Cadillac CTS-V Series 2009 - Case Study Example

Cadillac CTS-V Series 2009 Introduction Cadillac, owned by General Motors, is a brand of luxury vehicles. Its cars are sold in over 50 countries worldwide, majority of which are bought by customers in United States and Canada. A few of the current renowned products developed by General Motors under Cadillac's department include the Escalade, Seville, STS and CTS. The Cadillac CTS has proven to be a life saver for Cadillac when its sales were going down due to competition mainly by the German car manufacturers mainly Mercedes, BMW and Audi. The Germans provided attractive looking cars with interior trims of highest quality and performance to match. In reply to that, Cadillac introduced the CTS in 2002 with a promise to carry forward the company's name and tradition of technology and design innovation. The car, at once got the attention of customers of Mercedes Benz, BMW and AUDI as the CTS was supposed to give head to head competition to the 3 Series of BMW, C class of Mercedes and A4 of Audi. This was the first time GM had introduced a rear-wheel drive car since the Cimarron in 1988. This was to mark a big step for the company's future. GM however, was still helpless when it came to competition by the Germans in the form of its modified, high performance editions of its sedans. BMW's Motorsport division, Mercedes' AMG division and Audi's S and RS divisions virtually faced no American competition and this became a cause of concern for GM. For this purpose, GM introduced its own V-Series line of high performance vehicles in 2004 and the Cadillac CTS-V was born. Thanks to the CTS-V, GM now gives its German rivals a tough time. The latest addition in the V series family, the CTS-V 2009, has taken the market by storm. The car will deliver at least 99 more horsepower compared to any of its immediate competitors such as the RS4, the M3 and the c63 AMG. (J.P.Vettraino, 2008). This paper is dedicated to this very model of the CTS, taking a look at the specifications and reviews of this car and analyzing how this car is said to have blown away its competitors. The CTS-V Series (History) The Cadillac CTS-V, introduced in 2004, is a model in Cadillac's V-Series line of high performance vehicles. It had been aimed to counter the increasing imports of sports sedans mainly from Germany such as the Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG and E55 AMG and the BMW's M3 and M5 models. First Generation (2004-2007) In 2004, the CTS sedan was made to go through various performance upgrades and some body work to furnish the car with a sportier, more aero-dynamic look, resulting in the advent of the CTS-V. GM used the 5.7 liter LS6 V8 engine and the six-speed manual Tremec transmission from the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (Keebler, n.d.). The Z06 was the best performing car in the GM's production line at that time and it was a wise decision to use its parts in developing competition for the German benchmarks. From 2006 onwards, the LS2 engine replaced the LS6. The 6.0 Liter LS2 produced 400hp at 6000rpm and 400ft-lb (542N-m) at 4400rpm. It was quite similar to the high-performance LS6, but with more peak power and torque throughout the rpm range. Also, thanks to the Brembo brakes and Opel tuned chassis, the handling was significantly improved (Paula, 2005). Second Generation (2009-present) To compete against the current BMW M-Series, Audi S and RS-Series, and Mercedes-Benz AMG lineup, the previous engines, the LS6 and the LS2 V8s, lacked power. To have a chance against the current rivals, the CTS's engine had to generate more power. For that purpose, a supercharged V8, the 6.2 liter LSA, based on the LS9A V8 from the recent Corvette ZR-1 was developed. This power plant had the capability to produce 550 hp and 550 lb-ft (746 N-m) of torque (Abuelsamid, 2008). GM will offer two transmission choices, a six speed transmission with a short-throw shifter and dual clutch flywheel, or a paddle shift six speed. With the power to weight ratio similar to that of the Mercedes E63 AMG, the 2009 CTS-V series is fit to send a buzz of excitement in the customers. CTS-V 2009 (Overview) Due to hit showrooms in late 2008, this is it. Cadillac's fastest, most ferocious sedan ever built. In fact, it is the most powerful American sedan in the history. This then is the best competitor ever built by GM to match the supremacy of the German car manufacturers. The German Cars like the BMW M5, the Mercedes E63 AMG and Audi RS6 were like the bench marks for the American car manufacturers. This is not the case anymore. The CTS does not just match its rivals, it surpasses them in specifications (MacKenzie, n.d.). When the Cadillac CTS first came on the streets, it received a highly positive response and reviews for its looks, performance and handling