2004 Cadillac CTS-V Overview

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Overview

The CTS-V provides high-performance driving enthusiasts with a serious, credible alternative to imports in the highly competitive, low-volume luxury performance segment, including the BMW M-Series, Mercedes-Benz AMG Series and Audi S-Series.

The V-Series has been designed to take Cadillac's performance credentials to an entirely new level. With 400 horsepower (298 kw), CTS-V is the most powerful production model Cadillac has ever offered.

Based on Cadillac's performance-oriented rear-drive Sigma architecture, CTS-V is a highly refined high-performance luxury sedan designed for performance enthusiast drivers.

Like the original CTS, CTS-V was refined and validated at Germany's famed Nurburgring racetrack to meet the expectations of the world's most avid driving enthusiasts.

Serious performance credentials

The four-door, rear-wheel-drive CTS-V has the overhead valve 5.7L V-8 LS6 engine producing 400 horsepower (298 kw) and 395 lb.-ft. (533 Nm) of torque. It makes 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and has a top speed of 163 mph (262 km).

Engine highlights include an aluminum block, two-valve cylinder heads with revisions to the air induction system, and an enlarged dual exhaust system for an impressive V-8 sound. The LS6 V-8 provides CTS-V with racetrack-proven performance, along with smooth, quiet operation and outstanding reliability, durability and quality. The engine's lightweight aluminum construction - including its cylinder heads and block - delivers an excellent power-to-weight ratio (1:9.6) and good chassis balance (54 percent front / 46 percent rear).

Power is delivered through the six-speed manual Tremec T56 transmission that features a dual mass flywheel for reduced noise and vibration harshness. A heavy-duty, increased diameter, 70-mm prop shaft is used for the higher torque requirements. The limited-slip rear axle is fitted with a 3.73:1 final drive ratio to optimize acceleration.

Performance modifications

To help develop and manage its higher horsepower and torque output, and to reduce noise, vibration and harshness, the CTS-V received several performance modifications including:

  • High-profile camshaft opens the valves faster and higher, enabling more air to flow into and out of the combustion chambers and contributing to horsepower gains
  • High-strength pistons help increase engine durability, particularly under high-performance operating conditions
  • Revised valves and stiffer valve springs better accommodate valve operation with the high-lift cam, hollow intake valves reduce mass and permit extremely high cam lift, and the sodium-filled exhaust valves help ensure proper cooling
  • Enhanced induction system enables enhanced engine breathing, helping to increase horsepower output
  • High-flow intake manifold delivers high amounts of airflow to the intake ports, helping to ensure a broad torque curve while delivering maximum power
  • High-flow fuel injectors deliver fuel at the faster rate needed due to increased intake airflow
  • Reconfigured exhaust manifolds permit increased exhaust flow while maintaining low levels of noise
  • Dual exhaust constructed of 2.5-inch (159-mm) diameter stainless steel pipe to help minimize back pressure, increase horsepower and ensure proper exhaust tone. Investment-cast stainless steel tips cap the exhaust pipes
  • Engine cover helps reduce under hood noise and ties directly to the exterior performance styling of the vehicle with the Cadillac wreath and crest in its center and V-Series identification positioned over each cylinder bank
  • Following extensive development at the Nurburgring, the racing-inspired Brembo 14-inch (355-mm) front and 14.4-inch (365-mm) rear disc brakes provide remarkable deceleration and reduced braking distances with aluminum four-piston calipers on all four corners. Included on the caliper casting is distinctive V-Series identification. Specific seven-spoke 18-inch by 8.5-inch aluminum, six-lug wheels and Goodyear P245/45WR18 EMT (run flat) tires are standard.

Performance-tuned suspension

To handle the high-output horsepower and torque, CTS-V is equipped with an extremely robust front and rear suspension. Specific refinements include:

  • Hydroformed front/rear cradles handle the greater mass of the LS6 engine (front) and 180 lb.-ft. (244 Nm) increase in torque surging through the driveline (rear) as well as enhancing NVH performance
  • Larger stabilizer bars decrease body roll by increasing roll stiffness
  • Increased front/rear spring rates enhance performance-oriented handling characteristics
  • Larger monotube front shocks increase damping capacity and provide better thermal performance
  • Nivomat rear shocks automatically adapt spring and damping rates to changing load conditions for enhanced handling and ride performance
  • Performance-tuned elastomeric ride bushings fitted to aluminum control arms to bring precise on-center feel, enhance linear performance under high-speed braking and reduce control arm movement at high speeds
  • The StabiliTrak stability enhancement system assists the vehicle in maintaining the driver's intended path by applying a brake force at any corner of the vehicle independent of the driver's use of the brake pedal. It is standard equipment and includes four driver-selected modes of operation, including a competition mode for better track performance. The extensive chassis tuning carries over from the 2004 model, including larger shock absorbers and 26.6-mm front and 21-mm rear stabilizer bars. Front and rear spring rates are increased by 27 percent from the CTS.

Purposeful design

On the exterior, the CTS-V includes enhancements designed to increase performance, including a unique front fascia with an integrated aero splitter for better aerodynamics and brake ducts vented to cool front brakes. Stainless steel mesh grilles, both below and above the bumper, offer a unique front appearance and allow for free air flow into the engine compartment. Sides include a unique aero rocker design that flows into a specific rear fascia.

Underneath the hood, a tower-to-tower cross-car brace has been installed for improved steering response and linearity under high-performance conditions. To help reduce underhood noise, a unique nylon cover, which features the Cadillac wreath and crest and V-Series logo, is fitted over the top of the engine.

A full dual exhaust system exits through the rear fascia and is capped with chrome oval exhaust tips. The "V" logo appears on the deck lid and front fenders and also on brake calipers, rocker panel and the speedometer in the instrument cluster.

Interior geared toward performance driving

CTS-V offers a unique instrument cluster trimmed with satin chrome rings around each gauge. Aircraft-style, white lettering on a black field is used on gauges for better legibility. The instrument cluster also includes two driver information centers (DIC) located in the instrument panel. The left DIC can display performance-oriented information including peak and momentary lateral acceleration, oil, transmission and coolant temperatures, and oil and tire pressure. The right DIC indicates odometer, digital speedometer and reverse gear and skip-shift indicators.

Other interior design features include a three-spoke steering wheel with an aluminum bezel and specific controls for CTS-V. Satin chrome finishes also are used on the shift knob, door pulls and door handles. The center armrest has been lowered significantly for easier shifting during driving. Driver and passenger seats include adjustable lumbar and sueded fabric insert material to help maintain driver position in lateral maneuvers.

All engineering work for the CTS-V was performed by the GM Performance Division, an in-house center designed to explore potential enthusiast-oriented versions of production models. CTS-V will be produced at GM's Lansing Grand River assembly center, the award-winning manufacturing site for the CTS, SRX luxury utility and STS luxury sedan.

Source:  GM Media