Review: 2012 Cadillac CTS-V w/ 595 HP

I review this lightly modified Cadillac CTS-V with 595 horsepower! This car has a Corsa exhaust and an Airaid intake. Which would you rather have, this or the BMW M3? Many thanks to Harrison Auto Sales. This car has already been sold, but you can view their entire inventory here: harrisonautos.com
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[@woodsoncircle]

Years later, the CTS V is still badass. Tons of torque and power.

[@Stalicone]

You can criticize the recaro seats, the infotainment system, the Government motors buttons all you want. The shiteating grin on your face betrays how you really feel about that car. By the way - those seats are meant to hold your ass in, because of the power that caused your shiteating grin in the first place.

[@abuzahrashraf]

Your a dumbass seats don't have to be hard to hold you in.

[@Stalicone]

ashraf abuzahr You're the dumbass. The firmness of those seats are adjustable.

[@abuzahrashraf]

Stalicone NO SHIT

[@abuzahrashraf]

Becuase your saying the seats are hard bevuase they hold you in. And I'm saying seats don't need to be stiff yo hold you in that's all.

[@abuzahrashraf]

To*

[@krocialblack]

The CTS-V is geared towards the M5. Not the M3. And I'd take the V. Easier to work one. Cheaper to maintain. And not as stuck up looking.

[@nickreddy4162]

id take the m just cause its more fun to drive lol

[@krocialblack]

Gary Meyers To each his own I guess.

[@DodgeMuscle89]

Gary Meyers imo, all bimmers look about the same, just different dimensions and proportions. where is the originality.Def not #1 in aesthetics.

[@acea1139]

I AGREE

[@fenderman1212]

Just like the "595 HP" Stickers under the hood... seriously..... thats just tacky and pretentious.

[@billtaylor4224]

This is the first time a tester did not recommend the recaro seats. All other testers that I am aware of says "make sure you get them" they are worth the extra 3 grand.

[@petechess3999]

I have a 2012 V coupe with the Recaros, wouldn't have it any other way - the stock seats suck.

[@CarCrazyRDM]

I was going to post the same thing. I've never heard anyone complain about the Recaro seats unless they were a very large person. I love the Recaros so much that I wasn't going to buy a Vagon without them.

[@1smokan]

That is what makes this guy fun to watch! Don't change a thing, have a good time.

[@jiminkrott1569]

Long term, I would think maintenance costs would be much more reasonable for the v than an m3. big selling point for me.

[@jordanwoods69]

Plus it's anerican

[@jordanwoods69]

+Jordan Woods American

[@mikeyg9833]

m3's are expensive to maintain?

[@jiminkrott1569]

Any European car will cost a little more in maintenance, but performance lines (M, AMG, RS) will be especially. Friend's 2015 m3 oil change was $225 and brakes were quoted around $1200 

[@mikeyg9833]

+James Inkrott Okay thanks for letting me know, I was going to look at a 2004 m3 on Craigslist but I changed my mind.

[@aceburgers8801]

your reviews are good and your face is priceless, you don't hold back your enjoyment lol

[@2010drive]

All this bickering between American and German cars is getting old. When will people be able to see past the manufacture's badge and respect a nice car when they see one?

[@romanlegion5837]

The secret is ......we do, but we're still gonna shit on each other lol. It's like sports, at the end of the day it's all fun and games but we're still gonna be competitive about it.

[@ttamcc.4674]

@@romanlegion5837 well put

[@MrT-nh6di]

1000%

[@vernonprice5986]

Re: the Recaro seats, they can take a bit of time to adjust correctly, because they're 14-way adjustable. Mine has the same seats, and trust me - when you get them dialed in, they are excellent. It took me 2-3 weeks to get them set up the right way but now they're extremely comfortable. I've taken many 600+ mile trips in them now and haven't had any issues.

[@dramabeatz33]

love the look of Cadillac's

[@ivangaspar3949]

Gotta love how it performs too!

[@aaronrodriguez1410]

@@ivangaspar3949 I just love cadillacs. I just wish they sold more and people wake up and realize Germans aren't as reliable

[@johnnybarrett7006]

The CTS-V all day over any BMW, I'd rather have a hot wheels car over a any BMW car.

