4 Minutes
The Cadillac CTS-V: American Muscle With Premium Style
When it comes to high-performance sedans, the Cadillac CTS-V stands out as a true icon, effortlessly blending the refinement of luxury with the heart of a track-ready machine. Rolling off the Lansing Grand River Assembly plant in Michigan in 2016, the CTS-V came equipped with a formidable 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that produced an eye-watering 640 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. These specs allowed the CTS-V to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, conquer the quarter mile in 11.5 seconds, and reach a top speed of 203 mph. It's no surprise that performance enthusiasts are eager to extract even more power from this potent platform.
Seeking More Power: The Owner's Mission
Mr. Adams, the proud owner of a 2016 Cadillac CTS-V with only 30,000 miles, craved more excitement than the factory setup could offer. Determined to elevate his sports sedan’s performance, he turned to Late Model Racecraft (LMR) in Houston, Texas—widely recognized among tuning professionals for unlocking the full potential of American V8-powered vehicles.
Initially, Mr. Adams aimed for an 800-horsepower upgrade package, but mid-way through the process, he decided that wasn’t enough. He reached out to the LMR team with a simple message: "Let’s take it further and make the engine bay a show-stopper!"
A Thorough Performance Overhaul
To satisfy Mr. Adams’ evolving goals, LMR went with their 850-horsepower package. This intensive modification involved removing the engine to install a high-flow cold-air intake, upgraded pulleys, performance headers, new spark plugs and wires, a bespoke exhaust system, and a custom ECU tune. To achieve a spotless presentation under the hood, the coil packs were strategically relocated, ensuring the engine bay looked as impressive as the car’s performance numbers.
Design & Everyday Usability: The Beauty and the Beast
The completed CTS-V emerged from the LMR workshop looking deceptively stock from the outside, preserving the model’s signature Cadillac luxury, comfort, and understated styling. Thanks to high-flow catalytic converters, the sedan remains refined and quiet when idling—perfect for family drives. Yet, unleash its full force, and the throaty exhaust note lets everyone know a powerhouse has arrived.
Unlike many track-focused builds that sacrifice daily usability, this CTS-V maintains its road manners. Only by pressing firmly on the accelerator does its beastly nature fully reveal itself. Impressively, it’s still suitable for everyday family transportation and now boasts E85 fuel compatibility for added performance flexibility.
Comparing the Enhanced CTS-V to the Competition
Within the high-performance sedan segment, contenders like the BMW M5, Mercedes-AMG E63 S, and Dodge Charger Hellcat all make compelling cases for enthusiasts. However, few offer the unique blend of American V8 power, luxury finishes, sleeper aesthetics, and uprated reliability that this tuned CTS-V delivers. It bridges the gap perfectly between daily comfort and sheer adrenaline on demand.
What’s Next For This Modded Monster?
There’s always room for more, as the tuning world never stands still. If further power is desired, LMR can port the supercharger and upgrade the mechanical fuel pump and injectors. Improved rear-end grip is just a set of sticky Toyo tires away—otherwise, keeping traction control activated is highly advised!
Market Positioning: A Future Classic With Custom Flair
With only limited units sold and an enthusiast-driven following, the Cadillac CTS-V is already earning its place as a modern muscle car legend. Comprehensive tuning packages, like the one Mr. Adams opted for, not only bring new levels of excitement to ownership but also set the CTS-V apart as a true collector's item for those craving both luxury and tire-shredding performance.
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