Review: 2012 Cadillac CTS-V w/ 595 HP

[@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.

[@woodsoncircle]

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

[@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%

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@FuuuWhatYouThink]

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

[@brandondannys-menary3678]

FuuuWhatYouThink that would make more sense

[@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?

[@DramaRants33]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@MattMaranMotoring]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thank you! I appreciate that!

[@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

[@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 💯👌🏾

[@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.

[@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..

[@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!

[@BreezyTown7]

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

[@newcenturygoldllc9253]

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

[@TonyTube407]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Haha thanks, glad you enjoyed it Arthur!

[@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.

[@smithjoe5179]

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

[@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!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

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

[@Ike-yq3gf]

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

[@jackbushway7318]

That supercharger sounds amazing is so clear

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@Cydro12]

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

[@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!

[@CarsUncovered]

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

[@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.

[@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]

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

[@loxyy1]

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

[@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.

[@SupaChhimyChhim]

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

[@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.

[@elcabong5]

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

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Ruben!

[@disciprine]

I own a V wagon and have driven my brother's 2010 M3 coupe on multiple occasions. Both have their pluses and minuses. I'll sum it up: V Wagon 1) WAGON 2) More power and significantly faster 3) Better brakes 4) More rare and unique 5) Magnetic suspension is more adaptive and makes for a better ride overall 6) Cheaper to repair (minus replacing the PS2 tires if you must have another set) 7) Better transmission if you prefer Manual M3 1) Better fit and finish 2) Better tech interface 3) Lighter & feels more agile (Considering how hefty the wagon is) 4) Hydrolic steering is awesome 5) Better gas mileage 6) Better Transmission if you prefer Auto (DC)

[@vernonprice5986]

Yeah. My V is a manual wagon too, and M3 drivers just think they are the fastest things on the road. They can't understand why they get smoked so badly every time they try me. And it's not that I don't like M3s, I do like M3s. I don't like most M3 drivers though, because they tend to be pricks. M3s cost about the same as CTS-Vs, and I think you do get significantly more car for your money with the CTS-V.

[@disciprine]

Vernon Price that's what happens with some of the more popular luxury car brands. BMW just happens to be the most popular so it attracts the most douches.

[@PIchillin456]

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

[@PaulSMilligan]

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

[@buckyou321]

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

[@josearaiza903]

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

[@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!

[@black2011gt]

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

[@TherealPapaDogP]

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

[@mbasulto919]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@avalazem]

Thank you for this review wrx fan

[@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.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Yeah.

[@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.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

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

[@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.

[@pwynes51]

What are the white looking specs all over the paint.. is that wear or part or the paint

[@apexmarchant]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@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?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

They're going in a different direction now and want to compete with the Germans. They do want to get back to the big luxurious stuff too which is why the Elmiraj concept was made and will likely go into production. I'm a big fan of classic cars so I love all the old Caddies but I wouldn't expect fins or super long bodies to make a comeback anytime soon :(

[@storytimewithizzy9828]

I was thinking about a used Cadillac CTS coupe 2012 3.6 with 65k miles whats tour opinion on it ? Yes or no opinion to thoughts.

[@whatsonyourmind942]

great review!!!! would you ever do a review on the ms3

[@AlphaOffroad859]

Is that the disc golf course in Cincinnati mount arie?

[@kitemett]

Can't wait for these to come to Australia.

[@Verbal27]

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

[@klayjones724]

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

[@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

[@Denis_Klim]

I love that bass drop at 0:40

[@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 !

[@rjtdbf]

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

[@kharonhall6722]

Cadillac CTS-V all day

[@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

[@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! 👍🏿

[@coryohanlan194]

I own a CTS-V but I feel compelled to comment to all of you unknowledged doofuses hating on the M3. The M3 in these years had a N/A V8 that Revs to 8500 RPM’s, enough said go learn what that means, yes it has a lot less HP, but it has a N/A V8 that revs out, if you don’t understand why that is awesome you have a lot to learn.

[@bryanlinkster]

What type of rear spoiler is that? I'm looking to put one on mine thank you

[@MattMaranMotoring]

570.

[@6Speed_Reid]

Great review as always man! :)

[@Flavio617]

Hey do you think you can review the dodge durango or get a hold of one , the r/t version is sick

[@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.

[@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?

[@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?

[@lopon12]

I'd have a m3. What's was the mpg in the cts v when you drove it????

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Around 55k I think if I remember correctly.