[@GrantB1390]

Lol???

[@mathew633man]

hmmm.... no.....

[@akaLunacy]

Cts all day! Fuck the haters

[@damianh6310]

+Matt what you mean no ?? you mutt !!

[@joeyporter3356]

Johnny Barrett are you serious? Over the m5 f90? Or the M6?

[@FuuuWhatYouThink]

Wasn't this car made to compete with the M5 & not the M3?

[@brandondannys-menary3678]

FuuuWhatYouThink that would make more sense

[@Clesarie]

the ctsv is a fantastic car. Thought i'd never get this in automatic.

[@bumoffhtestreet]

The automatic is actually very crisp. I just bought a 2014 with the automatice, and I have driven stick for years, and I was very pleasantly surprised. Plus, the manual is pretty rare in 2nd generations.

[@markdafunky1]

bumoffhtestreet tuning the trans greatly improves the shifting time compared to stock

[@BadShadd1]

I just HAVE TO SAY that intro with the great angles and music gave me chills. SubaruWrxFan you do the best intros!

[@WalldahlOfficial]

Thanks alot for the support in using our music man! :) Really well made video, impressive!

[@BreezyTown7]

when the video started i was expecting “Rev up your engines!”

[@callanklimts]

595hp? Did the guy add that up on his calculator according to the airaid/corsa packaging? ...or actual dyno numbers?

[@vernonprice5986]

I'm guessing it's just an estimate but it's probably pretty accurate.

[@NOORYOUNIS]

its probably tuned

[@vernonprice5986]

Harrison Brady It just has an intake and exhaust, no actual engine tuning was done. Still a stock tune.

[@ItsLy1e]

Probably at the crank. which would translate to about what? I'd guess around 506 HP to the wheels.

[@TichBoyz]

595 stock, is what the Manufacture says.. It's powerful for sure..or better engine!! But BMW has better interior and overall quality. . Overall I'd say the Caddy because it sticks out more, in my opinion..

[@gymratt42]

It's cool to see how much you enjoy testing the car, especially the WOT runs. I own a bolton c6 vette that runs 11.90's but am thinking of getting a V for it's everyday practicality and performance. The 12mpg is of no concern to me since I work from home. Upper and lower pulley,air raid, tune, exhaust, drag radials and the car should be a beast.

[@vernonprice5986]

The CTS-V is faster than the base or gran sport C6 stock to stock anyway. People have gotten 11.9s completely stock in CTS-Vs. They feel pretty different though, the C6 is 1000 lbs lighter and has more instantaneous throttle response, while the CTS-V is more like a bullet train. Both great cars for different reasons. The CTS-V is the closest you'll ever get to a 4 door Corvette, for sure.

[@CarsUncovered]

6:30...I love how your speech dramatically changes after the acceleration. Haha, you can tell your heart rate skyrocketed

[@royasykes]

I ordered a 2012 CTS-V wagon from the factory (measly 556 HP). I first checked out both the optional Recaro seats (which were a pricey option) found in your car and the standard seats. To my pocketbook's delight, I (at 6'3", 205 lb.) liked the standard seats better, having much the same reaction to the Recaro's you did. Only significant option I'd strongly recommend is the super-large moon roof; I enjoy it thoroughly. I also agree with you about the radio/nav controls and the tranny. But overall it's a fantastic car -- the best I've ever driven.

[@royasykes]

Sorry, I meant the 2013 CVT-V wagon ...

[@BobArmstrong_CoSy]

About time you get new wheels for your biannual X-country pilgrimages

[@TheHasaan]

Your reviews are honestly just so honest and just perfect but the one thing I personally would really love to see are a couple of revs from both interior and exterior :)

[@ravesilly]

i can tell my dad is having a mid life crisis because he has been looking to get one of these for a year now :) great review!

[@MrHdradeon]

ravesilly I’m having too, cheated on my and now I want a CTS V. I’m back with my wife tho.

