Cadillac CTS-V.(Product/Service Evaluation)

HIGHS | Acceleration, handling, steering, braking, four doors.

LOWS | Safety belts, fuel economy, no telescopic steering wheel, complicated multifunction controls, power-window switches.

The Cadillac CTS-V combines the practicality of a four-door car with a fun driving experience. It incorporates the same powerful 4000-hp V8 that's used in the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, a six-speed manual transmission, and a sport-tuned suspension. Handling is agile and precise, and the engine sounds exhilarating.

The interior quality, however, doesn't befit a $50,000 car. Some drivers found the seat-mounted safety belts uncomfortable, and some controls are confusing. Reliability of the regular CTS has been much worse than average.

THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE

The ride is stiff, but the car provides good isolation from bumps. The run-flat tires are designed to be driven for a limited time even when deflated, but their relatively stiff sidewalls compromise ride comfort. The highway ride is smoother. Wind and road noise are acceptable, and the engine emits a muscular tone.

The CTS-V cornered well, with little body lean. The steering is quick, communicative, and responsive. On our track, the Cadillac reached a commendable speed through our avoidance maneuver, but it required some steering corrections to keep the tail from sliding out, even with electronic stability control.