Here we go!
Now we're going to see things get a bit hairy, in my opinion. The Cadillac ATS-V and CTS-V have received official pricing information and they're set to go head-to-head with the big guys.
While we've known that the ATS-V will start at $60,465*, we've been wondering how much of a price hike the larger and much more powerful CTS-V would receive. The answer is in:
The CTS-V will have a base price of $83,995*.
**These prices do not include, title, taxes and fees.
That's significantly higher from where the CTS-V once was with its 556 horsepower motor. And, that was what made it such a nice purchase. For the price of a BMW M3/M4 you could snap up something with much more power. Now with the ATS-V though, that's a fight that model will have to wage.
The CTS-V will go up against the Audi RS7, BMW M5, Mercedes E63 AMG and Porsche Panamera. And, as you'd expect, it's still cheaper than the likes of those cars and none of them have close to 640 horsepower and 630 lb.-ft. of torque. Of course there's more to a car than its power output, but that's GM's main focus to differentiate the Cadillac over the other guys.
That said, I am just curious: is the Cadillac CTS-V still as compelling as it once was when it was much cheaper than its $84,000 price of admission?
Cadillac's press release follows:
Next-Generation 640-hp Cadillac CTS-V Launches This Summer
U.S. DEALERS BEGIN ACCEPTING ORDERS NOW FOR CADILLAC'S UPCOMING PERFORMANCE ICON
DETROIT – Cadillac announced today that U.S. dealers will begin accepting orders for the next-generation 2016 CTS-V, the all-new high-performance sedan that launches in late summer. The 640-hp CTS-V is the second of two all-new V-Series models to come to market in 2015, following the smaller ATS-V coupe and sedan, which launches in late spring.
Cadillac's new 2016 V-Series models represent a significant expansion of the brand's elite, high-performance line. Not only are the new V-Series cars elevated in terms of performance, they now reach a broader spectrum of drivers by presenting two distinct personalities, size categories and price points.
With a top speed of 200 mph and 0-60 performance in 3.7 seconds, the CTS-V is the most powerful car in Cadillac's 112-year history. The 2016 CTS-V is priced from $83,995. Customers can place orders now with dealers and view additional product information at Cadillac.com.
The CTS-V elevates into the elite group of the world's highest-performing sedans.
"V-Series represents the pinnacle of Cadillac, a brand that now makes drivers' cars at the highest level," said Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac president. "The new CTS-V is essentially two cars in one: a luxury sedan with sophisticated road manners and a track-capable sports car with awe-inspiring performance. This type of car is exclusive, the domain of the few who can access this level of incredible capability. V-Series matches or overtakes the finest cars in this elite class, while being more accessible."
Segment-exclusive, third-generation Magnetic Ride Control, the world's fastest reacting suspension technology, is just one of many standard features and engineering enhancements offered in the 2016 CTS-V. The car includes a carbon fiber hood, Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheels wrapped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, driver-selectable modes for touring, sport and track driving conditions, and performance-oriented, sueded microfiber accents and matte-finish carbon fiber trim.
Equipped with a 6.2L supercharged V-8 and an eight-speed automatic transmission that offers full manual control via steering wheel paddles, the CTS-V has more horsepower (640 hp/477 kW) and more torque (630 lb-ft/855 Nm) than the Mercedes-Benz 5.5L biturbo V-8 and the BMW M-series 4.4L TwinPower V-8.
The smaller ATS-V launch will precede the CTS-V. Also track-capable from the factory, the 464-hp ATS-V features the exclusive Cadillac Twin Turbo V-6 and 0-60 acceleration of just 3.9 seconds. The 2016 ATS-V is priced from $60,465 and presents high-performance capability in both coupe and sedan forms.
Editors' note: Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination ($995), tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment.