CTS-V sets the fastest Ring time for a production sedan (interview with the driver)

[HeilSvenska]

Since Ring times are all the rage these days, I thought I'd add one myself.
7:59.32 or rounded off 7:59 for Cadillac CTS-V

Here are the Ring times for other 4 doors
7:59 Subaru WRX STi Spec-C Prototype
8:05 BMW M3 E92
8:06 Subaru WRX STi Spec-C
8:09 Audi RS4
8:11 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX GSR prototype
8:13 BMW M5 E60
(mind you, these times were set by independent magazines except for the top Subaru)

2009 Cadillac CTS-V Sets Nurburgring Record Date posted: 05-09-2008 NURBURG, Germany — Cadillac announced today that the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V has run a 7:59.32 lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife in the hands of GM Performance Division's John Heinricy. This is thought to be the fastest-ever lap time for a production sedan on this demanding 73-corner, 12.9-mile racetrack. The redesigned CTS-V is no stranger to the Nordschleife, as it was here that spy photographers first spotted this car in heavy camouflage. The high-performance sedan is now in the final stages of development and testing, says Cadillac, and this particular CTS-V had no significant modifications over and above the production specification. Although not confirmed as the fastest lap any sedan has ever run on the Nürburgring, there's no denying the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V has the hardware to pull off such a feat. The power source in the CTS-V is GM's supercharged 6.2-liter LSA V8 and it's rated for an estimated 550 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 550 pound-feet of torque. We'd guess this particular car also had the six-speed manual transmission, which will be offered as a hard-core alternative to the usual automatic. Cadillac says it will post video footage of the record-setting lap on the Cadillac Drivers' Blog in the coming days. What this means to you: If you own a BMW M5, it might mean trouble ahead. — Erin Riches, Senior Editor Edmunds

[79TA]

That's a nice solid lap time. Hopefully the next CTS will trim some fat and get back to or below the weight of the first CTS. The next M5 vs CTSV comparo should be pretty exciting (that's with the upcoming M5, not the current outgunned one.)

[RC45]

Hehe...

And John Heinricy is the one who set the C5 Z06 time - its great when the program chief, engineer and driver are all the same person

That's also why the C5 Z is so good for a "cheap 2001 desgin year Chevy" - it was the car he raced on a personal level, so he made sure it could deliver or at least had factory backed mod parts available.

The new CTS-V is simply this philosophy carried to the next elvel, wearing a tuxedo

[nthfinity]

Originally Posted by HeilSvenska Since Ring times are all the rage these days, I thought I'd add one myself. 7:59.32 or rounded off 7:59 for Cadillac CTS-V

Hehe, is it a believable lap time?

[79TA]

The current M5 ran an 8:13 or something, so yes, nothing seems too out of line.

[HeilSvenska]

Originally Posted by nthfinity Hehe, is it a believable lap time?

I dunno. Only if the LSA actually makes 700hp.

actual source
http://cadillac.gmblogs.com/2008/05/...urburgrin.html

Looks so hot in silver.

[Ghostbat]

Very impressive time and considering the power believable but I will still wait for an independent test just as with the GT-R.

[nthfinity]

yeah, I'm not impressed until a Japanese driver can make it go as fast as a Zonda, and CGT either.


I mean, it should be only slightly faster then a GTR since it has more power, and even more weight!

[Pokiou]

thats so good for a 4door car and im sure its not ment for these types of roads so thats pretty impressive... so lets see what the aussie v8's can do around there

[HeilSvenska]

Click on the picture to view the video

[79TA]

Heinrocket! This video is so much better than the Cobalt SS one. The CTS-V seems on edge every waking moment with the tires rarely quieting down. This sort of video really makes me doubt the "Nissan was just the first one who really tried for a fast ring time" theory.

[RC45]

I would love to know what time Heinrichy would set in a C5 Z06 these days - he must know the track way better than he did back in 2003.

I wonde rif the manual tranny car will be any quicker. That was the automatic version - I didnt see him ever shift.

[79TA]

Yea, I was wondering that too. Now that automatics have 6 gears as well, manuals don't have their default extra gear advantage that they've traditionally had. The auto's don't sap drastically more power than the manuals, so the advantage is then limited in the freedom of selecting where you want to be in what gear. So it all depends on how good of a job the GM 6 speed auto is or is not doing to begin with I guess.

[fordgt84]

what a nice car
does it blip the throttle on downshifts? i couldn't really tell

[leblanc2.0]

And yes he beat that time with racing seats and rollbar,strange dont you think?

And yes,rs4 beat that in 7:58,without supercharger and rolcage and racing seats.Nice try.