Cadillac CTS-V Gen 1
2004-2007
The original CTS-V was Cadillac's declaration of war against BMW M and Mercedes AMG, combining Corvette powertrains with luxury sedan practicality. It represented a fundamental shift in Cadillac's philosophy toward performance-oriented vehicles.
Quick Take
The first-generation CTS-V marked Cadillac's serious entry into the high-performance sedan market, featuring Corvette-derived V8 engines. It established the blueprint for American luxury performance sedans with rear-wheel drive and manual transmission availability.
Best For
Key Strength
LSA Supercharged V8
Watch For
Interior Quality Issues
The Story
Heritage & Legacy
Built on GM's Sigma platform and developed under Bob Lutz's leadership, the CTS-V was designed to compete directly with European sports sedans. It marked the beginning of Cadillac's renaissance as a performance luxury brand.
Design Philosophy
Angular, art-and-science design language combined functional aerodynamics with aggressive styling cues. The exterior featured distinctive mesh grilles, hood vents, and quad exhaust outlets to signal its performance intentions.
The Driving Experience
Engine Character
The naturally aspirated LS V8 delivers smooth, linear power with classic American V8 torque characteristics. Peak power arrives at higher RPMs while maintaining strong mid-range grunt for real-world driving.
Chassis Dynamics
Magnetic Ride Control suspension provides excellent body control while maintaining ride quality. The rear-wheel-drive chassis offers balanced handling with manageable power oversteer characteristics when provoked.
Sound Signature
Deep, rumbling V8 exhaust note with classic American muscle car undertones.
Strengths & Tradeoffs
Defining Strengths
The 6.2L supercharged LSA V8 produces 400-556hp depending on year and makes an intoxicating whine under boost. This engine responds exceptionally well to modifications and can easily exceed 600hp with basic bolt-ons.
Magnetic Ride Control suspension, Brembo brakes, and aggressive alignment settings make this a legitimate track weapon. The chassis balance is exceptional for such a large sedan, with minimal understeer and predictable limits.
Honest Tradeoffs
For a luxury performance sedan, the interior materials feel cheap and plasticky compared to German rivals. The CUE infotainment system is laggy and frustrating to use daily.
The supercharged engine suffers from heat soak during extended track sessions, leading to power reduction. The intercooler and cooling system struggle under sustained high-load conditions without modification.
Ideal Owner
Performance enthusiasts seeking luxury sedan practicality with manual transmission engagement and V8 character.