Cadillac CTS-V 3rd Gen 640hp LT4

Cadillac CTS-V 3rd Gen 640hp LT4

The third-generation Cadillac CTS-V represented the apex of Cadillac's transformation from a maker of plush land yachts into a builder of genuine world-class performance machines. With 640 horsepower from its supercharged LT4 V8 and a verified top speed of 200 mph, the CTS-V was not merely competitive with the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E63, it surpassed them in raw performance.

The LT4 engine was the same supercharged 6.2-liter V8 used in the C7 Corvette Z06, producing 640 horsepower at 6,400 RPM and 630 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 RPM. This made it the most powerful engine ever fitted to a production Cadillac and one of the most powerful engines in any production sedan worldwide. The Eaton TVS R1740 supercharger delivered boost progressively, providing a linear power delivery that was surprisingly manageable despite the extraordinary output.

Unlike the second-generation CTS-V, which offered a manual transmission, the third-gen was automatic-only, equipped with GM's eight-speed 8L90 unit. While purists mourned the loss of the manual option, the eight-speed was exceptionally well-calibrated, delivering crisp, rapid shifts that maximized the engine's performance potential. The transmission's wide ratio spread also contributed to surprising highway fuel economy.

The chassis was built on Cadillac's Alpha platform, a lightweight architecture that provided excellent rigidity and NVH characteristics. Magnetic Ride Control, now in its third generation, monitored road and driving conditions 1,000 times per second and adjusted damping rates in milliseconds. The system provided a genuinely comfortable ride in its Tour mode and track-ready firmness in its Sport and Track settings.

Brembo provided the braking hardware, with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers gripping enormous ventilated and cross-drilled rotors. Optional carbon ceramic rotors were available for buyers who intended to use the car on track days. The braking performance was exceptional, bringing the nearly two-ton sedan to a halt from 60 mph in under 100 feet.

The CTS-V's performance credentials were verified at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, where it lapped in 7 minutes 59.32 seconds, making it the fastest production sedan to ever lap the circuit at the time. This achievement demonstrated that the CTS-V's performance was not merely about straight-line speed but encompassed genuine all-around dynamic capability.

Inside, the CTS-V featured a luxurious cabin with Recaro performance seats, carbon fiber trim, a suede-wrapped steering wheel, and Cadillac's CUE infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen. The interior quality was a significant improvement over previous CTS-V generations, with premium materials and assembly quality that approached European competitors.

The CTS-V was discontinued after the 2019 model year as Cadillac transitioned to its new naming convention and the CT5-V Blackwing took over as the brand's ultimate performance sedan. The third-gen CTS-V remains one of the most accomplished super sedans ever produced by any manufacturer, American or otherwise.