What is it?
Having charmed us with the saloon and coupé versions of its quite spectacularly mad CTS-V series, Cadillac now offers the same power fix in estate guise. It's also claiming to be the world's fastest load lugger, topping out at 190mph and reaching 62mph in just 4.1secs. Woof.
What’s it like?
Based on the CTS Sport Wagon, the V-spec car gains the same Corvette-based 6.2-litre supercharged V8 deployed in its siblings. This develops a massive 556hp and 551lb ft of torque and laugh-out-loud performance. We tried the six-speed automatic version, complete with paddle-shifters – it isn't as lightning quick as the best German 'boxes, but does allow for a good compromise between relaxed cruising and banzai B-road running.
Response from that titanic engine from any speed is just phenomenal, getting you from merely quick to go-to-jail speed with slightly alarming alacrity. But the Caddy's V8 really needs to sound more inspiring. More NASCAR, more popping and crackling on the over-run would be welcome. As it is, you get a too-refined blare overlaid with a bit of supercharger whine.
In spite of its weight, the Wagon is surprisingly agile, with steering that has nicely progressive weight if not the greatest feel. Really pile into a corner and you'll begin to feel the cars prodigious heft, though. That said, the brakes do a good job of hauling you back from the brink. Thanks to its trick magnetic damper control, ride and body control are both the right side of good, too.
Join the debate
TegTypeR
Re: Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
The one picture I wanted to look at (the boot / load area) and they've used some bloody stupid lens to lengthen it!
Yes, this is the sort of car that I could fit in to my life very easily. Quick, V8 powered and spacious. The real selling point for me is that it would certainly be individual (I can't see many being sold in the UK) although the depreciation would be a killer.
jackjflash
Re: Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
[quote TegTypeR](I can't see many being sold in the UK) [/quote]
This is true
[quote TegTypeR]although the depreciation would be a killer[/quote]
This is not
I suspect you won't be buying this new anyway Teg, and if you do go looking, find the manual 6 spd.
DKW
Re: Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
[quote Autocar]The only obvious contender is the 518bhp Mercedes Benz E-Class 63 AMG at £76,020[/quote] And the Alpina B5 Touring. Also the Audi S6 Avant with the new 4.0 TFSi V8 turbo is up on their configurator now - that should be able to keep up with traffic.
michael knight
Re: Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
Love it. Could do with some added 'Stealth' to give it a bit more attitude.....
kaman
Re: Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
Looks amazing shame they can not get that final one or two percent right that makes the German wagons so compelling but so predictable and the same car with a different badge
Fidji
Re: Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
This has the same engine as the Corvette ZR1, apart from with about 80bhp less. Since Corvettes are now sold through Cadillac dealerships, then surely they would fit the ZR1's supercharger to boost output to 640bhp.
Mr_H
Re: Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
So, it's an uglified SAAB 9-3 Sportwagon, with a huge rear blind-spot, a huge, thirsty V8 engine that only Rockerfeller can afford to re-fuel every 5 minutes, with a horrible American-style interior........
Daniel Grazier
Re: Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
Or, for a fraction of the cost:
6.1 V8Leslie Brook
Re: Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
[quote Mr_H]So, it's an uglified SAAB 9-3 Sportwagon, with a huge rear blind-spot, a huge, thirsty V8 engine that only Rockerfeller can afford to re-fuel every 5 minutes, with a horrible American-style interior.....[/quote] It's also different. You don't have to buy it, but for some it's a refreshing change from the German norm.
Mr_H
Re: Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
Who said I liked German cars? For the record, I don't.
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