Introduction
A just ten years ago, the exchange was slim, if you want a luxury sports sedan with medium-steroidal power and space for four adults. BMW's latest version of its M5 was just about ready to press state side, and Mercedes had just introduced E55 AMG. But if none of these super-sports sedan tickled you, you were pretty much out of luck. Today is competing models from Audi, Jaguar and Maserati have elbowed their way in this exclusive segment alongside updated action from BMW and Mercedes. And then there's the 2009 Cadillac STS-V, now in its fourth year on the market. It is an attempt by GM to cut the superior European competition down to size.
Thanks to its Supercharged 4.4-liter V8, the 2009 STS-V can sprint from zero to 60 km / h at an impressive 5.1 seconds. , The STS-V is not even close to being the fastest car in this segment is proof of the ferocity of the current horsepower wars. That honor goes to the brutally powerful Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, which reaches 60 in a physics-flouting 4.3 seconds. But make no mistake - the STS-V is a fleet-footed luxury sedan. And while it does not offer world-beating handling, it is no slouch here either, having been suspended in extensively on the Nürburgring's famous Nordschleife during its development. When you consider these traits beside STS-V's direct civilized ride and spaciously luxurious interior, there is no doubt that this remains a highly desirable car even after four years of production.
Thing is, GM's got a warmer irons in the fire - it would be the new CTS-V, which is marginally less than the STS-V, but about the same size as the Germans. It boasts a mildly detuned version of the new Corvette ZR-1's Supercharged V8. On paper, which means that it will lay off several full 81 more horsepower and 111 pound-feet of torque than the STS-V's already healthy 469 horsepower and 439 lb-ft. In practice, the CTS-V has lapped the Nürburgring in a production sedan record 7 minutes and 59 seconds. The STS-V is no slouch, but it can not touch all-out performance of its brash new brother and sister.
Still, the fact that the traditionally staid Cadillac is now offering two Nürburgring-bred sports luxury sports sedan is a good measure of how well the brand has reinvented itself in recent years. 2009 Cadillac STS-V certainly does justice to the high-performance "V" badge, though it no longer sprightliest Steed in Cadillac's stable. But there are many highly competent players in this segment, then we will recommend to give the competition a close look too. Audi S6, BMW M5, Jaguar XJR, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, and even a little pricier Maserati Quattro Porte are all worth considering.
Body style, trim levels, and Options
2009 Cadillac STS-V is a great high-performance sedan available in a fully loaded trim level. Standard equipment includes 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels, Xenon HID headlamps, rear parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, a sunroof, keyless entry / ignition, leather and faux suede upholstery, heated eight-way power front seats, driver memory functions, heated outboard rear seats and a heated steering wheel. Dual-zone automatic climate control, a head-up display, a navigation system, Bluetooth and a 15-speaker Bose surround sound system with six-CD changer, auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio are also standard. The only option is to delete the roof.
Power Trains and Performance
A Supercharged 4.4-liter V8 making 469 horsepower and 439 lb-ft of torque is the secret to the STS-V's massive acceleration. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic with manual shift control. Besides 0-60-mph sprint in 5.1 seconds, we clocked an STS-V through quarter-mile in a blistering 13.6 seconds at 106 km / h, although this achievement is far from the best class.
Security
Anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, front-seat side airbags, full-length head curtain airbags, OnStar and a rearview camera are all standard on the 2009 Cadillac STS-V. Also standard is a blind spot and Lane departure warning systems.
In government crash tests, STS scored four out of five stars for frontal crash protection and front-seat side protection against impact. It received five stars for the rear side doors protection against impact. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal-offset crash test, the regular STS scored a rating of "Good", the highest possible. It scored a second best rating of "acceptable" to the Agency protection against impact.
Interior design and special features
2009 Cadillac STS-V sport satisfactory levels of fit and finish, and luxury buyers may be happy with this Cadillac's generally high-class atmosphere. But there are some low-grade plastic to be found - a shortcoming shared by both STS-V's competitors or finely wrought CTS-V. Controls are straightforward and mostly intuitive, but memory-setting procedure for driver seat, mirrors, radio and climate control requires an undue amount of futzing around with touchscreen menu system. Trunk space, at 13.8 Cubic, is perhaps a little disappointing considering the car's overall size.
Driving Impressions
Put the pedal down in the 2009 Cadillac STS-V and you immediately rise up in a huge wave of torque Supercharged, although six-speed automatic is not so quick-witted as it should be in a V-badged car. The sport-tuned suspension, powerful Brembo brakes and large wheels and tires conspire to imbue the STS-V with a remarkably complex character for higher speeds and around corners. Compared with the single-minded M5, the STS-V feels a little soft, but body roll is remarkably well controlled for such a large car.
