Revving Up: Cadillac's High-Performance Evolution with CTSV

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- By Dushyant
- (@dishs)
In this episode of Jay Leno's Garage, the spotlight shines on Cadillac's remarkable evolution from a brand associated with older generations to a powerhouse in the realm of high-performance vehicles. The team showcases the Cadillac CTSV, a beast of a car that mirrors the speed and agility of a Corvette while offering the comfort of a luxury sedan. With Tony Roma at the helm, Cadillac's executive chief engineer, they delve into the brand's journey towards capturing the hearts of a younger, speed-hungry demographic.
As they reminisce about Cadillac's image overhaul, Jay Leno recalls his father's affinity for the brand and the significant shift from the traditional perception of Cadillacs to the sleek, fast machines they are today. Tony Roma sheds light on the meticulous process behind developing the V series, emphasizing Cadillac's commitment to crafting high-performance vehicles entirely in-house. The discussion touches on the challenges faced in convincing Cadillac dealers to embrace a new era of performance cars over the classic luxury sedans of the past.
The conversation takes a deep dive into the success of Cadillac's manual transmission models, a rarity in today's automatic-dominated market. They compare Jay's 2012 CTSV to the latest CT5V, highlighting the impressive performance similarities between the two models. Tony Roma shares insights into the design philosophy behind the V series, focusing on elements like the distinctive metal wire mesh grille that sets these high-performance Cadillacs apart. The team also addresses feedback from traditional Cadillac customers regarding the firm ride of performance models, showcasing the delicate balance between Corvette-like performance and Cadillac's signature sophistication in crafting these modern speed demons.

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube
Watch Performance Bargain Buy: First Gen Cadillac CTS-V | Jay Leno's Garage on Youtube
Viewer Reactions for Performance Bargain Buy: First Gen Cadillac CTS-V | Jay Leno's Garage
Prices of Gen 1 CTS-V expected to rise
Interest in blue wagon CTS-V with manual transmission
Comments on Jay Leno's storytelling
Learning to drive on a CTS-V Coupe
Appreciation for Jay Leno's continued work
Stories about older car models and driving experiences
Desire for more coverage of automotive gems from 1990-2010
Comments on Cadillac's performance focus and European influence
Appreciation for Cadillac with manual transmission
Difficulty in finding parts for older Cadillacs, compared to Lamborghini
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