Last week GM shocked enthusiasts by announcing that the High Performance Vehicle Operations team was being disbanded. The HPVO crew, responsible for the V-series Cadillacs, Chevy Cobalt SS and HHR SS were said to be off working on regular cars now. These photos, shot in the last 24 hours, show the hi-po team has one more trick up their sleeve.
The last time we saw a CTS Coupe V-series prototype was August 2008. It’s absence since then combined with GM’s Viability plan submitted to Congress had many thinking the hot rod coupe had been killed off. These new photos show the V-series coupe is alive and well!
Compared to the prototypes we saw 7 months ago, these new prototypes look almost production ready down to the wheels, exhaust tips and V-series badging. We can also see that this new prototype do not seem to be sporting cross-drilled rotors as the first prototypes were. Additionally, pieces of tape cover the V-series badges just behind the front wheels and on the brake calipers.
What hasn’t changed is the wire mesh grilles, power dome hood, wider tires, larger wheels, huge brake calipers and two massive, center-mount exhaust outlets. Under that power dome hood is the 6.2L, supercharged V8 motor known as the LSA. Good for 556hp and 551 ft lbs in the CTS-V sedan, we expect the Coupe V ratings to be very similar.
Expect the V-series to coupe to start production in the summer of 2010 at the same time the regular coupe starts rolling down the line at Lansing Grand River.
Words by Chris Doane
02/26, 10:52 AM
posted by:
Borat
Is it dead yet?
02/26, 11:01 AM
posted by:
05Z88Path
Well there’s some good news…good to see the V is still alive (for now)
02/26, 11:27 AM
posted by:
216
that car is pure beauty (V Series or not) must own
02/26, 11:34 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
It’s still too bad the back end looks like a bus.
02/26, 11:50 AM
posted by:
Lariat Luxury Locomotive Liner No.3
I believe that Cadillac needs this model, but not this model’s styling.
02/26, 12:18 PM
posted by:
IGT
I don’t get how they start decent in the front just to fail at the back. Its like they got lazy
02/26, 12:25 PM
posted by:
CADDY-V
Have some of you seen the back of this before?
In the pictures it’s all covered up.
How do you know what the back lookes like?
I’ve seen the car in person and it’s HOT.
Then add the V-serious in it and it can’t be fu*ked with.
I see where you guys are coming from though.No one is going to like the back of this because when this hit the streets that all people are going to see.
02/26, 12:27 PM
posted by:
CADDY-V
that’s all NOT that all
02/26, 12:47 PM
posted by:
Borat
OK, Caddy we all allowed to have different taste, right? otherwise everybody would try to f*ck my wife and it would not be fun (for me).
02/26, 12:48 PM
posted by:
zeegone
Can’t wait to see this one, I hope it looks a lot better in person though, still not crazy about that HUGE back end
02/26, 2:28 PM
posted by:
bigs4610
i cannot wait for this to come out. I love the coupe.
this is a must own
02/26, 4:25 PM
posted by:
Impulsive
This car rules. Owns everything in its class. PERIOD.
02/26, 5:59 PM
posted by:
Ring-Taxi
Never liked this coupe’s styling from day one. Just looks awkward and bulky.
02/26, 6:24 PM
posted by:
LQQK TwiCe
i like my butts big….
but only on women :-/
02/26, 7:34 PM
posted by:
anyclearer
I love the car, and the big back end im a giant fan of. Its unique and sporty, looks aggressive
02/26, 11:19 PM
posted by:
NismoSentraKen
==>>Ring- Taxi you can’t just judge a car’s looks and size through pictures. I guarantee if you stand beside one of these cars in person it would in no form what-so-ever look bulky. Not a large car by any means. [Anyclearer], im with you 100%. I abosolutely love the backend of this car because its unique and sporty and looks agressive, plus when this zips around you on the interstate you will see no other backend on the road like it. This car is pure sex on wheels!
02/26, 11:56 PM
posted by:
Ring-Taxi
I actually have seen the car – fully naked at the auto show, with heavy camo and almost naked on the road. I stand by my statement.
02/28, 2:29 PM
posted by:
Noah
Well I am so glad to hear this—I was real worried about this. Lost a lot of sleep .