V-SERIES: CADILLAC PERFORMANCE AND LUXURY TAKEN TO THE FULLEST EXTENT
Source: GM Media

The landmark V-Series is a core part of Cadillac’s historic renaissance, providing a group of powerful cars able to seriously compete with the world’s best and attract new consumers to the brand’s revitalized product range. V-Series is about expressing Cadillac performance and luxury to the fullest extent.

The V-Series also has adopted a “handcrafted” approach featuring hand-cut, sewn and wrapped interiors and custom-built engines, bringing a new level of attention to detail, accuracy and craftsmanship to the vehicles, as well as more elegant executions.

STS-V: The 2007 STS-V is the most powerful Cadillac ever offered. It extends the sophistication of its STS sibling, but elevates it to a new level of performance and luxury. Designed for everyday driving, the STS-V delivers supercharged, rear-drive performance with an elegant design statement that is unmistakably Cadillac.

The STS-V is powered by a 4.4-liter Supercharged Northstar V-8 DOHC engine with variable valve timing. It produces 469 horsepower (350 kW) at 6400 rpm and 439 lb.-ft. (595 Nm) of torque at 3800 rpm (SAE certified*). Like the XLR-V, the engine delivers 90 percent of its peak torque between 2200 and 6000 rpm. Vehicle redline is 6700 rpm.

Like XLR-V, each engine is hand assembled to exacting standards at GM’s Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich., and is built from start to finish by a single expert craftsman. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $77,090, including destination. Production is limited to ensure its exclusivity in the marketplace.

The engine is mated to the all-new Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission – the first use of GM’s new six-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control. This powerful combination enables 0-to-60 (mph) acceleration in less than five seconds.

The STS-V features numerous chassis enhancements for outstanding overall performance and a balanced ride feel, developed and tuned at some of the world’s most demanding environments.

These changes include higher rate 75N/mm front springs and a larger diameter, 36 mm stabilizer bar. In the rear, spring rates are increased to 80 N/mm with an increased diameter, 25.4 mm stabilizer bar.

Specifically tuned Sach monotube shock absorbers manage tire and wheel masses and smooth out road disturbances. A specific, faster 17.2:1 steering gear is included in the chassis tuning package. Additionally, a high-capacity steering cooler is added.

The STS-V is equipped with massive Brembo 355 mm x 32 mm front brake rotors and 365 mm x 28 mm rear brake rotors. Both front and rear brake rotors are vented for extra cooling capacity. Four piston calipers on all four corners assure excellent stopping performance.

To ensure superior traction and handle the additional power of the engine, rear tire size increases to P275/40R19 extended mobility Pirelli tires fitted to 19 x 9.5-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Front tires are P255/45R18 Pirelli run flats mounted on 18 x 8.5-inch alloy wheels.

Chassis controls include four-channel StabiliTrak with four modes:

• Traction and Stability Control on
• Traction Control off and Stability Control on
• A performance mode that provides a less governed level of stability control
• Both Traction and Stability Control off.

The vehicle’s top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

The STS-V exterior enables higher performance; yet is elegant and sophisticated. Exterior refinements include:

• A larger, polished stainless steel wire mesh front grille that enables the required additional airflow for engine heat dissipation
• A new, lower front fascia that incorporates a larger lower grille (also wire mesh) for increased cooling capability; brake ducts for front caliper and rotor cooling and splitter to counteract lift created by larger grille openings
• A new lower rear fascia that facilitates smooth airflow under the vehicle for improved cooling
• Lower rockers that visually bridge the lowered front and rear fascias
• A specific, fluidly sculpted hood designed to provide space for the engine’s supercharger
• Ten-spoke, flangeless, painted aluminum alloy wheels that assist in brake cooling
• A higher, more rearward-positioned rear spoiler that enables balanced aerodynamic downforce with the front splitter
• V-series badging on the vehicle’s rear decklid and front doors, and “Supercharged” block lettering on the doors

The interior features extensive use of leather wrapped surfaces, created by craftsmen who cut, wrap and sew leather around components individually. Along with XLR-V, the STS-V marks the initial phase of a new approach to vehicle interiors for Cadillac. In this first incarnation, the existing luxury interior of the STS sedan has been significantly enhanced for the limited-production V-Series variant.

Kinetic aluminum accents adorn the steering wheel and instrument panel. STS-V features deep-tinted Olive Ash Burl wood accenting the center stack and door trim.

The STS-V will be exported to international markets in 2006, with details on pricing in markets outside the U.S. forthcoming.