2009 Cadillac CTS-V Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The all-new, second-generation Cadillac CTS-V for 2009 is giving the European luxury sedan manufacturers some sleepless nights. Designed to...
The all-new, second-generation Cadillac CTS-V for 2009 is giving the European luxury sedan manufacturers some sleepless nights. Designed to compete with the likes of the BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, and the Audi RS6, the CTS-V more than holds its own against these traditional powerhouses. The ’09 CTS-V has been described by MotorTrend Magazine as “the fastest, most powerful Cadillac ever built” – high praise, indeed, from those wondering if a domestic luxury sports sedan could ever hold its head high again. Powerful, aggressively stylish, luxuriously appointed, this Cadillac certainly does its bit to help GM in its climb back to respectability.
The ’09 Cadillac CTS-V gets its awe-inspiring power from a ZR1-inspired supercharged, variable-valve-timed OHC 16-valve V8 that produces an asphalt-burning 556 hp at 6,100 RPM and 551 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 RPM. All this power is harnessed to a six-speed, fully synchronized manual transmission with two overdrive gears - or an optional Hydra-Matic six-speed electronically controlled automatic with torque converter clutch. High-performance, six-piston front and four-piston rear Brembo four-wheel disc brakes bring all that power to a seamless stop. The four-wheel independent suspension with Magnetic Ride Control electromagnetically controlled shocks keeps the CTS-V accelerating smartly, riding smoothly and handling like a dream on 19-inch by 9-inch front and 19-inch by 9.5-inch rear wheels.
In true Cadillac style, creature comforts abound in the four-door CTS-V for ‘09. Standard performance, convenience and comfort features include, among many other things, Solar-Ray light-tinted glass, a leather-wrapped telescoping steering wheel with memory, 8-way power adjustable front seats, Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps, heated, power adjustable outside mirrors, leather seating, in-dash Driver Information Center, Ultrasonic rear parking assist, power-programmable door locks, a universal remote, 3-channel programmable garage door opener, CD/DVD player with MP3 playback, XM satellite radio and a 10-speaker Bose Surround Sound audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise and power door locks and windows with express up and down - the list is nearly endless.
GM didn’t skimp on safety either. Safety systems for the ’09 CTS-V include driver and front passenger front and side impact airbags with the Passenger Sensing System, side head curtain airbags, all-speed traction control, the StabiliTrak stability enhancement system and, of course four wheel ABS.
Besides the six-speed automatic tranny, options for the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V include 14-way adjustable Racaro performance front bucket seats with driver memory, polished aluminum wheels, power dual-panel sunroof, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, audio-integrated nav system with 8-inch pop-up screen, and heated and ventilated front seats.
All in all, reviewers and drivers of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V are unanimous in warning foreign carmakers to watch their backs.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V rave about its incredible performance and power, often comparing it to supercars like the Corvette. Many highlight the impressive handling and Cadillac's signature comfort, making it both a thrilling and luxurious drive. However, some did mention concerns about road noise from the tires, and a few felt that the cost of optional Recaro seats wasn't justified for daily driving. Still, most agree that the CTS-V is an exhilarating and attractive sedan, perfect for those who crave speed and style."
No change, well maybe the "V" stands for Vicious - love my Caddy! The "v" stands for velocity or so I was initially told. After driving one up on the Monticello, NY Motor Club track and now owning one for three months (close to three years) I know that has to be the truth. Nothing - absolutely nothing - coming out of any 4 door sedan mfg'r in the world is as powerful and fast as this ride. The only choice you have to make is how badly you want to either blow the doors off of the guy next to you at the red light in their BMW or AMG or how silly you want to make them feel ripping down the Interstate. Truly a car made for the track and Autobahn. Big, very big, Brembo brakes also make scrubbing mph both very fast and very easily. Not to mention stopping in city traffic. Plus, it's no lion in sheep's clothing as far as looks go either. The cockpit is just that, a cockpit, a very well tailored cockpit at that. Especially with the Recaro bucket seats and the way they make you a part of the ride - perfect. It looks as sleak and hard as it really is. Clean and chiseled to, again, perfection is not putting it too lightly. Period. So far the ride has been as tight as a drum with no annoying strange noises, besides the supercharger pumping air into the cylinders under 556hp and 550lb ft of acceleration, that is. hat's new to me. In all regards: what a rush! A close to perfect as Cadillac/GM or any mfgr has yet come to my dream car. Excellent gentlemen and ladies, excellent indeed.
April 7, 2009This is an amazing vehicle. It has looks that attract all ages and the looks from people when you get in will make your day. The performance is great off the line, in the middle of the drive, and everything in between. What is most noticeable while driving isn't how fast it goes but how quickly it gets to how fast it does.
