Diary of a High-Speed Test Driver
2006 STS-V Test Drive
- View a video of the test drive
here (wmv file, less than 1 MB). Non-IE users can right-click and save the video. - Northstar project manager Greg Prior drives cross-country in an STS-V
By John Heinricy
Director, GM High Performance Vehicle Operations
It’s just after sunrise in Germany’s Eifel region of dense forests and mountains. Myself, and a small crew of fellow engineers and technicians, are getting ready for a day on the Nordscliefe - the “North Course” of the famed Nurburgring track.
I settle inside the 2006 STS-V, a pre-production example of the model Cadillac will start selling later this fall. I tighten my helmet and belts, secure the HANS device, and make a last check of the radio and the track’s safety lights. A push of the ignition button brings the 4.4-liter Supercharged Northstar to life.
We recently learned that additional development from the engineering team has resulted in a final number of 469 horsepower, making STS-V the most powerful production Cadillac ever. From the moment the first test lap starts, the Northstar’s power and refinement is apparent.
We’ve been coming to the ‘Ring regularly for a few years. Testing at the ‘Ring is special. I’ve had a lot of experience racing and testing cars, including more than 250 professional races. But there is nothing else like this place. The Nordschliefe spans 13 miles. The course includes more than 170 turns and more than 1000 feet of elevation change. This, combined with high speeds, places huge energy into the chassis. That’s why we’re here. There is very little room for error.
To perform well at speed, the dynamic behavior of the vehicle needs to be impeccable. Predictability, precision, response, balance, control . . . as well as confidence and even comfort. These are attributes we’re looking for to describe the experience of driving a well integrated car on the ‘Ring. All the vehicle systems must be engineered to work together in harmony. Driving quickly - safely — shouldn’t be a stressful experience. It’s an experience to savor. When it’s right you’ll know it. It’s our job to make it right and we take it very seriously. While we do time some of our laps, this is not about racing. Lap times are just one of the huge files of data collected each lap, all used to develop this Cadillac to be the best it can be.
The first couple of minutes on the track include many cornering transitions in which hard braking and accelerating occur in quick succession. The STS-V steering is precise and predictable. Brakes are responsive and very powerful, inspiring a lot of confidence, which is important given that the fastest portions of the circuit are imminent. The first of many long, undulating and sweeping turns calls for prolonged acceleration. The Supercharged Northstar provides constant hard pulling, with a strong-sounding intake and exhaust with a hint of supercharger whine. This is punctuated by smooth transmission upshifts taking us well into triple digit speeds (mph, not kilometers!) Braking for the upcoming sharper turn is a non-event. The huge Brembos grip with quiet efficiency.
Huge elevation changes start coming at me in the next few minutes of the Nordschliefe. These are fast descending and ascending sections with swells that get the Cadillac nearly airborne. The control engineered into the shock, spring and stabilizer bars can really be appreciated as the car swallows up the worst conditions the Ring can throw at it. The engine and transmission must work together with the chassis so that shifts and power delivery are seamless during these periods in which the chassis is being heavily loaded and unloaded repeatedly. The STS-V handles this with balance and control. This is exactly what we’re looking for - systems in the powertrain and chassis working together.
At the conclusion of the lap, I know it’s a success before the team looks at our data. I’ve made it through safely, for one. Secondly, the STS-V was smooth and well composed. This speaks to integration. We’re pleased that we turn laps in roughly 8 min., 30 seconds. But, STS-V is not a race car or an exotic sports car like the Corvette Z06 we’ll drive later in the day. STS-V is a tremendously powerful and refined luxury sedan.
Taken nearly to its limits, we have verified that the car maintains its composure under extreme conditions. That translates to outstanding driving dynamics for the customer. Being engineers, we of course find some things we want to tweak when we get back home. But our clear conclusion is that our STS-V development has taken the already-excellent performance and luxury of this sedan to its full extent - which is exactly our mission with Cadillac’s V-Series.
- Posted in Cars & Trucks
Eric M. Vest
John:
I believe you were the last Chief Engineer for the Camaro. I always wanted a top of the line Camaro and after saving several years I ordered a 2001 SS convertible and have thoroughly enjoyed it since taking delivery. It’s a weekend car and I intend on keeping it the rest of my life. I believe its combination of excellent styling and performance will make it a collectable. Thank you for the excellent work you did on this car.
Respectfully,
EMV
J. Braun
Not sure how to contact you directly so I’ll put my comments here. I’ve been a GM guy since my first Chevy and you seem to be trying to do the right thing to put GM back into the car business.
