There are few feats that a performance car can attain that really get people to sit-up and take notice.

One is a sub-8 minute lap of the fabled Nurburgring. Few road cars have hit this mark and all are insanely impressive performance machines. Add one more to the list as of today…

The 2009 CTS-V

Doing the deed with a 7 minute 59.32 second lap, the CTS-V matches the time of the C6 Corvette Z51, beats some other legendary cars, and is bested only by modifieds or exotics.

Way to go, Cadillac.

See Cadillac’s press release below:

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Categories: News, CTS, V-Series
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One of the oddities of GM’s platform strategy is that they have two large rear-drive architectures that are similar in size. Sigma and Zeta.

Sigma is Cadillac’s dedicated rear-drive chassis that debuted in 2003 on the original CTS and has seen duty under the SRX, STS, and the new 2nd generation CTS. It’s two downsides are that it is relatively expensive and can’t be shared with other, higher volume models (some would call this a benefit) and that the chassis can’t be expanded much beyond the size of the current STS.

Zeta is GM’s latest rear-drive architecture that was developed primarily by GM’s Holden division and is aimed at the lower costs needed by volume brands such as Holden, Pontiac, Chevrolet, etc.

According to MotorTrend.com, GM has decided to merge the development of these two chassis.

By planning the merged architecture for both luxury and volume models, they will be able to cut costs of all models without giving up the premium features that Cadillac customers expect.

MT is expecting 6 different versions of the new chassis:

Coupe – short version that will see duty in volume models like the Holden Monaro, Chevy Camaro, and possibly a Pontiac G8 coupe
Coupe Premium – Next generation CTS coupe, differs from the standard coupe version with premium construction and suspension tuning
Midsize – Holden Commodore, Pontiac G8, Chevy sedan
Midsize Premium – Next generation CTS, same premium suspension as the premium coupe
Large – Holden Statesman, Buick Park Avenue in China, Holden Ute, Pontiac G8 Sport Truck, Large Buick sedan
Large Premium – STS/DTS replacement again with upscale upgrades and suspension changes

Additionally, GM is still expected to be working on the Alpha chassis in standard and premium versions for the Cadillac 3-Series competitor and also smaller rear-drive models for Holden, Pontiac, and Chevy.

Read all about it at:

MotorTrend.com: GM’s latest rear wheel drive vehicle plans

Categories: News
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