Running with Pilgrim: More laps in the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V
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The Nurburgring-record-setting silver 2009 Cadillac CTS-V is now making its way across the country on a barnstorming tour of sorts. Its latest appearance was at an enthusiast event at the Auto Club/California Speedway in Fontana, California, put on by Cadillac tuner D3 Research & Development. Yours truly managed to sneak a few ride-along laps in the 7 minute 59.32 second Caddy.
This CTS-V is virtually stock. The only non-production items being the bolt-in harness bar (GM says it's attached in a way that doesn't improve rigidity), race seats, test equipment, and fire system. In all, about 20 pounds extra. It's also equipped with a rear differential cooler, a dealer-installed accessory that's unnecessary for the street but recommended for track use.
Auto Club Speedway's 1.4-mile infield road course is no Nurburgring. It's not even the "Lutzring" at GM's Milford Proving Grounds in Michigan on which Motor City Blogman Todd Lassa got his laps with John Heinricy behind the wheel. But it is not a bad track, either, with a few good curveball corners and a pair of straights on which to pick up speed. The pilot for the ride was Andy Pilgrim, who drives the Cadillac CTS-V R in the Speed World Challenge series.
Despite having never driven the course or a '09 CTS-V before that morning, the veteran Brit was putting in scorcher laps, topping out at around 130 mph on the track's main straight. The car never stepped out on him, kept its balance, and compliantly transitioned from corner to corner. And this is a two-ton luxury sedan, not a sports car.
Pilgrim commended the car for its balance, quietness, phenomenal power, and superb brakes. He said that when he got into the driver's seat, he "felt immediately like a part of the car" and that overall, it was a "great place to work." He said it compared favorably to competing German offerings, its key advantage being its balance.
The passenger's thoughts? Two thumbs up and a stupid grin.
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