Continuing to showcase its engineering strength and proof of high-performance, Cadillac recently unveiled a competition-ready edition of the CTS-V Sports Sedan, the brand's most powerful model. Dubbed the CTS-V Race Car, it will compete in the 2004 SCCA Speed World Challenge, a highly competitive North American race series that spotlights cars based off production models.
"This marks an essential day in Cadillac's history," said Mark LaNeve, Cadillac general manager. "The CTS-V Race Car is testament to the remarkable changes seen in Cadillac today. Success in the Challenge will put us even closer to prestigious luxury car enthusiasts."
The CTS-V Race Car is the first-ever race car to be developed by the GM Racing in cooperation with the GM Performance Division, a designer of enthusiast-specific production models. When the CTS-V came out in the late 2003, it made a statement as the first vehicle to don the division's V-series high-performance badge.
"The CTS-V Race Car gets the splendor of great design," said GM Racing's Director Doug Duchardt. "The sound performance qualities of the rear-drive Sigma-based CTS and CTS-V works perfectly as a race-car application. We were able to several stock parts, technology and processes in crafting the CTS-V Race Car."
The CTS-V Race Car comprises of 73 percent stock components. Among the similarities between both production and racing models are an aluminum V-8 engine, alternate front and rear suspensions, a high-level steering system, a differential, and halfshafts. Plus, the developers of the CTS-V for commercial use were also involved with the production of the Race Car.
At the same time, like the CTS and CTS-V that went through sharpening and was brought to life at Germany's Nürburgring, this vehicle will prove its mettle through successfully powering around the most challenging racing circuits in North America. Pittsburgh-based Cadillac will be sending a two-car, factory-supported team to partake in the SCCA World Challenge opening event held at the 12 Hours of Sebring race in March 2004. Sports car champs Max Angelelli and Andy Pilgrim will be wheeling the Cadillacs to victory.
The CTS-V Race Car houses a 5.7L valve V-8 engine with an impressive projected horsepower exceeding 500 and a topmost operating speed of 7600 RPM, while its fuel tank of 25 gallons endeavors to be enough for a 50-minute sprints in the series without requiring a pit stop. It's estimated to reach above 165 mph.
In 2004, Cadillac will be offering the CTS Sports Sedan, the CTS-V, SVR Luxury Utility, Seville, DeVille, XLR Luxury Roadster and Escalade, Escalade EXT, and Escalade ESV – the most powerful sport utilities in the world. Pay a visit to media.gm.com/cadillac for more information on Cadillac.
Cadillac is a division of General Motors Corporation (NYSE: GM) – a global leader in car and truck production ever since 1931.
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