2007 CTSv - Let's put an LS7 in there and go M5 Hunting

[Koll]

The current Cadillac CTS-V isn't the BMW M5 killer General Motors hoped it would be. With the introduction of the more powerful 2006 M5, the CTS-V is 100 hp off the mark. Add in its lame interior and its vague steering and the Caddy's $50,000 price doesn't look like such a bargain.

We know a full-blown redesign of the CTS is already a done deal, but our latest spy photos show a prototype that hints at the possibility of a midcycle upgrade for the CTS-V. Caught testing at GM's Milford proving grounds, this prototype wears extended bodywork from nose to tail similar to Cadillac's CTS-V racecars. We've seen CTS prototypes like this before circling the Nürburgring, but they rarely had the level of fit and finish visible on this test car. This prototype also has a standard set of rear exhaust pipes. On the racecar the pipes poke through the bodywork ahead of the rear wheels.

And it's not just the bodywork that looks suitable for production. Check out the wheels and tires. Instead of ultralightweight O-Z racing wheels and low-profile slicks, this prototype is riding on wheels with the same design as the current CTS-V. They're not exactly the same, however, as you can clearly see that these wheels have lots of offset to accommodate wider tires. The change isn't just functional, it emphasizes the car's rear-wheel-drive setup. It's a styling trick BMW has used for decades now; it's about time Cadillac caught up.

If this car does turn out to be an actual production model, there will be more than just wider bodywork and a new set of wheels and tires to talk about. We would expect nothing less than a serious suspension upgrade along with the installation of the 505-horsepower, 7.0-liter LS7 V8 from the latest Z06 Corvette. This would put the CTS-V right back into the same league as the 500-hp 2006 BMW M5 in terms of power and at least a little closer when it comes to handling and steering feel. Throw in an upgraded interior and the CTS-V would start looking like a bargain again.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...cleId=109332#4

[BigAls87Z28]

I think this is more of a test mule then a production car. Next Gen CTS will be shown at NY Auto Show.

[qwikz28]

<------ is gonna go upstairs and pray that GM makes that car to shutup BMW fanatic friends of his

[Tru2Chevy]

I'm sure that it won't be a 505 hp LS7 if they do use it, vette motors are almost always under rated in other cars. Still seems cool though.

- Justin

[qwikz28]

Originally Posted by Tru2Chevy

I'm sure that it won't be a 505 hp LS7 if they do use it, vette motors are almost always under rated in other cars. Still seems cool though.

- Justin

how about a roots blown ls2? ok i'm gonna go masterbate now

[BonzoHansen]

I totally want a CTS-V. A faster one would be even better.

[BigAls87Z28]

Originally Posted by Tru2Chevy

I'm sure that it won't be a 505 hp LS7 if they do use it, vette motors are almost always under rated in other cars. Still seems cool though.

- Justin

Well...ususaly its on paper only.
LS6 had 405 in the Z06, and 400hp int he CTS-V
LS2 has 400hp, and the GTO, SSR, and CTS-V share the same hp

I would like to see them use it, but that would make it more powerful then the STS and XLR-V, both of which carry a 25-50k higher price tag over the CTS-V.