Cadillac created the V-Series Concept in 2004, with the release of the 2004 Cadillac CTS-V.  V stands for Velocity.  V-Series Cadillacs are luxury vehicles, as are all Cadillacs.  But they are also Gentleman Racers.  The V-Series features more than adequate  power plants, high performance track-tuned suspensions, high performance braking systems, additional engine and transmission cooling, and generally heavy-duty, series gear for enthusiasts who want to have serious fun with their Cadillac.

The Cadillac STS-V was produced from 2006 through 2009.  It featured the Sigma platform, Sachs tuned suspension, 4-piston Brembo Brakes front and rear, a 469 hp Supercharged (MP122) 4.4L DOHC VVT V8, and all the luxury features and accommodations available on the Cadillac STS.

Performance: the performance of the STS-V should be similar across the various production years, because the weight and power did not vary.  0-60 mph time was measured in around 4.8-5.1 sec depending on the magazine and the day.  Quartermile time is 13.1-13.3 sec at around 106 mph.   Skidpad performance was measured as high as 0.90g and as low as 0.83g.  Knowing the hardware I feel that 0.87g – 0.90g is probably representative.  Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

The STS-V uses a Magnusson MP122 supercharger, putting out 12 psi.   So for argument sake, knowing that atmospheric pressure at sea level is 14.7 psi, and knowing that a supercharger adds approximately 4% power per psi, we can calculate that the supercharger adds 48% power.  Max efficiency is 7%/psi, but 4%/psi with real-world efficiencies and pumping losses. So the base 4.4L DOHC VVT V8 unblown might make 316 hp.  And we can recognize that the tuning that this hand-built gem of an engine received at the Tech Center allows the lower-displacement 4.4L Northstar without the supercharger would make similar power to the normally aspirated 4.6L DOHC VVT Northstar, which makes 320 hp.

One example of the detail work on the STS-V is that the exhaust ports and head of the engine are extrude honed.  This is a process that forces an abrasive material through the heads.  Typically used in racing applications, this increases horsepower by increasing the airflow through the engine.

The STS-V’s 469 horses arrive at 6400 rpm, but at least 395 of the 439 peak pound-feet of torque are available between 2200 and 6000 rpm.  The idle quality of the STS-V is even more stable than the already exemplary STS, due to the increased rolling inertia of the Supercharger.

All Superchargers generate heat; it is a by-product of compression.  The STS-V uses an air to liquid intercooler to help reduce the heat of the incoming air charge, with a separate cooling system for the intercooler.

Pricing:

Kbb.com is a great resource for used vehicle pricing.  Currently they suggest the following STS-V pricing for a used example with 30K miles:

2006: $24-26K Private Sale; $29K Retail

2007: $28k-30K Private Sale; $33K Retail

2008: $30-32K Private Sale; $36k Retail

2009: $43-46K Private Sale; $50k Retail

Newer models will continue to be under Warranty.  Also, in 2008 the STS-V gained a Heads-Up-Display (HUD), which is a desirable feature.  I hope to continue to monitor STS-V pricing, and pick up a 2008 Model once they are available around $25K for a very good example with under 30K miles.