dynamics (Abuelsamid, 2008). But the current Motorsport divisions and AMG divisions from Germany needed more than that to be beaten. So GM decided to give the car some extra oomph. The car was given the new LSA V8 engine derived from the LS9 in the corvette ZR1. (Abuelsamid, 2008). The supercharged 6.2 Liter LSA produces approximately 550 hp of power and 550 ft-lb of torque. With a sportier finish, brutally powerful engine, Brembo brakes, a heavily upgraded chassis and suspension to match, the 2009 CTS-V is expected to be one of a kind. But American cars are known to go fast in a straight line and muddle up in the corners. Is this car going to be just one of those The car was tested on the Nurburgring circuit in Germany. Providing a perfect blend of bends, curves and stretches, the Nurburgring circuit is known to be one of the most popular tracks in the world for testing performance cars to the limits. This was a move by GM to convince to the customers that this car is not only fast, it handles well too. However the official lap times of the car have not been revealed yet. On the exterior and interior too, no compromises have been made. The car is given a mesh grille to set it apart visually. The LSA engine and supercharger needed extra space under the hood which is provided by a bulging hood that adds to the beauty of the exterior. Wrapped up in micro-fiber material are the 14-way adjustable Recaro seats, the shifter and the steering wheel. The micro-fiber is a clever move as it looks like suede but is easier to keep clean and maintain. Being a Cadillac, it is loaded with luxury goodies including a Bose digital audio system with a 40 GB hard drive and a navigation system. (Abuelsamid, 2008) The goal of the CTS-V development team was to create a car with the dignity and classiness of the best luxury sedans without compromising on the performance (Abuelsamid, 2008). And so they did. GM decided to auction the first 2009 Cadillac CTS-V at a special charity auction. The $75,000 earning bid was to be donated to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. ($75000, 2008) "The CTS-V represents the full extension of our design, technology and performance capabilities," says Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "The V-Series takes the award-winning CTS sport sedan and elevates it to a position within the club of the world's most exclusive and capable cars." (Abuelsamid, 2008) Specifications Summarized Technical Details: The CTV is equipped with a 6.2 liter supercharged V8 engine delivering approximately 550 horse power and about 550 lb-ft of torque. It is being offered with an optional six-speed automatic transmission that consists of shift paddles mounted on the steering-wheel. Asymmetrical half-shafts are used to tackle the axle hop due to the immense power sent to the rear-wheels. Cast-iron limited slip differentials are placed between these shafts for better handling dynamics. (Abuelsamid, 2008) Brembo supplies brake rotors for the car that, due to the heavier weight of the car, are bigger than any of its German competitors. (Abuelsamid, 2008) The CTS-V's suspension comes standard with GM's magnetic ride-control dampers. This consists of electro magnets to control the movement of shock absorbers. These electro magnets allow each wheel to sense the road and driving conditions and adjust accordingly for optimum performance. (Heyman, 2008) The car is equipped with what is called the Performance Traction Management. This is more than just Traction control and stability management. The system limits the torque dispersion on a wheel that is slipping such as on an over steer and lets the driver maintain control. The only car manufacturer that has used this system before is Ferrari, so expectations from this car are high. (Heyman, 2008) Interior: The car comes with 14-way adjustable Recaro seats and pneumatically adjustable bolstering designed to keep the driver firmly in place. This used to available only in Mercedes before. (Heyman, 2008) Interior trims include high quality finishing with a Bose Audio System (with a 40 GB hard drive) with LCD display for navigation purposes. Exterior: The exterior of the car clearly shows the intentions of the car. The Billet grille and vent covers, the low height and the bulging hood that contains the power plant all hint towards the car's performance potential and portray it to be a monster on road. (Heyman, 2008) The rear tires have 19 inch aluminum wheels strapped in 285/35R19 Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 rubber that are identical in size to the M5's wheels. The front tires are 255/40R19s. (Abuelsamid, 2008) Rivals When the engine's output is certified to be 550 hp with 500 lb-ft of torque, it will undoubtedly raise the new Cadillac CTS to have the most powerful V8 engine Cadillac has ever offered in its 106 year