A Guide to Performance Upgrades for the Cadillac CTS-V (V3)
The Cadillac CTS had a long production run from 2003 to 2019. The CTS went through three generations that added new layers of appeal with every new iteration. The CTS-V was first produced in 2004 as a high-performance variation of the CTS. The first CTS-V featured a V8 engine and an upgraded suspension system that made the CTS-V feel like a luxury corvette.
The second-generation CTS-V was released in 2009 as the first member of the Sigma II platform. The second iteration of the CTS-V—or the V2—incorporated a ZL1 engine that put out a whopping 556 horsepower. In terms of production sedans, the V2 was without rival upon its initial release.
The third generation of the Cadillac CTS debuted in 2014. The standard third-gen CTS featured a 2.0L V6 that put out an impressive 420 horsepower. The third CTS-V—or V3—followed the release of the standard CTS in 2016. The CTS-V3 offered more power than any other iteration of the CTS-V that preceded it.
Adding the extra performance punch still didn’t deter Cadillac from remaining true to the core of the CTS-V identity as a luxury sport vehicle. The V3—according to MotorTrend—is uncompromising in its performance capabilities but still offers luxurious amenities. The V3 incorporates the same LTx platform used on the C7 Corvette Z06. As such, modifying the CTS-V3 requires a knowledgeable hand in order to get the most performance out of the upgrades.
For anyone considering implementing some aftermarket additions on their CTS-V3, CT Performance has the knowledge and skills necessary to make your ideal build a reality. For powerful cars like the V3, it is vital to ensure that your build team has the experience it takes to get the most out of every performance upgrade.
The crew at CT can help you navigate the LTx performance maze and give you the results you want. To help you decide which upgrades are right for your vehicle, here is a look at the CTS-V design specs and an outline of which upgrades are ideal for your vehicle.
Design Specs for the CTS-V (V3)
The CTS-V3 features a supercharged 6.2L LT4 engine that produces 640 horsepower and 630 pounds per foot of torque. That’s enough power to propel the V3 from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. The V3 is the most powerful Cadillac ever produced and only has 10 less horsepower than the C7 Z06 Corvette. The V3 also features an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a dual clutch performance system.
Performance Upgrades for the CTS-V (V3)
Bolt On. For vehicles like the CTS-V3, the first line of upgrades to consider would be bolt-on upgrades. If you’ve never done any performance upgrades on your car, bolt-on modifications such as a cold-air intake, headers, x pipes, and mufflers can add power and performance to your vehicles.
Depending on the result you’re looking to achieve for your V3, you could do one or all these modifications. However, for the best results, you should consider what your goals are for your build and consult a CT Performance expert who can help you make your build a reality.
Tuning. In addition to bolt-on upgrades, you should consider getting a tune for your CTS-V3. A tune involves accessing a car’s computer in order to optimize it for performance. In addition to optimization, CT will perform a dynamometer test that shows you exactly how a tuning improved your car’s horsepower and output.
For general modifications like bolt-on upgrades, it’s recommended that you get a tune so that you can see what impact your upgrades had. Besides a computerized optimization, a tuning also entails street driving the car to ensure that it is functioning properly.
Heads and Cam Install. If you’re looking to take your V3 to the next level of performance, then you should consider retooling the heads of your vehicles. By porting and polishing your vehicle’s heads, you can optimize the air intake of your motor and push your car to its maximum performance capability.
A cam controls the valves on the head, so modifying the cams should be considered whenever upgrading the heads of your car. When you opt for a heads and cam job at CT Performance, part of what you’ll get is a customized cam to fit your vehicle’s performance goals.
The Height of Possibility
Whether you’re looking to add a little bit of speed to your V3 or you want to go all out on a build and make the fastest car possible, the crew at CT Performance has the knowledge and skills necessary to make your dream build a reality. The high-powered LTx platform requires an experienced crew to get the most out of aftermarket additions. So if you’re looking to take your V3 to the max, CT Performance is the place to go.
Schedule your Build Today
The crew at CT Performance has the knowledge and experience to bring your build to life. So whether you’re looking to construct a car that can perform at the highest levels, or you want to implement a few upgrades, the team at CT can help you achieve your ambitions. For more information or to schedule a build, contact our offices today.