[@TonyTube407]

This really makes me miss my 2009 CTS-V, which I should never had sold. *sigh*

[@darekjackson1963]

CTS-V all day it killed that year at the Nuremberg ring b ever value for money, easier/cheaper to find parts. easy win for the caddy

[@tomisupsic]

i dunno, making this thing fast is expensive. a decent air filter alone is over 400 bucks the intake has too many sensors so making your own may be difficult. exahust is over a grand.

[@satansonion2104]

For about $1000 you can add almost 100hp.

[@darekjackson1963]

If u compare the parts for more go fast, to the V's competition (m, amg, rs etc). Bc yes it's hast a luxurious but still just an LS3 with the LSA Blower and that blower is a tank and can take upWARDS OF 800hp

[@thecapothedon]

Darek Jackson facts 💯👌🏾

[@harpella]

I have a 2009 Pontiac G8 at the moment and a CTS-V i think will be my next purchase. I like your reviews because you show actual enjoyment when you drive the cars! The smile on your face in this car says it all! I wonder how you would have liked the stock seats over the Racaros? Keep at it!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Way more exciting than the Corvette. The supercharger really adds to the experience. This felt way better in the corners than the corvette did too in my opinion.

[@JoshTC2]

this is the best review ever. i drove the ctsv once but had the dealer person in the passenger seat so i couldnt floor it as much.

[@newcenturygoldllc9253]

Nice review bro. I appreciate your honesty and I also appreciate that you really love cars. Keep up the good work.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks! I plan to keep doing both the older and newer stuff.

[@reedjsupra]

Agree completely. A coworker had an M3 (coupe though) that I was in love with before driving (and buying) my V. M3 seemed a lot more of a finesse car, one that won't be "fast" without a driver who knows what they are doing. The V is more of an every man's "fast" car. I'm not a bad driver, but the V makes me feel like a damn superstar behind the wheel.

[@PIchillin456]

Hopefully I can afford one of these at some point. i would love one with the 6-speed manual.

[@Warhawk_Z06]

I like this guy lol! I like how excited he gets when he smashes on the gas. That's definitely a real reaction, that's not biased in any way! Great review man!!

[@roberttaylor557]

+Abdul Mamah That's because he's only 14 and in most states has to wait another two years to get his license, but somehow tricked someone into loaning him the car for a "youtube review"!!

[@prtyflywhitguy]

@@roberttaylor557 you sir ar a tool , this fella is in his early 20's , dont be so daft with ridiculous untrue comments ..F sakes

[@coreys6987]

I think its awesome to subscribe to his page because when he drives on back roads his laugh is so funny but its fun...

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thank you! I appreciate that!

[@jackbushway7318]

That supercharger sounds amazing is so clear

[@Ike-yq3gf]

"lets turn down this back road and see how it does" best part of the videos

[@baileymoto]

If you want to mod your car (motor), there is no question as to which one is the 'better' vehicle. I'm at ~770hp with about $4k in parts...hard to match that with any other car in this class. I agree with the dual clutch points, but the 'old' torque converter transmission in the V is amazingly stout. People are running 9's on the stock, unbuilt, 6l90e. They're getting better, but dual clutch transmissions haven't had a great track record for strength. The m5 is a closer competitor, imo.

[@keola36]

Nice review brother. One of my favorite Sedans ever made!

[@terryrutherford2114]

I realize I am so late to this video but I have to comment. I have a 2011 CTS-V with an Airaid intake and Corsa exhaust, so you are basically testing my car! I really don't think the intake and exhaust can bring the HP from 556 to 595. If the owner dynowed the care and got those results I think there must be some other mods going on. Nonetheless they are fabulous cars to drive. Thanks Matt!

[@heliscat]

firm seats reduce long-haul fatigue.I can drive a cts-v nonstop to L.A. from nor-cal and not be sore. I DO get sore on the same long haul with my cruze and its cushy seats.

[@Cydro12]

looks incredible, definitely something you don't come across too often here in the netherlands.

[@ArthurSperotto]

I'd definitely have the CTS-V over the M3 as well... I really love the Beemer, but this... THIS.... it's pretty hard to beat. Specially considering the only down side for me could be the transmission, not the seats. As always, great review, Matt, made me laugh a lot on the acceleration passes. Have a great one, Arthur.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Cars and Coffee is this Saturday, I'll be there.