history. (J.P.Vettraino, 2008). Choose any competitor for this new CTS-V, from any part of the world, and it is evident by the facts that it will be superseded by the mighty CTS-V. Let us compare the German benchmarks for a moment. The BMW M3 and Audi RS4 both, generate about 420 horse power. The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG falls short too with just 503 horse power. (Neff, 2007) Now let's compare it to the cars that are 'supposedly' in a league above it. The BMW M5, which is not directly a CTS-V competitor, fails to match the output figures of the car. Similarly, the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG makes 43 hp less than the CTS-V (Pund, 2008). In fact, the CTS-V generates roughly an equivalent amount of horsepower as the 2008 Dodge Viper! And its not just horse power that the CTS-V brutalizes its competitors at, it crushes them in torque too. The M5's V10 can produce a mere 383 lb-ft of torque, while the E36's V8 produces about 365 compared to the 550 Weighing about 4200 to 4300 pounds, the CTS-V is a little heavier than its rivals. However its dimensions are almost the same as the M5 or the E63. Even then, the Caddy has the best power to weight ratio with a load of 7.6 pounds per horse power. (Pund, 2008) Conclusion The Cadillac CTS-V 2009 comes with a plain assurance. Cadillac executives say that by the end of 2008, when the car goes on sale, it will be the fastest four-door car in the world (J.P.Vettraino, 2008). Introduced at Detroit's North American International Auto show in January 2008, the car was developed to go head to head against imports such as BMW's Motorsport divisions, Lexus's new F series cars and Mercedes-Benz's AMG line. Cadillac, historically known for its luxury models, is seeking to add sportiness to its image. And it is evident since the launch of its CTS-V series products. It seems like GM has put in a hundred percent into the development of the 2009 CTS-V series. It certainly looks great. And equipped with one of the fastest engines, the latest technologies, luxurious interior trims and excellent handling dynamics, it is sure to give its competitors a tough time. This will be the first time a North American automaker really gets a shot at the German manufacturers who have pretty much over shadowed all competition in the market for many years. It will surely be anxiously awaited to see the CTS-V go head to head against the current leaders, the M5 from BMW and the S6 from Audi. Works Cited 1) $75000, F. 2.-V. (2008, april 19). First 2009 Cadillac CTS-V auctioned for $75,000. Retrieved may 2, 2008, from www.4wheelsblog.com: http://4wheelsblog.com/released/first-2009-cadillac-cts-v-auctioned-for-75000 2) Abuelsamid, S. (2008, january 8). Detroit 2008: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V revealed with 550 HP. Retrieved may 2, 2008, from www.autoblog.com: http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/08/detroit-2008-2009-cadillac-cts-v-revealed-with-550-hp/ 3) Heyman, D. (2008, january 16). 2009 Cadillac CTS-V Preview. Retrieved may 2, 2008, from cap.aslinternet.com: http://cap.aslinternet.com/view.phpid=5811 4) J.P.Vettraino. (2008, january 28). Expert Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V. Retrieved may 2, 2008, from www.autotrader.com: http://www.autotrader.com/research/article/30076/2009-cadillac-cts-v-.jsp 5) Keebler, J. (n.d.). American V-8 Power: 2004 Cadillac CTS V-Series. Retrieved may 3, 2008, from www.motortrend.com: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedan/112_0309_2004_cadillac_cts_v 6) MacKenzie, A. (n.d.). First Look: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V. Retrieved may 2, 2008, from www.motortrend.com: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0803_2009_cadillac_cts_v 7) Neff, J. (2007, june 4). 2009 Cadillac CTS-V will have 600HP Corvette Blue Devil engine! Retrieved may 2, 2008, from www.autoblog.com: http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/04/mt-reports-cadillac-cts-v-gets-600hp-corvette-blue-devil-engine/ 8) Nurburgring, 2. C.-V. (2007, october 18). 2009 Cadillac CTS-V on the Nurburgring. Retrieved may 2, 2008, from www.leftlanenews.com: http://www.leftlanenews.com/2009-cadillac-cts-v-on-the-nurburgring.html 9) Paula, M. d. (2005, august 10). Sharp Looking, But Shallow. Retrieved may 3, 2008, from www.forbesautos.com: http://www.forbesautos.com/reviews/2006/cadillac/cts/testdrive.html 10) Pund, D. (2008). 2009 Cadillac CTS-V. Retrieved may 2, 2008, from www.edmunds.com: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/autoshows/detroit/2008/2009cadillacctsv.html 11) Sedan, 2. C.-V.-1. (2008, february 12). 2009 Cadillac CTS-V: Caddy gets a ZR-1 Sedan. Retrieved may 2, 2008, from www.egmcartech.com: http://www.egmcartech.com/2008/02/12/2009-cadillac-cts-v-caddy-gets-a-zr-1-sedan/ Read More