Cadillac Celebrates V-Series with 2015 CTS-V Coupe

[Bruce Nunnally]

Special Edition the last before next-generation models arrive next year

DETROIT – Cadillac today announced production of a limited, special-edition 2015 CTS-V Coupe, marking the last chapter of the current model before the next generation of the V-Series debuts next year.

The 2015 CTS-V Coupe will consist of 500 limited-edition cars available during the second half of 2014.

"The V-Series continues to elevate Cadillac, providing an exclusive family of high-performance luxury models that attract a new audience of elite and passionate buyers,” said Uwe Ellinghaus, chief marketing officer, Global Cadillac.

The special edition CTS-V Coupe shares the high-performance technology of its predecessors built from 2010–2014 – including Cadillac’s Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes and 556-horsepower (415kW) supercharged V-8 engine.

The CTS-V Coupe is the most dramatic model in the V-Series range of high-performance luxury models, blending a personal 2+2 layout with a drivetrain vetted on Germany’s famed Nürburgring track.

The 2015 special edition version features an exclusive Ebony interior with red contrast stitching, Recaro® performance seats, metal pedals, Midnight Sapele wood trim, microfiber suede-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dark-finish V grille, satin graphite wheels and red brake calipers.

The 500 special-edition CTS-V Coupes will be produced this summer. Pricing begins at $72,195, including a $995 destination charge and $1,300 gas guzzler tax, and are available for immediate order. Exterior color options include Crystal White, Black Diamond ($995) and Phantom Gray. Buyers can opt for either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. A sunroof also is available ($700).

The next-generation V-Series models are in development and will premiere next year.

“The special edition is a stepping stone to the next-generation V-Series, which will move to the next level with more dynamic design and technical sophistication," Ellinghaus said.

The 2015 special edition version features exterior enhancements including a dark-finish V grille, satin graphite wheels and red brake calipers.

[cdgrinci]

I say this with tongue (slightly) inserted in cheek; wonder if they will sell them all; referring to Cadillac's (IMO) arrogance in pricing (of late).

[Cadillac Jim]

The pricing Bruce quotes is in line with pricing of the similar models for the 2009-2014 model years, which have sold well. As a limited edition coupe with special features as a bridge to the next generation, and only 500 made, I would bet that that they are all gone before any are on the showroom floor.

I do think that they are trying to keep up interest in the existing model in the face of people looking forward to the improved, lighter platform as already demonstrated in the CTS V-Sport.

[Bruce Nunnally]

The next-generation V-Series models are in development and will premiere next year.

That's the news here - the next V is late by at least a year. Cadillac offering a grill and wheel package for the V Coupe is in line with their past practice to help with wrap-up of existing inventory.

[cdgrinci]

Not meaning to argue with you Jim but the '14 CTS-V Coupe is at 64,900; they bumped the special edition to almost 72 and some change (some special final-run special parts) but that's a pretty big bump (again) for pretty much the same car. Again just my opinion (realize that I am cash challenged as I lash out at Cadillac but they are pricing me out of a next car).....................

[Cadillac Jim]

I was under the impression that a CTS-V sedan was around $70K. I'll agree that the differences in the 2015 preview model don't look like they should support a price increase. A 2.5% price increase, to estimate inflation, would move a $65K 2014 car to a $66.6K 2015 car.

I just ran a 2014 CTS-V through KBB and added only the premium interior, wood trim, and automatic transmission and got an out-the-door price of $72.8K. Base price is $67.7K "fair purchase price" (which is usually lower than sticker price), additional costs are gas guzzler tax, cost of interior, and delivery costs. Inflation of 2.5% on $67.7K is $69.3K.

But your point about pricing of new Cadillacs being out of reach of a lot of people is spot-on. However, when you look at the fact that Cadillac is covering the market area of the finest luxury cars in the world, then you can expect that the more expensive models *will* be out of reach of most buyers.

There are still a lot of models that are within the reach of most new car buyers, such as the ATS.