[@elcabong5]

Just got one of these...LOVE THIS CAR!! So much fun to drive!!

[@smithjoe5179]

Its called touch screen. You don't need to keep hitting the audi button. Just touch the dam screen.

[@kharonhall6722]

Cadillac CTS-V all day

[@jeremydenson9810]

Looks like a great job! Traveling around and test driving great cars! I've always wanted the CTS-V, from the first time I saw the body style I knew I had to have one. Then I find out just exactly how much hp these cars have. Mind blowing! I'm going today to look at one. Thanks for the videos and keep up the great work. Of the two cars, it would have to be Cadillac all the way! BMW's and Mercedes-Benz's feel like lady cars to me.

[@elsiguere]

These CTS V are beautiful. I've driven my cousins 2012 and I like it waaaay better than the S4. I was actually looking into Lexus, but after driving this...I think I've changed my mind.

[@kagent1270]

Oops didn't mean to do that... What I was trying to say was when you put the power down it made me smile too. I could only imagine what that kind of power feels like! Love the reviews Matt!

[@avalazem]

Thank you for this review wrx fan

[@loxyy1]

Your face when you rip the accelerator is so awesome, wish I could drive this thing.

[@LiamDrives]

You what would make your reviews killer, is a camera slider, You can buy for as low as $100. Awesome opportunity to review this car, your are fortunate!

[@SupaChhimyChhim]

Awesome review, I was smiling so hard when you did those acceleration runs.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Haha thanks, glad you enjoyed it Arthur!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I haven't yet, I'm still having trouble finding a 350z and 370z to drive around here. As soon as I find one I'll review it!

[@tr3ynag4ta]

Nah these were special coming out at the time. 2012 very few supercharged 4 door cars are was comin out like that, from the FACTORY. I’m not a big Cadillac fan, but I give em all the props fo makin dese whips. Very nice! 👍🏿

[@MrUltraworld]

After one year, mine has not needed any repairs. Skip the Recaros, they're brick hard. Skip the automatic, the 6 speed is much more fun. Flip the switch, and the suspension goes from highway soft to well damped and tightened up. I've driven the M3, the CTS-V is much stronger without having to wring its neck to get it moving. I think the handling would favor the M3 by a small amount. The V's brakes are better. The V's base seats are better than the M3. BMW's ala carte options list is maddening. To get the same level of options as the V has standard, the M3 will cost a few grand more. Also, for about $1000, there's another 100 hp to be gained in the V. GM leaves a lot on the table.

[@vernonprice5986]

I think the gauge cluster is nice, and the steering wheel with the alcantara is really nice. Most of the car is not cheap plastic, it's real wood, real Italian leather, real soft touch dash, not cheap plastic.

[@black2011gt]

Black and lightly modded this is exactly what I want for my next sports/luxury car.

[@96rasco]

I really hope you get the top gear thing that would be crazy and maybe a big save ik it's a long shot but I think you would be an amazing top gear host and to have fun man !

[@rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr330]

I'd take a cts-v wagon, I have a strange soft spot for high performance wagons...

[@Denis_Klim]

I love that bass drop at 0:40

[@josearaiza903]

I own a cts coupe 3.6 once im done with college i will forsure pick up a V model

[@TherealPapaDogP]

Oh wow...that is one of the sweetest sounds ever

[@camirocz]

Play with the lumbar supports on the seats and they are fine.I have one and love the Recaros.

[@gstmatt95]

+camirocz The seats are amazing. He is certainly not the biggest guy around, so perhaps that is why. I am 5'11" and 250lbs...very stocky/athletic build...and I love these seats. The bolsters really snug up firm against your side/lats and hold you in place for spirited driving. You are right though...he should be able to make it better by adjusting it properly.

[@truthja]

The V all day! The seats in this video are actually the upgraded options geared towards those that want to track the car. The stock seats are actually more comfortable to most people.

[@buckyou321]

Subaruwrxfan - I gotta say, you are doing a much better job with these than when you started. Props.

