2005 Cadillac CTS-V

Used to be, a Cadillac was a rogue’s dream. The majestic fins and formidable V8 epitomized power and adventure. It was swagger on wheels, the choice of movie bad guys and edgy heroes alike, an American icon with which to be reckoned. Then over the years, what was young and restless became old and soft. Movie heroes drove sexy imports, and Cadillac became the choice of those who wanted no edge at all. GM’s luxury carmaker has been working hard lately to reverse that sad evolution and image, however. Anyone who has escaped Cadillac’s Led Zeppelin-fueled ads hasn’t turned on a TV in a while.

The most recent introduction in this rejuvenation campaign is the 2005 CTS-V. It is Caddy’s small sedan muscled up by some big guns, among them a 400-horsepower V8 borrowed from the Corvette.

One hardly expects GM’s most outrageous sedan to bear the venerable wreath-encircled crest, but that’s what makes this CTS-V all the more delicious.

The good news
Like BMW has its “M” models, Mercedes its AMG and Audi its “S,” Cadillac introduces the “V” group as its in-house tuner to ratchet up performance on production models. The CTS-V is the first offering. Expect more to follow.

This V takes Cadillac’s Touring Sedan, the smallest sedan in the lineup, and makes some rather radical enhancements. The CTS was already primed for this glory by being the first Cadillac since the late ‘70s to sport rear-wheel-drive. The easy availability of Corvette’s overhead valve 5.7L V-8 LS6 engine and Tremic T56 six-speed manual transmission also proved handy.

Eighteen-inch wheels and tires, 14-inch racing-inspired Brembo brakes, performance-tuned suspension, precision handling adjustments: These, in a fat nutshell, are all part of the CTS-V character that distance it from its worthy, but decidedly more staid, beginnings.

This sedan is no poser. This is not the “sport package” that tweaks suspension and adds custom leather seats. This is the real-deal performance sedan in the vein of the competitors in its scope. Now packing 400 horsepower and 395 lb-ft. of torque, the CTS-V makes 0-60 in 4.6 seconds and has a top speed of 163 mph. That makes it the most powerful production Cadillac ever and even scares a few of those with foreign accents.

So what’s it like driving a 400-horsepower Cadillac? First, you have to pry it away from your husband, who has fallen head over heels with its rocket acceleration and the way its deep exhaust notes answers his call. Only then do you realize that you, too, could be capable of such a mad affair.

Outside, a new front fascia with aero splitter and brake ducts to cool those big Brembos lower the head-on perspective of this chiseled sedan. Stainless steel mesh grilles bite the bumper. Rocker panels alongside further the drop stance and connect to the special rear fascia, where a full dual exhaust system with chrome oval tips punctuates the rear view. Inside, satin chrome draws a ring around the white-on-black gauges. Satin chrome also graces the shift knob, door pulls and door handles. A three-spoke steering wheel with aluminum bezel provides grip and rich sueded fabric covers the seats. All this sets the V apart visually.

But seeing is not believing; driving is. The CTS-V is all the adrenalin one could hope for in a performance luxury sedan. It blows past most things on the road and even a few on the racetrack. It plants itself firmly through corners and begs for more on the highway. Best of all, it does all this while singing a throaty American V-8 anthem and undercutting its foreign competition at the cash register.

The bad news
Those who would just as soon Cadillac stick to mobile couches and elevator-music commercials won’t like how this CTS-V rides. Although the “luxury” part of this performance/luxury car applies appropriately in many ways, “performance” wins out when it comes to ride quality. It may stick in the curves, but it also rattles your nerves when the pavement ripples. Drivers won’t mind; passengers will.

Gas mileage
EPA rated at 15 mpg city/23 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $49,300;
Price as tested, $51,295

Is it worth it?
The difference between the manufacturer’s base and the as-tested price comes from destination and the $1,300 gas guzzler tax. Unfortunate on two counts: that you have to pay the tax and that it guzzles gas.

But such is inevitable when you’re talking this stratosphere of performance. Any doubts that Cadillac was serious about competing with the best of the class in performance sedans should be effectively erased with this CTS-V. It’s a monster in designer chic. American designer chic. Expect the rogues to take note.

During her 16 years reviewing new vehicles, Beth Stein has written for Nashville's dailies (circ. 185,000), national magazines and BestStuff.com. She appeared coast-to-coast on-air for Road Test Magazine, Car And Driver Television and Motor Trend Television.