Cadillac CTS-V Range gains New Black Diamond Editions

Porsche isn't the only automaker launching limited edition versions of its cars built around a black-color theme these days as Cadillac has also jumped on the bandwagon by introducing its own special series for the CTS-V range. The Black Diamond Edition, available in the CTS-V Sedan, Coupe and Wagon models, will hit Cadillac showrooms in March.

The most prominent feature of the Black Diamond Edition models is an exclusive tri-coat paint called -you guessed it- “Black Diamond.” In an automotive first, the paint makes use of JDSU’s proprietary SpectraFlair pigment. According to the Detroit automaker, the SpectraFlair pigment in Black Diamond uses aluminum flakes encapsulated in a glass-like substance called magnesium fluoride. The result is said to be "a diamond-like sparkle as light hits the surface from different angles".

“The CTS-V Black Diamond Edition is like a finely crafted, tailored tuxedo,” said Michelle Killen, Cadillac exterior paint designer. “The base color may be a simple black, but the details and richness of the material set it apart.”

In addition to the unique exterior finish, the CTS-V Black Diamond edition models also get Satin Graphite 19-inch wheels, yellow Brembo brake calipers with six-piston units at the front and four at the back, Recaro seats covered in French-stitched leather and microfiber suede inserts in the center sections of the cushions and seatback, plus Midnight Sapele wood trim.

Prices including destination charges start at $69,190 for the manual and $70,490 for the automatic versions of the CTS-V, or a $4,850 premium over the CTS-V base price.

Porsche Panamera Turbo Allegedly Laps the Nurburgring in 7:56 , Beats the CTS-V by 3 Sec

If the report on German magazine Sportauto is true and rally legend and Porsche test driver, Walter Röhrl, did indeed lap the Nordschleife track in 7 minutes and 56 seconds with the new Panamera Turbo, then there goes Cadillac's claim for having the fastest sedan on the block. We remind you that the 556HP CTS-V's 7:59.32 run of the Nurburgring Nordschleife in May 2008, was thought to be the fastest-ever lap time for a production sedan.

To refresh your memory, the Turbo is the fastest and most powerful version in the Panamera range. Fitted with Porsche's all-wheel drive system as standard, it is powered by a 4.8-liter turbocharged V8 that makes 500HP at 6,000 rpm and 700Nm or 516 lb-ft of torque from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm (770Nm or 567 lb-ft with overboost in conjunction with the Sports Chrono pack).

The Panamera Turbo reaches 100km/h (62mph) from rest in 4.2 sec or 4.0 sec with the Sports Chrono package, and can go on to a top speed of 303km/h or 188mph.

Aside from stirring fiery conversations on forum boards and websites as well as offering Porsche some bragging rights, we can't see any other use for these lap time records. Our opinion is that, as in the case of the Nissan GT-R and the Corvette ZR1, the Nordschleife lap times shouldn't be taken seriously by the majority of people that are actually interested in buying of one of these cars.

Via: Sportauto , Hat tip to Marcus!

New Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Racer Hits the Tarmac for the First Time

Cadillac is getting ready to return to the fabulous world of motorsports with its new CTS-V Coupe race car. Following the two-door model's world premiere at the Detroit Motor Show last week, the race-prepped CTS-V Coupe hit the track for the first time on Monday driven by Johnny O’Connell and Andy Pilgrim, for tests at Sebring International Raceway.

GM's luxury car division had pulled out of racing before the U.S. government bailed out the company in 2009. More specifically, the last time Cadillac competed was in 2007 in the Sports Car Club of America World Challenge GT series. Now, the company will reenter the series, beginning with the season-opening race in St. Petersburg, Florida on March 25-27. Hit the jump for a comprehensive gallery.