The Cadillac STS-V: A powerful surprise

Quicksilver · #1 07-17-2006, 02:37 AM

The report says Any car that approaches the 500-horsepower range commands respect, and in all ways the STS-V makes a fine first impression. (Among other niceties, it can fire its ignition remotely, blasting the air conditioning or heat before you touch the door. The V's signature attribute is its engine: hugely powerful, disarmingly silent, unnervingly smooth. The depth is deceptive,

http://www.cnn.com/2006/AUTOS/carrev...s-v/index.html

Sponsored Links

SANguru · #2 07-17-2006, 02:52 AM

unfortunately, car and driver and motor trend rated it rather poorly when compared to the M5 and CLS55. Numb steering, not much feel and rather floaty suspension. They did a much better job with the CTS-V

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

The report says Any car that approaches the 500-horsepower range commands respect, and in all ways the STS-V makes a fine first impression. (Among other niceties, it can fire its ignition remotely, blasting the air conditioning or heat before you touch the door. The V's signature attribute is its engine: hugely powerful, disarmingly silent, unnervingly smooth. The depth is deceptive,

http://www.cnn.com/2006/AUTOS/carrev...s-v/index.html

Quicksilver · #3 07-17-2006, 03:15 AM

No surprise there. I just wonder what the drive is like. Every time I see one of these i cant get past the crappy interior. Maybe this is better. Who knows? Don't you ever go to bed??

Quote:

Originally Posted by SANguru

unfortunately, car and driver and motor trend rated it rather poorly when compared to the M5 and CLS55. Numb steering, not much feel and rather floaty suspension. They did a much better job with the CTS-V

asawadude · #4 07-17-2006, 03:53 AM

I can't get past the Cadillacs' exteriors, let alone their interiors. Their Arts and Science (or whatever they call it) straight edge styling is not very pleasing to this old guy's eyeballs.

The STS-V still seems like a senior citizen transportation car to me. And where are the XLR's? I've seen exactly 2 on the street this year.

I agree with Sanguru, the CTS-V is a pretty good vehicle at $51K, but reliabilty is still a concern. If they can fix that, add the LS7, and round out a couple of those hard planes, they might have a winning ticket.

Wagner · #5 07-17-2006, 05:01 AM

I really liked the V-Series till I read in R&T that when they had the STS-V in their test fleet for over 30,000 miles nobody wanted to drive it. Apparently the sloppy feel of the tranny got even worse and there was a whine from the differential at speed. They talked to Cadillac and were told there was no fix for the diff.

Quicksilver · #6 07-17-2006, 11:41 AM

WHAT? I didn't know that. What is it that people find so attractive for 51K?

Quote:

Originally Posted by asawadude

$51K

Thunder22 · #7 07-17-2006, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

WHAT? I didn't know that. What is it that people find so attractive for 51K?

LS2 in a sedan.

GUINNESS · #8 07-17-2006, 01:20 PM

I'd rather own an RS4, RS6, M3, or M5 than the CTS or STS Vs, but I will admit, I really really like the CTS-V and am a fan. It's also nice to still see them in the Speed World Challenge... though I haven't followed how they are doing this year.

ylwjacket · #9 07-17-2006, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

WHAT? I didn't know that. What is it that people find so attractive for 51K?

I can tell you first hand. When I got my CTS-V, the new M5's weren't out, and the old ones were way too expensive, because the new ones were outrageously priced. And, there is something a little seductive about cam lope at idle, and growl at throttle.

The interior took a little getting used to, no question (I traded my X5 4.4 for this car). Too much metal in there for my taste.

As far as performance, it's top notch. It sticks in corners like few other cars. When you get into it, it just flat out hauls butt. And, shifting gears the good old fashioned way is pretty fun too.

With the LS6 that I have, it is easily moddable. There any number of power adders available, that are a fraction of the price of BMW power adders. It's not too hard to get 500 hp in this car, and there are several around over 600. Not bad for a family haul mobile. For about 6k, you can easily be over 500 hp.

The STS-V is another car entirely. Cadillac thinks it competes with the new M5. Recently, I hurt my leg pretty good, and wasn't sure if I would ever be able to drive a stick again. I considered the STS-V for about 4 seconds. The supercharger, I hear, kicks in with a bang, but they softened the steering and suspension too much.

My car sat in my driveway for 3 months, because I simply could not come up with something better to get. I've had it for 2 years, and will probably trade out of it in the fall. Now that I'm healing, and driving the V again, I'm having fun with it again.

It's hard for BMW people to think there is any appeal. The styling - you like it or you don't. I go both ways on it honestly.

All in all, it's a lot of car for that money.

Sponsored Links