Sport 2 or Race.

At the same time, Launch Control monitors traction activity and ensures full-throttle off the line acceleration for incredible 0-60 times.

Track-Capable Cooling

Talking looks, the Cadillac CTS-V is very much its car. The large grille and fascia openings are meant to feed more air into a large-capacity radiator and multiple heat exchangers for cooling that adds up to maximum driving performance.

Dynamic Aerodynamic

The striking looks come from a functionally designed exterior that supports the car’s capabilities by contributing to boosting reduction, improved cooling and enhanced aero performance. Thanks to its athletic stance, wide body and low height, the CTS-V’s shape is both aggressive and intelligent.

Unique  Exterior Features

A finely tuned quad exhaust draws every attention while imposing 19” lightweight forged aluminium V-Series wheels combine attitude with function.

V-Series Grille

The V-Series aerodynamic stance plays a crucial role in performance. The front splitter and front hood vent steer air around or over the vehicle to reduce lift. The iconic mesh grille is engineered for maximum airflow to the engine.

Safety

The car comes equipped with standard dual front, front side, side curtain airbags over and above rear-side airbags and knee airbags for the driver and front passenger. It also embraces many high-tech safety devices including lane keep assist, lane departure warning, lane change alert and forward collision warning.

Comfort & Convenience

Upon seeing the intricate matte carbon fibre trim and sueded microfiber accents, you’ll come to know that this is but a V-Series vehicle. And with its signature thick-rim steering wheel with magnesium paddle shifters, the sophisticated interior of CTS-V uplifts the experience for the driver.

Cadillac User Experience

Cadillac user experience4 Phone Integration with Apple CarPlay™6 compatibility allows the driver to access his contacts, Apple Music™ and other information from his own iPhone® with a touch of the screen. He can also access Siri,®, so features are readily accessible to him or his front-seat passenger. Phone Integration also offers Android™ Auto compatibility.

BOSE® Premium Audio

The 13-speaker Bose® Surround Sound system features Advanced Staging Technology, an innovation that fashions an immersive sound experience to bring you the feeling of being front row, centre stage.

In addition, AudioPilot® 2.0 noise compensation technology uninterruptedly fine-tunes the volume to compensate for the effects of background noise and vehicle speed.

Performance Data Recorder

Exclusive to the V-Series and its segment, the available Performance Data Recorder offers four overlays — Sport, Track, Performance, or Tour — that let drivers record their driving experience by capturing real-time video, audio and performance metrics. The front-view camera captures each exhilarating curve and straightaway, and when parked, lets you watch and analyse your driving performance on the Cadillac user experience4 screen. Or you can save the footage on the SD card to view or share your performance later.

Rear Camera Mirror

The available Rear Camera Mirror streams a live view of what’s behind you directly through the rearview mirror. This feature offers substantially more vision than a traditional mirror when needed and it can revert to normal with the flip of a switch.

4G LTE WI-FI Connectivity

The available built-in Wi-Fi® hotspot5 supports up to seven mobile devices. You’ll have a fast and reliable 4G LTE connection that lets you easily and quickly search for almost anything.

Cadillac user experience4 is compatible with Phone Integration for Apple CarPlay™6 and Android Auto™. The system offers you the opportunity of accessing your contacts, music and information with just a touch, flick or swipe of the screen.

From the Driver’s Seat

The car was fast and pretty, my run was clean, and the car’s lovely interior ( my particular choice, were I buying) resisted the precipitation perfectly well. I should have been relieved, but there was no time for that. Instead, I sat on a sidewalk a few yards away and started working on the review on my cell phone. As a result, I don’t know exactly what to tell in the end, but the driving experience was so impressive that I would have hated to miss it.

HIGHS

• Fast acceleration with an aggressive engine note
• Rear camera mirror
• More power than its rivals

LOWS

• A tight-fitting second row
• Braking feel under extreme driving conditions

Overall Rating 

4.5/5