[@PaulSMilligan]

Looks like you're having a lot of fun! That's a lot of car for the money and usable every day!

[@TheBelgium989]

You should definitely keep reviewing the older cars that are more affordable not saying this car isn't but like the vw review you had. Btw great and informative videos!

[@larryd4666]

Those Recaro seats are an option. Base models come with regular Cadillac seats

[@wkeil1981]

Those seats feel firm to him because he weighs 100 lbs

[@kitemett]

Can't wait for these to come to Australia.

[@D00FY]

I like the M3 but you can get a lot more HP with mods on the CTSV. Just getting a smaller pulley can give you 600hp.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

We didn't get the GC8 STI here in America. If I could find an STI swapped GC8 Impreza to review that would be awesome though, haha.

[@klayjones724]

The seat is too firm? So insightful. It's an option from the base cushy seats

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I've been looking to drive some of the newer ones. I love Mercedes. Can't seem to find any to drive right now though.

[@stevet5573]

Pro-tip for changing audio ... it’s all on the screen. You want XM? Push the button that says “XM”. Crazy right?

[@BNASTYLW]

Great video, brother. I think CTSV is a beautiful car, but I would either pick the m3 or dish a little more cash out for a GT-R. The CTS-V sounds awesome. I agree with you about the dual clutch set up. I used to own a 05 Sti in WR Blue, now I drive a 535i and it is compellingly bland. What do you think about the Cadillac EM system. Searching for it is what landed me on your video. I am not familiar with it, at all and supposedly we are using in my cousins new class one off road car.

[@Shane-Singleton]

I love the CTS-V. I have since the First Generation. However I haven't owned one..... yet. Question though. Did they not bother cleaning the car before they lent it to you? Seems to be really dusty both inside and out. Either way that is such a GOOD looking car in black. I've got a 2013 ZL-1 Camaro so I know that supercharged LS will get you moving. Was the 2013 CTS-V available with a real manual transmission as an option?

[@davidhuffman2075]

He mentions how poor the evo's seats are but I love them. I never ever ever feel uncomfortable driving my evo, I don't want big plush pillows when I'm taking corners that most cars can't take.. Anyway, does anyone have a good comparison between the evo 9's seats and these?

[@foxhq9577]

You were talking about the transmission. I like cars but I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to them. Can you replace the transmission to something with a dual clutch and faster shifting?

[@Verbal27]

Your great! Keep making more reviews! Looking forward to them.

[@apexmarchant]

i didn't know that this cadillac has that kind of power, outstanding O: !

[@fusionchickenleg]

Great review, I can feel your excitement which is always a huge plus in car reviews IMHO. How would you compare this to the C6 vette you reviewed a while back?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Haha I didn't keep track, but the fuel gauge was going down fast so I'm sure it wasn't pretty, lol.

[@chufa72]

Nice review, but I do love my seats. While I was having sciatica problems those seats were the most comfortable place to be for me. By the way, I owned a WRX not long before this one. Even with a nice sounding V8 I miss the boxer rumble. If I could afford it, I would have one for the winter months :)

[@ryanflippin1243]

So wait, you kinda side stepped the decision between the m3 and ctsv. If you had to have only one which would it be?

[@bravopl]

Yup i was just sitting inside of audi 2013 s4 and all cars mentioned comment below and i have to agree audi makes really comfortable well interior designed cars

[@viren89]

You said it's better than M5 (factually M5 has a better chasis and gearbox), S4 and S6 yet you ask if people would pick this over M3 ? Bro this is in the category of E63, M5 , XF-R, S6, RS7 not M3

[@vernonprice5986]

Oh, FACTUALLY the M5 has a better chassis and gearbox? Is the M5's manual better than the CTS-V's TR6060? Uh, no it isn't. Is the M5's chassis better than the CTS-V's chassis? Uh, no it isn't. The M5 isn't better just because BMW says it is, bro. The reason it's being compared to the M3 is because the M3 is the same PRICE as the CTS-V. So for the same money you have the option of the M3 or the CTS-V, but not the M5, which is $30-40k more.

