Cadillac PR OK's TTAC CTS-V Showdown

by Robert Farago

September 16th, 2009 3:11 AM

I was completely prepared to leave this Bob Lutz’s CTS-V race thing to Jalopnik. And then Lutz went on the FastLane blog and said he’d welcome all comers: “One of the social media initiatives we’ve launched is a challenge with the Cadillac CTS-V, which we claim to be the fastest 4-dr production sedan in the world, and we have asked any potential challenger to meet us at Laguna Seca and race what you brung.” As the TV lawyers say, Maximum Bob opened the door. So I called Cadillac PR flack David Caldwell. Is this a Jalopnik-only deal? If so, so be it. “You know who I work for,” Caldwell said. Yes . . . “If Bob said he’d take all comers then he’ll take all comers.” Which means TTAC is in on the action, which will go down at Monticello (not Laguna Seca?) sometime in the first two weeks of October. Or not.

UPDATE: Hyundai PR’s talking to their CEO about racing MB in the Genesis. Jaguar’s pledged the XFR.

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4 of 106 comments

Nick on Sep 16, 2009

While we are engaging in flights of fancy, can we work Danica Patrick into the equation somehow? (No offense Jack.)

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FreedMike on Sep 16, 2009
wsn : September 16th, 2009 at 4:12 am So, when talking about “competitiveness”, let’s not forget about the context here. Is the CTS-V competitive in being a halo car that increase Caddy (and GM) sales? Not so much I guess. So, it is not competitive. Well, considering that the CTS is the third best-selling entry-lux car in the country through August 2009, and outsells the IS line, despite the sales-killing negative publicity surrounding GM's bankruptcy, I'd say your argument is off base. If there's an uncometitive car in this class, I'd say it's the IS - it's underpowered and dull to drive, cramped inside, and generic-looking. It sells primarily on the strength of the Lexus name.

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Safe as milk on Sep 16, 2009

it's been 25+ years since i've ridden shotgun with mr. farago but i can vouch for his driving chops. if the caddy is being driven by gm's boss, then ttac should have the balls to do likewise (asumming spousal consent). is anyone taking bets? i'd like to put a $100 on ttac.

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Mirko Reinhardt on Oct 14, 2009

@FreedMike : Well, considering that the CTS is the third best-selling entry-lux car in the country ...all the while anybody but a hardcore car geek in The Rest Of The World will scratch his head and ask "Cadillac WHAT?" Being #3 in one isolated market doesn't mean much. I've yet to see a single CTS in Europe.

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