New Cars for 2009/2010: Cadillac CTS-V

I don't like new cars very much, and that opinion has held true since the mid to late 1990s and early 2000s for me. With the rise of hybrids aimed at luxury buyers who want to be the first ones driving the next "in" car, my disdain for new cars grew even more. But, I do have strong passion for performance cars, regardless of where they originate. To see one of the big two (sorry Chrysler) continue their efforts in the performance car segment brings a slight sigh of relief.

GM has been known to shove high powered version of their V8 lineup into a vast array of cars over the years. A seemingly odd candidate for V8 performance cars is Cadillac, but that notion changed in 2004 with the arrival of the CTS-V. Like it's Corvette sibling, the 2004-2008 CTS-V had a 400 HP 5.7 LS6 V8.In 2006 it got a 6.0 LS6 V8 with the same power figures. With the new CTS-V released 2009, the LS6 was replaced with a new LSA, based off the monster LS9 that resides in the new Corvette ZR-1. Instead of the 638 hp the ZR-1 produces, the CTS-V's powerplant produces "only" 556 HP. Still, though, the car is no slouch. 0-60 MPH comes up in 3.9 seconds, and it's top speed is a not-for-the-faint-of-heart 191 MPH. Eat that E63 AMG and RS4. And, it available as a true 6 spd manual. With a base price of $57,995, the CTS-V is about half the price of it's closest true competitor, the Mercedes E63 AMG. Eat your shorts Mercedes,because the best sports sedan per dollar is no longer your own high-horse.

But, the beauty isn't only contained within the engine/powertrain combo. The exterior is gorgeous too. I was uncertain about this new CTS-V since the new CTS is nothing exciting to look at. Boy, was I wrong. The first time I saw the new CTS-V up close I was awestruck. The whole car is downright menacing. The wide chrome wheels, the rolled fenders, and the smidge of chrome help to turn a mundane modern car into something sinister, something that has road presence. From the lowered stance, to the large air intakes, this car is about nothing other than sheer evilness. Out back, it lets you know you've lost the race as its rear end squats down and V8 music pushes the car away from you. Rather quickly I might add. If any modern car did a something for me, this is it. I am smitten with the CTV-S from Cadillac. Are they standard of the world. When it comes to sports sedans, yes.