[@viren89]

Vernon Price 1. I had the DCT in my mind when I compared the gearbox since this car has automatic. 2. Magazines after magazines -reviews after reviews has shown the M5 has an outstanding Chasis. The 2016 CTS-V might be a different story but so far that's what the prevailing opinion and data points to. 3. In my opinion this still should not be compared to M3 just purely based on price. They are different classes. Now looks and all are subjective.

[@vernonprice5986]

viren89 Yes, obviously you think the M5 has an outstanding chassis, but clearly you've never done any research on the CTS-V so you are speaking from a position of ignorance. There's a reason almost every head to head comparison with the M5 ends with the reviewers saying they'd rather drive the CTS-V, because it has better steering feel, sharper handling and better feedback. So not, it is not a FACT that the M5 has a better chassis, that's an OPINION held by people who don't know any better. And nobody cares whether you think it should be compared to the M3 or not. They're the same price, they're going to be compared. And of course the CTS-V destroys the M3 in the same way that the M5 destroys the M3. The M5 is well over $100k when you add a couple options so you'd think it would be vastly better than the CTS-V for that much money, but it's not. In fact two different CTS-Vs beat both the new M5 and the M6 for C&D's lightning lap. And THAT is a FACT.

[@viren89]

Vernon Price Yes, you are right. Cadillac makes the best cars in the world and Cts-V is the epitome for that. Buy whatever pleases you.

[@viren89]

Vernon Price Seriously bro. Pick up a dictionary and look for the word Sarcasm. That could be hard for you so instead just open up a tab and go on google and write "Define Sarcasm". It might seem BS to you because until the time you actually get your hands on something other than your parents minivan you would not understand what I'm talking about. All I did was express my opinion and you reacted like I took your gf away-oh wait your gf is your right hand. So you reacted like your mom took away your pocket allowance. Get your Price checked before you are ready to be devalued on the internet.

[@kjbadass]

I really like that Cadillac is probably the closest you'll get to to having a 4 door Corvette! I have 2 questions for you how much is that car with all the options? And is head up display on options for the Cadillac CTS V? Thank you for the information on your video thank you for your time keep up the good job.

[@breadyjr]

Been looking for one for 3 years I’m 18 now still haven’t sound the right one but Yeooo bro definitely been in my exs brothers shit was tuff

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks, and yep, once I can find one to drive I will.

[@doc7000]

Good review, by the way the recaro seats I remember was an option on the old cts v.

[@geoffslaboot]

I'm test driving both the auto and manual but leaning towards getting a manual 6 spd to extract all it's horsepower glory!

[@xXeFilmsXx]

Very nice Matt, you should take your brz to a track and/or you should do the auto cross and test how it's like.

[@rjtdbf]

I really like the looks of this car, nice video!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Ruben!

[@hbarr1026]

This car is beautiful! And I'm not sure about the seats, but I believe Recaro has the competition beat when it comes to performance seating--in ANY car! Great review though. Although the CTS-V probably pulls like a bear, I really don't like the whine of the s/c... I know that's inherent of a s/c, but it makes the car sound "broken", for lack of better term. Anyway, nice review, subaruwrxfan! Like your style! (BTW, posted your review of the 300 SRT8 on the 300c forums and members got a kick out of it! Keep 'em coming! Plan on doing one for any of the current gen SRT8s?

[@vernonprice5986]

Superchargers make cars sound "broken"? What? Also FYI the car in this video has an aftermarket intake which makes the SC noise much louder than stock. The stock airbox has a resonator attached to it and you can't hear the supercharger at all.

[@heliscat]

If you think the controls are difficult, ever see the mess of buttons on an audi a8?

[@ac3pkillstreak10]

Im a huge fan of your channel and this video has to be old because the Dodge hellcat charger is the fastest sedan with 707 stock productional horsepower. But i love ur videos keep posting and try to get a hellcat review

[@polipochilegge]

the brabus CLS is 900hp if i remember well, but maybe it's not considered production right?

[@vernonprice5986]

Brabus is a third party tuning company, so it's definitely not "production". Hennessey makes a 1200 HP kit for the CTS-V, but that's not production either.