General Motors Performance Division engineers will certainly be the very first to tell you just how their pride and joy, the 2006 Cadillac STS-V, is much more in an autobahn rocket when compared to a hyperactive track star. Unlike its race-bred sibling, the CTS-V, this latest model in Cadillac’s performance lineup Isn‘t intended for hard cornering, hard braking, hard accelerating or hard anything. That’s to not say the car can’t handle hard charging, or it won’t match up well against the posh performance competition ; it’s simply not visiting beat anyone up simultaneously. So just what does $30, 000 over a base STS buy inside an STS-V? Beneath the sheet-molded composite hood lies a highly refined 4. 4-litre supercharged Northstar V8—the first supercharged production Cadillac engine. With 469 bhp at 6400 rpm and 439 lb-ft of torque at 3600 rpm, it’s easily the foremost potent production Caddy powerplant ever.
Power is routed towards the rear wheels via an all-new six-speed adaptable automatic transmission. Chassis upgrades support the powertrain, with stiffer springs, bushings, wheel bearings and antiroll bars ; a steering gear tuned for quicker on-center response without overreacting off-center ; Brembo four-piston disc brakes, 14 inches front and 14. 3 inches rear ; and 10-spoke painted aluminum wheels, 18x8. 5 inches in front, 19x9. 5 inches inside the rear, fitted with Pirelli Euphoria run-flat tyres. Cadillac stylists resisted the urge to hammer home STS-V’s performance credentials, instead choosing functional bodywork and discreet V Series and Supercharged badging. Performance Division resident hotshoe engineer John Heinricy compares the STS-V’s performance to some base C6 Corvette.
Our drives support Heinricy’s assertion—the car proved virtually as quick like a C6 on GM’s Milford, Michigan, Cadillac STS-V test track, with little body roll, solid consistent braking and enough wiggle room to let you steer the tail by flexing your right ankle. For all those attempting to find a BMW M5 in Cadillac clothing, that may not be enough. Except for those seeking Corvette performance inside a well-mannered, full-size rear-wheel-drive American luxury saloon, STS-V is really a dream become a reality. Bob Gritzinger Cadillac STS-V
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