Rob dont let them rag on for the Jeep_ I drove one and i loved!!!

 

He can save alot of money_d*ck_

 

as much as i love trucks and love the lightning ... man is that cts-v a freaking beautiful car alll i have to say hard choice, rob a bank get both

 

Personally i would prefer the Trailblazer SS over the Jeep SRT, i've driven both and the SS has more potential for mods and power. The LS2 is an awesome engine.

 

If you're in the market for a 4-door luxo/performance sedan, a good comparible vehicle to the V is the 300C SRT-8. Yes, I own one. A few folks over at 300cforums.com have gotten into SRT-8s coming from Vs. Most complaints are about the rear-end and difficulty getting good launches. Performance-wise, with equal drivers the SRT-8 gets the nod. A butt load of them are in the 12s stock with a couple as low as 12.5 - 12.6. Majority run 12.8 - 13.3 with decent drivers in good conditions.

I can't give any realtime perspective on the V as I haven't driven one and have only seen a couple in person. My personal opinion is that it could use some larger wheels to give it a less boxy look. Perhaps wider rear rims. As far as the SRT-8, it's a blast to drive. Handles like you wouldn't believe. Brakes are phenomenal (except the HORRIBLE brake dust from the Brembos). As far as performance, it likes higher revs but is pretty smooth throughout the RPM band. ESP/Traction control are an issue for me personally. Even with ESP disabled (never really is), the car still feels a bit limited. Even with the Autostick and all of the technology that's been poured into the trans, I'd take a neck snapping 1 - 2, 3 - 4 of the 4R100 with a FTVB anyday. I truly do miss that aspect of the L and HD I owned. I also miss the gobs of low-end torque. As far as options, my car has UConnect, Sirius, Nav, 13-speaker Kicker system w/subwoofer, 6-disk changer/MP3. The EVIC display is awesome and has information about probably 100 different settings. Tirefit is pretty cool. The interior is the nicest I've seen in awhile. The seats are highly bolstered and keep you there during 'spirited' cornering. I could go on and on about all of the options. All in all I'm very happy with the purchase.

Good luck with your decision. Just wanted to throw a comparible option out there.

 

The SRT-8 300C is a very nice car but personally I really don't like the high beltline gangster look that Chrysler puts in every car now. Apparently people feel safer and it is more intimidating. The big drawback is that it significantly reduces visibility. I prefer an attractive styled car. If you want safe and intimidating, buy a Hummer H1.

TB

 

Well, I can say that visibility is pretty good. BUT, the last 'car' I drove before the L and HD, was a '99 Camaro SS which was not exactly the best in that area. So, you're probably on to something, but I haven't really been affected by it.

 

To a _lot_ of people the 300C/Dodge Charger is far more attactive than a Caddy CTS. They're all "boxy" in shape.

 

wow rob that was quite the push on the jeep. I did get the tires to spin on mine in the rain the other day. Turn off the traction control button, I know only disables it like 20% or so, got front and rear wheels spinning all the way through first. Was very hard to keep on the road. In the new car and driver they show the 1 lap srt-8 doing a break stand, wonder how they got that working.

On to the point I have looked at both the CTS-V and 300SRT and would choose the CTS, I think it looks way better. and for 0% how can you go wrong.

 

The new CTS styling will be based on the Cadillac Sixteen concept vehicle of a few years ago. IMO one of the most attractive and innovative concept vehicle ever. The new CTS-V will have the Corvette Z0-6 427 small block. 500+hp. That's one hell of a combination. Will be good competition for the M5.

 

should make for a nice 20k price jump too.

 

GM have to be very careful not to price themselves out of the market or they don't sell.

Base price for the Z0-6 is 65K, CTS-V is 51K and STS-V 75K.

The M5 is 81K so if that's where they position it, it could definitely jump to 65 to 70. That could kill it.

I've driven the new M5 and IMO, its worth every penny. Nothing from the US even comes close. The quality and detail is very impressive.

TB

 

I've got a caddy and pay attention to the boards some. I too have heard about the rearends being weak when launched hard at the dragstrip. I've also "heard" about an austrailan rear end that can be installed to shore up that weak link.

Rich

 

0% is definitely a plus. And so is the employee pricing that DCX is now offering on the SRTs. Thanks, DCX. For offering it now, and letting me spend oh, say, about 6 grand more than I had to! Supply has caught up with demand. Oh well...still love it regardless.

 

Well, I drove both the V and the SRT today! I needed a power fix! Anyway, I was surprised at how tame the SRT seemed to me. Don't get me wrong, it went when I got on it, but it didn't hit very hard to me. I guess I expected something more raw like the original Viper. It did hug the road very well though, and rode like there is some collabortion with Mercedes.

The V on the other hand was much more "fun" to drive. It "leapt" rather than just went like the SRT. I just liked how the power was delivered better. Overall, the SRT is the better bargain, but the V pulled at me. However, the interior of the V is nowhere near where it should be for a $50k car!

Neither of these cars have what it takes for me to change from the L. Now, I also drove the G35 today, and that car is simply awesome! Nice power, great looks, and VERY well appointed! A true joy to drive, and a bargain when compared to the others. So, I'm thinking about keeping the L, and just getting the G35. My kid doesn't need college either. I'll send him to live with Rob! Thanks for the input guys