Cadillac CTS-V Series Forum - 2009+Forum specifically for discussions regarding the fastest v8 production sedan in the world - the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V with 556 horsepower.
So, at what point do you think AWD will be a MUST in order to harness the power from the engine? And do you think AWD would be a good thing, or a bad thing on a "V" car?
I don't know that it will ever be a "must"- I mean, look at cars like the ACR Viper and the ZR1. They're lighter weight with quite a bit more power and they still manage to be driveable.
AWD drive would also make an already heavy car even moreso, and while GMPD has done an awesome job making the CTS-V handle great for its weight, you can't just keep piling on more unless there's a significant return. The PTM system will do a great job keeping the rear tires from going up in smoke, and AWD would just add understeer. I don't see a need for it, but if the customers want it, they'll build it.
__________________ Tony Pagano
Plaza Cadillac
Leesburg, FL
(352) 408-0391 www.cadillactony.com
The views and opinions of this poster are solely his own and do not represent those of Plaza Cadillac
I think some comparisons with the RS6 when it comes out will answer this question. My feeling is that the power to weight levels still aren't to a point where AWD is going to give you a huge advantage, if any?? The PTM and Launch control on this new V are going to put it ahead of the RS6 Avant and Sedan I am quite sure. My guess is that the RS6 will not quite make it below 8 minutes on the Ring in sedan form, but the CTS-V will run it under 8 minutes. Hopefully they do a wagon form of the V for Europe to have bragging rights on that front also. 0-60 and quarter mile will probably be very close also though.
SPONSORED CADILLAC ADVERTISEMENTS: (Supporting Members don't see these ads):
Sorry Brett. Didn't mean to be redundant. I'll do a search and see what's been discussed previously. Feel free to dump the thread if you think it's worthless to the membership.
I lived in Chicago for 29 years and visited MN often
"I'll take 'Why people move to Tampa' for $100, Alex."
__________________
{ This message is composed of 100% recycled sub-atomic particles. No trees were harmed in the posting of this message. However, billions of electrons were temporarily inconvenienced.
No AWD V-series.
AWD is great for the other CTS models, but the V should be about performance with no excuses. AWD has a negative effect on handling that the added traction just does not justify nor will make up for on a real track.
I know there's always going to be the purists out there saying that RWD is the ONLY way to go but I think as AWD systems have evolved, and engine power outputs have climbed, AWD will probably prove to be the choice for maximum performance in real-world driving situations. Yeah, on dry pavement, RWD with a high quality traction-control system can do just fine. If you want to see another RWD vs. AWD comparo....check out the Shelby Mustang vs. the Subaru Sti. Here's a link to the video index 9not sure how to post the actual video, sorry. http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpconta...alleryIndex#12
I know there's always going to be the purists out there saying that RWD is the ONLY way to go
If you're not a purist, you don't belong in this car.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Katshot
but I think as AWD systems have evolved, and engine power outputs have climbed, AWD will probably prove to be the choice for maximum performance in real-world driving situations. Yeah, on dry pavement, RWD with a high quality traction-control system can do just fine. If you want to see another RWD vs. AWD comparo.... http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpconta...alleryIndex#12
The V should not be compromised for often subjective "real-world" driving conditions. It should be an example of how much performance America can wring from a luxury-sport sedan (just like the ZR1 is an example of an uncompromised coupe). If you want to trade performance for a bit of added traction and safety, we can direct you to a 3.6DI AWD model.
ZR1s will be terrible in the snow and would have a better 0-60 if they were AWD. What were they thinking?
Last edited by gothicaleigh; 02-01-08 at 09:51 AM.
I must admit, I've always wondered about the model overlap between the CTS and STS. Maybe the CTS is destined to be the more hard-edged model of the two. I'd love to see the actual business plan for these two cars. What GM's views are on them. Why THEY feel there's a need for BOTH cars. Hell, the same could ALMOST be said for the DTS and STS too.
