the 1-4th skipshift is defeated with a 50 cent resistor. and yes, the cts-v ahs nothing in common with the v6 cts. but one thing is the same across the platform and that is the substandard quality of the interior... still.. 600hp sounds good in my book
I've got a new CTS-V and am very pleased with it so far. The one thing I think is most important for this particular thread is that I think Caddy is building a driver's car. I think BMW is taking the driving away from the driver. With all these innovations that they continue to put in their cars it makes one think they should be "special." Caddy is producing a car that makes you feel that you've got a hot rod with all the little goodies without the pretense. The CTS-V feels like a hot rod. You know getting back to the basics. Imagine, an aluminum version of the Chevy v-8 making bookoos of power, easily upgraded, pushrod, 2 valves per cylinder that goes like stink, and is dependable. None of the "magic" BMW thinks is needed for a great car. And, the nav-audio-a/c is really easy to use! Go figure, who would've thunk. What's the new M-5 gonna cost?, $85,000. Hmmm, MSRP for a fully equipped CTS-V is $51,000. Enough left over to.... Well, you decide.
I think BMW's thinking is they took the basics as far as they could go. But I've also been reading the E60 M5 will NOT get AFS and ARS?! Or if it gets AFS it will be specially tuned and will not get ARS (roll)? I don't know... I do think your point has been echoed in some of the 645 reviews, one reviewer even called it a great driving simulator. I think Caddy is doing wonders for their image with their new products, and if they aren't 100% where we BMW nuts would like them to be, thats OK, I think they will continue to improve. I also think BMW will get its act together. The end result will be more even better vehicles.
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All the best,
Jerry 00 Z8 Jet Black/Red Sport / some others
My opinion is that anyone saying that the CTS is a good car is either deaf and blind or havn't driven one. BMW have nothing to fear from Cadillac for the next decade.
I purchased the CTS-V over the new M5. I wonder how many other people have done the same thing? BTW, the CTS-V is a great car! Perfect? Nope. It is more perfect for me then the new 5 series (545 or M5)!
mikem,
I'm glad you like the CTS-V. I truly think that it is a great vehicle. I was going to seriously look at the car until I realized that it doesn't have a hand-brake, which for me is very important in a high performance manual tranny car. Perhaps next year? I also wanted a model year to come and go to iron out any 'new car issues' that the CTS-V may have. Some work on the rear suspension to decrease wheel-hop on agressive acceleration might happen.
I owned a 2001 Z-06 for 6 months when they first came out, so I know what a superb engine the LS-6 is. Very reasonable to extract even more horsepower also.
Good luck with the car; keep us updated.
thebishman
mikem,
I was going to seriously look at the car until I realized that it doesn't have a hand-brake, which for me is very important in a high performance manual tranny car.
It doesn't have a hand brake????
__________________ BMW 535dA ///M Sport -05 Ordered 4th Feb 2005, Delivery 15 Apr 2005
Colours:Exterior Carbonschwarz Metallic :-: Interior Black Dakota leather :-: Trim Alu Cube Pure :-: Headliner Black Anthracite Equipment: Comfort Seats, Park Distance Control, Servotronic, Rear Sunshade, Side airbags for passengers, Bi-Xenon Headlights, Rear Seat Heaters
But I've also been reading the E60 M5 will NOT get AFS and ARS?! Or if it gets AFS it will be specially tuned and will not get ARS (roll)? I don't know...
I really hope that is wrong because that would be a step back from the base car. ARS is a key component to getting good handling and keeping the ride good the rest of the time. Without it the ride will either be too harsh or the car too soft in the turns.
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HP wins races, if you know how to drive and shift. Torque is for old men driving around town pretending.
The clutch pedal is a throwback to the days of carburation and OHV engines. It has served us well but its time to let go and embrace the future.
Linear Mode
