Clarkson does the Cadillac CTS-V

[xcel]

It’s not easy, and it’s not pleasant, indulging in what the Americans call “hypermiling”, but the effect on your wallet can be profound…

Jeremy Clarkson – UK Times – Oct. 12, 2008

2009 Cadillac CTS-V – Test drives are revealing the low teens for FE.

This American Cadillac beast beats the Europeans at their own game but it will never touch 35 mpg ... for most -- Ed.

The Stig’s car has blown up. It’s not surprising really, given the way he drives, but whatever, he now needs a new one. His requirements are very simple: it must have a “loose back end”, several hundred horsepower, almost no suspension, extraordinary acceleration, a vivid top speed and a traction control system that can be turned off, completely and for ever.

Lewis Hamilton’s tail-happy McLaren would be ideal except for one minor, but important, detail.

The Stig also insists that his new car must be capable of at least 35 miles to the gallon…

You may think he has a point. Buying fuel is surely the most painful experience known to man, partly because petrol pumps deliver it so unbearably slowly, and garages are such unpleasant places, with their horrible pies and silly country and western CDs on special offer, and partly because the cost is just so enormous.

It costs nearly £100 to fill my car, and 210 miles later I have to spend another £100 to fill it up again. And for why? It’s not like spending £100 on a delicious supper, which would be memorable and pleasant. We only use fuel to get us to work, which is boring, or to the shops at weekends, which is hateful…

Don’t be so sure. The figures put out by governments and car manufacturers are theoretical, which is a Greek way of saying “wrong”.

You are therefore basing your buying decision on nothing but hot air and probabilities. And this can lead to much disappointment… [Read More]

[brick]

No fair! Imperial gallons are bigger!

[WriConsult]

Well, of course the EPA mileage figures are "wrong" and won't tell you your actual mileage. The EPA itself makes it extremely clear on their website and on the sticker sold on Every Single Car Sold In This Country that the numbers are only for comparison from one model to another. Anyone who is disappointed at getting different mpg than the EPA sticker is clearly illiterate.

As for the CTS-V, well I sure can't think of a good reason to own one. But I did drive the previous CTS-V (with "only" 400hp) a couple years ago, and I have to say it was by far the most fun I've ever had behind the wheel. I've driven some fast cars (including a WRX on the same day), and I've never driven anything even close. The thing will easily chirp its massive rear meats going into third. Even with the traction control ON, it's pretty easy to make massive clouds of tire smoke if you know how to feather a clutch. I can't even fathom what an extra 156hp would do.

I don't normally drive "like that" and I sure wouldn't want to own a car with that performance or fuel consumption profile -- and there's no remotely legal way to enjoy the car's capabilities on a public road anyway -- but it sure is impressive. I wouldn't want to own a fighter jet either, but watching the Blue Angels perform sure is impressive. Same kind of deal.

[YarSwiss]

I must be dreaming...a smooth critique of an American car, and an impartial summation of hypermiling? What is wrong with Jeremy? Where is the grumpy, American-bashing petrol-head that we know so well? He must have finally gotten some sense knocked into him!

A truly wonderful review, both about the car and eco-drivers.

[xcel]

Hi YarSwiss:

___That was an excellent description of his review.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

[flatty]

It was always there, ya just missed it.

He is, again, spot on.

[Earthling]

At least it's not an Escalade.

Harry

[flatty]

In 2004, he did this diesel segment: May 2004 Audi A8 Diesel with apologies to 'Apollo 13'

Part 2 is on the right.