by "Expo2k" (Expo2k)
Published 11/05/2017 at 20:18
by "Expo2k" (Expo2k)
Published 11/05/2017 at 20:18
No Tags
STARS: 6
Honestly, for years I had been lusting over the Chevy SS. When it became available with the magnetic suspension I was over the moon, because it came with the manual the same year. But... as anyone can see, the manuals are rare as hen’s teeth outside of ordering from the now-closed factory.
So, when shopping for new cars a month ago, I had narrowed my mid-size sport sedan choices down to an S4 or a 435i Gran Coupe. Didn’t like either too much and didn’t really want all-wheel-drive, and then the CTS Vsport rolled into my life.
I may be way off base here, but while I can understand the CUE gripes, it’s not nearly as bad as the system in my 2015 Mustang GT and is more usable and faster than my 2009 Garmin-equipped Kenwood system in my 09 Subaru.
The car is pure magic. It doesn’t sound great or even good most of the time, but it FITS so well. I’ve found the magic seat and steering wheel position, and the car moves them out of the way when I get out. It has a TFT gauge cluster that I can modify to my heart’s content, it pairs with my hone perfectly and has a 120v outlet so I can charge my USB-C devices at full speed.
She’s got front and rear parking sensors, cross traffic alert, a 3-D nav map view and so much more, there’s no feature I am missing. Seats are so comfortable it’s decadent...
Please tell me how wrong I am, Chevy SS faithful, because I can’t find a flaw with the CTS Vsport. I got her for 33k with two thousand miles and one year left on the factory warranty. I could have leased a new one cheaper, though, with a higher *actual* down payment...
"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
11/05/2017 at 20:27, STARS: 1
I’ll play devil’s advocate and assume that some would prefer the SS’ NA V8 over a twin-turbo V6.
Either car would be twice as powerful as mine though.
"Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom" (will-alib)
11/05/2017 at 20:35, STARS: 0
I found the automatic seat/wheel retract on my Lincoln annoying (too slow), and it wears out the seat motors faster so I had the guy at the dealer disable it. As far as the car, a few years ago I spent a week with a V-Sport and was impressed. I was hoping to get my mitts on a CTS-V with the gonzo blower motor to review, but the tt 3.6 definitely had the requisite amount of boogie. What year is yours?
"ToyotaFamily" (robbav35)
11/05/2017 at 20:36, STARS: 0
I have a huuuge soft spot for the new CTS. Anytime we get one on our lot I love just driving them around the lot.
The TFT display like you mentioned is one of the features I really like. CUE definitely needs some work, sometimes it’s very laggy from what I’ve experienced.
"BahamaTodd" (bahamatodd)
11/05/2017 at 20:43, STARS: 0
Nice cars. Too bad no one is buying them.
"Thatredcar" (thatredcar)
11/05/2017 at 20:45, STARS: 0
Can you get it with a stick?
I think that ends that.
"Expo2k" (Expo2k)
11/05/2017 at 20:46, STARS: 0
Mine’s a first-year 2014. Sure, it has had its share of issues (sunroof creaks and boost solenoid squeaks, common problems) but it fits me like no other car ever has including my old E30 325i. Also, it’s FAST
"Expo2k" (Expo2k)
11/05/2017 at 20:47, STARS: 0
True. SS sales numbers make Vsport numbers look like birthday candles for kids born after 2010.
"nlzmo400r" (robevans916)
11/05/2017 at 20:49, STARS: 3
The CTS Vsport has the chassis and fit/finish the SS SHOULD have, but bottom line: LS3 6spd > V6 auto. CTSVSport is really only relative if you’re considering an Auto Chevy SS.
What really needs to happen is a CTSVSport with the LT1 and 6spd - leave the carbon brakes and S/C and special “V” bits to the top tier car. Sell it for $50ish-k.
"Expo2k" (Expo2k)
11/05/2017 at 20:54, STARS: 0
This car is replacing my modified 2009 WRX. That said, my wife has a 2015 Mustang GT and damned if this engine doesn’t feel faster than both.
The trans shifts willingly in touring mode and tears it up in sport mode, nevermind track mode. There is _maybe_ a small amount of lag but for the most part it pulls like a 454 on crack. I love the LF3.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
11/05/2017 at 20:54, STARS: 1
Nice! I think the main thing with the V sport is that, new, they’re a hell of a lot more expensive than an SS. Around me, it’d be easier to find a manual SS than a V Sport, I kid you not. There’s 1 in the area, and it’s 20% off and still 57k (new, I don’t see any used).
But, if you can find one used, they’re great bargains IMHO. I have driven the CTS with the other drive trains and loved it. I plan to take a hard look at the V sport next spring when my lease is up.
Congrats!
"Quadradeuce" (quadradeuce)
11/05/2017 at 21:13, STARS: 0
Your talking my language. I day dream about finding a CT6 with a blown motor and swapping in the drivetrain from the Camaro. Just to make the car Cadillac should have made. No super chargers. Just a proper American v8 powering a proper American full size luxury sedan.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
11/05/2017 at 21:36, STARS: 0
Fantastic car, good deal! This is one of the cars I daydream about. I remember when they were close to release, and I was driving north from Detroit. A black CTS tore past me like a demon. I told my wife then, “I want one.”
"Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom" (will-alib)
11/05/2017 at 22:56, STARS: 0
I had to dig into the archives to find this; the car I reviewed was also a ‘14.
http://oppositelock.kinja.com/cadillac-cts-v-sport-a-week-long-drive-1650296067
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
11/05/2017 at 23:32, STARS: 0
I can’t argue that logic.
"jdrgoat - Ponticrack?" (jdrgoat)
11/05/2017 at 23:39, STARS: 0
I want a VSport, really badly. I also currently own a US Holden (GTO). I love the SS. I’ll throw this out there, in addition to the CUE (no matter how good it is, I still want my physical controls!) the VSport doesn’t offer a manual. The SS will always have that (and the V8 noises) over the VSport.
"pip bip - choose Corrour" (hhgttg69)
11/06/2017 at 06:22, STARS: 0
caddy is basically a boat.
"Dslay04" (Dslay04)
11/06/2017 at 07:29, STARS: 0
Good pick
"Arrivederci" (arrividerci)
11/06/2017 at 10:58, STARS: 1
I have zero gripes with a CTS V-Sport as a driver. As a passenger, only a gripe if I have to sit in the back. Not sure why GM did this, but the base that the seat bottom sits on juts out further than the seat bottom. You can’t put your legs straight down as your calves hit the part that juts out. It’s very odd. The ATS does the same thing. I wonder what’s taking up that space.
"Expo2k" (Expo2k)
11/07/2017 at 21:20, STARS: 1
Thanks! CarMax seems to have a weird monopoly on them, but they’re not terribly overpriced. A 5-year warranty from 40k to 100k miles cost me 1200 with the lowest deductible available.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
11/07/2017 at 22:57, STARS: 1
Hmm I’ll have to check out Carmax then. Autotrader lists 2 now in my area - one of which is a new 2016. Nearest used one is 350 miles away.
I’d rather go used for 35k than new for 55k that’s for sure.
That’s a good deal on the warranty!
"Expo2k" (Expo2k)
11/24/2017 at 20:47, STARS: 0
It’s a shame I didn’t see that before I bought it, but it wouldn’t have changed my mind. I effin love the Vsport, and think it’s the perfect middle of the road DD