[AutoGuide.com]

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/04/cadillac-returning-to-n

Bred to take on the Germans, how will Cadillac‘s new ATS-V and CTS-V fare on the Nürburgring?

That answer will come shortly with Caddy engineers about to undergo final testing of the new high-performance machines at Germany’s famed Green Hell soon.

“The team is going over now in the middle of April,” said brand boss Johan de Nysschen during at interview at the NY Auto Show last week. De Nysschen said he was hoping to be there for the final runs before the cars are first tested by journalists, but said his calendar was not cooperating.

While in some ways a publicity stunt de Nysschen sees the importance as far as marketing the Cadillac brand is concerned. “I think these bragging rights are useful,” he said, adding, “but the guys go there for development purposes and a lot depends. If the weather works, it works. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t.”

And the chances of poor weather in mid-April in Germany are pretty high.

It’s not all about the lap times either, cautions Cadillac PR rep David Caldwell. “That’s not a big part of what they do,” he said. “As you know, they go there for engineering purposes. If they’re in the right frame of mind and the weather cooperates, perhaps something will happen.”

In 2009 something big happened when the previous generation CTS-V set a new Nürburgring record for a sedan. Running a 7 minute 59 second lap, it became the first four-door to ever run a sub-8 minute time.

No times have been released for the current lineup of BMW M models but there’s a good chance they top the previous generation cars. The best time publicly listed for a BMW model is a 7:48 by the E92 M3 GTS.

Can Cadillac top that?

 

[C&C]

I agree with the writings in the article; bragging rights is useful and development of the vehicle is also gleaned (by the process). It also benchmarks the vehicle, on a level playing field, against others. While not the end-all/be-all of vehicle competence it is part of the whole (or can be).

 

[Tedboss1]

That explains why Cadillac has not released the results of the first outing there.
Now they will try again to see if they can beat the competition.

 

[vfaninva]

While not the end-all/be-all of vehicle competence it is part of the whole (or can be).

Agree. While the nurburgring provides possibly the best environment for automakers to test and develop their cars, the published timed results should not be taken as gospel. Different drivers, weather conditions, etc.. all affect the final time. Add to that, there is no "official" ring time and no official sanctioning body responsible for certifying automakers claims.

 

[Aoyagi]

I kinda wish Cadillac focused less on benchracing and more on comfort, but I guess it's good for some research and PR.

 

[Stingroo]

I kinda wish Cadillac focused less on benchracing and more on comfort, but I guess it's good for some research and PR.

You are clearly not the V-series target consumer. It takes all kinds.

 

[CTSCHICK]

Definitely an area that I think most GM enthusiasts don't worry about. It is a shame GM can't figure out how to capitalize on bitch slapping the competition in their own back yard..

 

[Tedboss1]

Has anybody heard what were the Cadillac results from the Ring?