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Video: Cadillac CTS-V 7:59 Ring Run

Here is the proof
  
May 15, 2008 9:26 AM by Clinton Deacon
Filed Under: Cadillac

If there were any doubts of the superb lap time of 7 minutes and 59 seconds acheived by the Cadillac CTS-V on the Nurburgring, here is all the proof you are going to need. General Motors has released a video showing the entire run with John Heinricy, Excutive of GM Performance Division and racing driver behind the wheel.

Although this particular prototype is supposed to be completely unmodified to lay claim to the fastest lap time in a production sedan, the engineers were forced to make a couple of minor modifications for safety reasons. A harness bar for a 6-way racing safety belt system and there was also a fire supression unit on board which are only going to add weight to the car and did nothing to enhance performance.

 

Source: GM
spyshot-73
May 15, 2008 10:13:01 AM

MM very impressive .

drag
May 15, 2008 11:29:40 AM

thats funny... no IMPORT ONLY guys have crap to say...

spyshot-73
May 15, 2008 12:12:42 PM

Who are you refering to?

C-KING
May 15, 2008 11:42:00 AM

Sparco racing seats (probably really light, made of carbon or something like that). Much lighter than the original seats. 6-way racing safety belt - it improves lap times tremendously. It doesnt let you move on the seat in tight corners like with the original belt (3way belt). Rollbar - if it's well made, then it could give to car chassie more stiffnes.

mps
May 15, 2008 12:28:42 PM

"superb lap time of 7 minutes and 29 seconds acheived by the Cadillac CTS-V" Right on WCF! Why buy a Nissan GT-R when you can have a 4 door saloon with same performance!

dubai
May 15, 2008 1:05:54 PM

IT IS 7:59 , WEAR UR GLASS

mps
May 16, 2008 3:05:23 PM

Muppet.

spyshot-73
May 15, 2008 2:37:10 PM

There was a typo error of 7.29 .

DeRay
May 15, 2008 3:18:34 PM

spyshot-73 I think that drag was referring to those individuals who only like german or japanese cars or any other car maker outside of U.S.A, I'm happy to see that GM produced a sedan putting up a lap time like that.

spyshot-73
May 15, 2008 3:54:25 PM

Well thats true , you could have the best car in the world , but if the drivers got no all round expeirience then the times will be alot better/worse, Funny though -Testing an american car on a european track!

JohnnyG
May 15, 2008 5:30:22 PM

GM practically built the CTS on that track.I loved the new CTS from the beginning and new the CTS-V would be something to watch out for. This is coming from a huge BMW M series fan.

benz_man
May 15, 2008 6:47:51 PM

I agree JohnnyG, and Im a huge MB fan!

benz_man
May 15, 2008 6:58:34 PM

Did anyone else notice how the suspension completely bottomed out through the carousel, but none of the interior pieces exhibited any first or second-order vibrations? Thats the sign of high torsional rigidity, good engineering, and quality product! Good job GM!

bristol411s3
May 16, 2008 12:13:04 AM

The roll-cage will help.

This is an impressive time but in an age when even Volvos are shapely the straight edge styling sits a little uncomfortably.

benz_man
May 16, 2008 3:54:44 PM

In this case, the effect of the roll-cage is negligible. Even with a full cage, if the chassis is weak, the carousel will highlight it with significant body and mount flexing because the suspension is placed under an extreme dynamic load; which will rattle many a piece in a poorly constructed vehicle interior. There were no shakes or rattles inside the CTS! The styling is a personal preference. I like the fact it is different, but not just for difference sake.

Monkey
May 15, 2008 7:28:51 PM

Sure is an excellent car. Looks very well balanced.

radmeister
May 16, 2008 2:34:38 AM

Fastest recorded production sedan on factory-spec street tires my ass. M5 is faster around the nurburing and technically this car is in the same category as the M3 Sedan which will beat the time of 7:59 if it has not already. Nice car though but false claim.

Andres2007
June 15, 2008 5:47:21 AM

Source????

M3Armand
May 16, 2008 2:58:02 AM

Looks like a more experienced driver could have gone much faster - judging by when he applies power at various sections of the track. I bet Sabine would kick his ass in the same car. But then again, she does drive the M5 taxi, so it would probably be a conflict of interest...

edjimmy
May 16, 2008 5:31:36 AM

This time was acheived with an automatic tranny...I would think a the 6-speed would get a slightly better time.

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