CTS-V test drive - WOW
02-22-2004, 11:39 AM
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CTS-V test drive - WOW Just got back from driving one, and WOW.
It feels like a BMW 540/6, just with a LOT more power, and NOW.
The shifter, which has been described as rubbery and notchy, felt great in my opinion. There is some damping on it which some may describe as "rubbery" but i would describe it as "not-notchy" It has a very positive engagement but doesn't transmit any vibration into the cabin.
The handling was very light on its feet. Little to no body roll, but very controlled and comfortable over broken pavement. What I would call a "bmw like" ride handling setup, where neither ride nor handling seems compromised.
And the power. Wow. I'm coming from almost the same engine (LS1 - "only" 345 horsepower) in a slightly lighter car (Camaro) with the almost the same transmission (6 speed, but the CTS-V has different ratios from the Z06). But the 50 extra horesepower and Z06 gearing make the CTS-V feel quicker. Did a 30-65punch in 3rd gear, and it moves. Sounds like ripping silk, they've got the engine note well tuned.
No problems with axle hop in my driving, but again I only punched it from a roll, didn't do any drag race starts on a car that someone else is ultimately going to buy (the one I drove had no sunroof, which I think is essential).
Short version: WOW!
It feels like a BMW 540/6, just with a LOT more power, and NOW.
The shifter, which has been described as rubbery and notchy, felt great in my opinion. There is some damping on it which some may describe as "rubbery" but i would describe it as "not-notchy" It has a very positive engagement but doesn't transmit any vibration into the cabin.
The handling was very light on its feet. Little to no body roll, but very controlled and comfortable over broken pavement. What I would call a "bmw like" ride handling setup, where neither ride nor handling seems compromised.
And the power. Wow. I'm coming from almost the same engine (LS1 - "only" 345 horsepower) in a slightly lighter car (Camaro) with the almost the same transmission (6 speed, but the CTS-V has different ratios from the Z06). But the 50 extra horesepower and Z06 gearing make the CTS-V feel quicker. Did a 30-65punch in 3rd gear, and it moves. Sounds like ripping silk, they've got the engine note well tuned.
No problems with axle hop in my driving, but again I only punched it from a roll, didn't do any drag race starts on a car that someone else is ultimately going to buy (the one I drove had no sunroof, which I think is essential).
Short version: WOW!
02-22-2004, 03:22 PM
#2
Tried to do a burnout with mine and all i got was hop, maybe 3K was not high enough, the power is very smooth, because of the gear ratios it is convient to do second gear starts
02-22-2004, 04:31 PM
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I agree with the TTJ's description. The car definitely pulls in any gear and is especially sweet from 3K to redline. The car will do over 160 easy and is actually pulling very hard all the way to where it's electronically limited not drag limited. Unlimited I'd guess 180 or so.
Like wolfgang I've tried launching this car hard and have been met with severe hop in 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Today I finally performed what I consider the best 1,2,3 shift yet. While feathering the clutch I was able to launch hard (no hops) hit second with a traction challenged shimmy and slammed third with an extended tire chirp. Best one to date.
Exploiting the torque is easier and more fun. Drop the CTS-V into 3rd on the highway allowing the rpms to climb. Then mash the gas to just shy of 95mph. Who needs XM when you've got LS6 music!
Like wolfgang I've tried launching this car hard and have been met with severe hop in 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Today I finally performed what I consider the best 1,2,3 shift yet. While feathering the clutch I was able to launch hard (no hops) hit second with a traction challenged shimmy and slammed third with an extended tire chirp. Best one to date.
Exploiting the torque is easier and more fun. Drop the CTS-V into 3rd on the highway allowing the rpms to climb. Then mash the gas to just shy of 95mph. Who needs XM when you've got LS6 music!
Last edited by cvp33; 02-23-2004 at 06:15 PM.
02-23-2004, 09:53 AM
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Originally Posted by WECIV
How bad would a V kill a Z???
It won't be a trouncing, but the CTS-V should win, just edging out the Z28.
Stock for stock of course - too many variables to predict what a modded car would do.
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02-23-2004, 12:22 PM
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Originally Posted by maddboost
Someone needs to get J-Rod in one of these and have him launch it with the salesman in the car that would be funny as hell.
When the stability control kicks in, the entire NAV screen displays a message to indicate that it is functioning properly.
02-23-2004, 04:45 PM
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Originally Posted by maddboost
Someone needs to get J-Rod in one of these and have him launch it with the salesman in the car that would be funny as hell.
That would be classic
02-23-2004, 07:39 PM
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I,being lucky enough to work at a caddy dealer in south FL,got to give one
a good *******.Let me say this that after all of the techs in the dealer got done
with it,it will be getting a new set of rear rubber before it leaves the dealer.
a good *******.Let me say this that after all of the techs in the dealer got done
with it,it will be getting a new set of rear rubber before it leaves the dealer.
02-25-2004, 10:36 PM
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Awesome.
I can't wait for more reviews to be published by all the major auto mags.
Maybe even Jeremy Clarkson will flog one in an upcoming episode of Top Gear.
I can't wait for more reviews to be published by all the major auto mags.
Maybe even Jeremy Clarkson will flog one in an upcoming episode of Top Gear.