Cadillac CTS-V Series 2009 Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Cadillac CTS-V Series 2009 - Case Study Example 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