October 19, 2011This is an update per a CarGurus request. Since my last I've swicthed out the airbox with a K&N system and the exhaust with Cirrus SS sport performance mufflers inorder to pull hp and torque over the 600 level. In both cases I have ... :-). Still, without a doubt, the best 4 door production super sedan in the world. Thank you Cadillac and General Motors.
May 21, 2012What owners say
No change, well maybe the "V" stands for Vicious - love my Caddy! The "v" stands for velocity or so I was initially told. After driving one up on the Monticello, NY Motor Club track and now owning one for three months (close to three years) I know that has to be the truth. Nothing - absolutely nothing - coming out of any 4 door sedan mfg'r in the world is as powerful and fast as this ride. The only choice you have to make is how badly you want to either blow the doors off of the guy next to you at the red light in their BMW or AMG or how silly you want to make them feel ripping down the Interstate. Truly a car made for the track and Autobahn. Big, very big, Brembo brakes also make scrubbing mph both very fast and very easily. Not to mention stopping in city traffic. Plus, it's no lion in sheep's clothing as far as looks go either. The cockpit is just that, a cockpit, a very well tailored cockpit at that. Especially with the Recaro bucket seats and the way they make you a part of the ride - perfect. It looks as sleak and hard as it really is. Clean and chiseled to, again, perfection is not putting it too lightly. Period. So far the ride has been as tight as a drum with no annoying strange noises, besides the supercharger pumping air into the cylinders under 556hp and 550lb ft of acceleration, that is. hat's new to me. In all regards: what a rush! A close to perfect as Cadillac/GM or any mfgr has yet come to my dream car. Excellent gentlemen and ladies, excellent indeed.
April 7, 2009This is an amazing vehicle. It has looks that attract all ages and the looks from people when you get in will make your day. The performance is great off the line, in the middle of the drive, and everything in between. What is most noticeable while driving isn't how fast it goes but how quickly it gets to how fast it does.
October 19, 2011This is an update per a CarGurus request. Since my last I've swicthed out the airbox with a K&N system and the exhaust with Cirrus SS sport performance mufflers inorder to pull hp and torque over the 600 level. In both cases I have ... :-). Still, without a doubt, the best 4 door production super sedan in the world. Thank you Cadillac and General Motors.
May 21, 2012Great performance. Handles well. Cadillac comfort. Great style and looks.
January 10, 2024I can't say enough good things about this car. I change cars about every two years but after driving the 2005 for seven months I had to have more. It's a hoot to drive because most people don't realize it will blow most cars off the road. Great performance. Great styling. This is not grandad's Cadillac. The V will take five people from zero to 60,70,80+ faster than almost anything on the road and have the front seat passenger groping for the dash on take off. Ha
May 11, 2013Reading some of the reviews on here about this car it becomes obvious that some of these guys have not driven nor own a 2009 CTS-V. Don't get me wrong, I like the positive reviews as this is an awesome car, but an awesome car deserves real reviews from people who have driven it and not trolled the internet to make a review. First, the car has plenty of power. It is actually fairly deceptive at how much it makes because it is very smooth and linear. Second, I think there is more road noise from the tires than your typical CTS. The Pilot Sports are nice, but another tire selection may improve the road noise and not sacrifice performance. Third, most sites hype up that $3400 charge for the Recaro seats. For me, I get my seat set in one position and that is where it remains usually for life. The extra for these seats is pretty much a waste and hype to stay in tune with the Euro crowd (to me anyway). Inside the engine noise is not very bad at all. You can hear the S/C wind up, but in comparison is seems quite a bit quieter than a Ford GT500. The controls are nice and well laid out. I like the Nav system much better than my 2006 TBSS or my 2007 Z06 Vette. It is much crisper visually. The Magnetic Ride Control works very well. The car has nearly no pitch when going into corners. For what it is it handles like a dream. This car is a sleeper...it will surprise people.
July 29, 2009I Like it. It's the best made performance sedan in the usa. Thanks General Motors. My favorite Caddy of all times. Best of the best sports car. I love it. Great ride. Burns rubber easily. Government Motors, keep this one in the line up.
July 15, 2009i love this car to death it has the most horse power out of all my cars and Edelbrock engine upgrades with nos and koni springs it is totally fun to drive top speed is 168 mph and 0-60 is in 5 seconds flat after I tuned it to be more of a road course car
June 8, 2009the style and comfort of caddilac's cars in a full size luxury car with the oh mu god performance of a corvette get in shut up and hang on when you hit the throttle you will love the feeling in you chest as you are pushed back into the seats
March 2, 2009Trims & specs
Base MSRP $58,280 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 13.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