Dave Winer in his blog (http://archive.scripting.com/2005/07/27) references Philip Greenspun’s Weblog (http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/philg/2005/07/27#a9782). The idea is so obvious once I saw it that I was stunned by it’s simplicity. Put a jack into the front of a car radio so that I can plug my iPod or Nomad player directly into the sound system rather that jerk around with an FM transmitter. And while you’re at it, upgrade the cd player with a mp3 decoder so I can play disks I’ve made with iPod software.
What a simple, and low cost, way to announce to young people that GM is responsive to the way they live their lives. Wouldn’t this be a perfect signature for the Solstice?
Keep up the great work. Hope this helps.
J.
braunj@cb77.org
Sabrina
Just wanted to point out that the Solstice, along with some of the other 2006 models, does have an auxillary jack available.
Doug
I guess this could be called “Diary of a Hapless Passenger”.
My friend Buzz and I were returning home from a Thanksgiving road trip in his new (4K miles) 2005 STS. What a beautiful automobile. We were cruising East with traffic on I-70 about 80mph, around 9pm. There was a semi on our right and a minivan behind us. Suddenly, there was a deer right in front of us.
Buzz has good judgement and quick reflexes either due to, or inspite of, being a cowboy. He instantly assessed that the best path was straight up the middle and full-speed ahead. We probably did not put the “vehicle driving dynamics” to full use, but we sure made it “rain deer”!
It all happened so fast, but it was so impressive in hindsite. The airbags deployed, the car came to a straight stop and then a reassuring voice, “Hello, this Onstar…”
The front of the car was pretty much a mess, but neither of us had a mark. The highway patrolman said that Buzz made exactly the right call by not trying to swerve or avoid the deer. Why even bring this up in a discussion about handling? Because it is nice to know that it is part of an excellent total package. Handling to help avoid an accident, safety features should an accident be unavoidable and Onstar always on the ready.
Cadillac has made impressive strides. Just a few years ago it seemed impossible that Cadillac could even dream of being the “Standard of the World” again. Now, thanks to people like Mr. Heinricy, the dream could become reality.
Bob
Way to go Caddy!
Keep up the good work. Perhaps I’ll be able to afford one someday. hehehe.
Diego
I drove a CTS-V last summer and loved it… especially the moment when I “flashed to pass” the guy in the C5 convertible, dropped a couple of gears, and BLEW BY HIM.
Can’t wait to drive the STS-V.
Alex
When we talked about purchasing a car recently, I was surprised that almost everyone in the family asked about the car’s safety features! Wow! When I first bought a car, safety was the last thing in my mind. Things has certainly changed.
Örjan Ekenbäck
In Sweden the motorjournalists are very much enjoing the car but they are advicing people not to buy it because it has a lousy ESP system. Too Bad. Work on it, you have excellent knowledge inside your own oragnization. Make a phonecall to Rüsselsheim, i have tested all GME cars including Saab with ESP and they all have excellent system and Opels latest Astra with ESP have an outstanding programming. It is a dream to drive on an icy and snowy track. Keep up the good work.
Jim Hopson
J.,
We agree that, as a hip new roadster, the Solstice should appeal to those with the hip new electronics, like the iPod. Plus who wouldn’t want to be jammin’ with the top down? That’s why we’ve included an input jack right on the radio to allow you to plug in your iPod or other MP3 player and slam your tunes through the car’s great choice of sound systems, including an optional 200-watt seven speaker Monsoon system with subwoofer. The CD player also will handle your MP3 discs with no problem, so enjoy!
Regards,
Jim Hopson
Manager, Pontiac Communications
See our previous post about the input jack: http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/archives/2005/03/podcast_reveals.html
Doug
I stand corrected! I felt Mr. Heinricy and crew were making great progress on vehicle handling…ahem, excuse me, I meant “vehicle driving dynamics”. Guys, you ain’t a fraction of where you need to be!
Reading recent posts; your job will not be done until you come up with a car that completely drives itself. Freeing the hands of the idiot owners to wrestle with their iPods while talking on a cell phones as they eat lunch and touch-up their make-up.
indi500fan
Great work guys!
It’s so valuable to have top vehicle engineers like JH with impeccable racing credentials. Another building block in the reconstruction of GM.
Mauri Rose used to take time off at lunch from his job at the GM plant here in Indianapolis and go over and practice for the Indy 500!
Steve G
Pontiac (and Chevy)-
are you going to change those hideous steering wheels in the G6 sedan and Malibu?
Chevy-are you going to change that ridiculous front end of the Malibu in all models or just the SS?
Pontiac-are you going to change the name from G6 back to Grand Am or something else? G6 is a ridiculous name.
Chevrolet-are you going to remove that cheap, nonsense ‘Malibu’ badge on the dashboard and center the emergency signal button?
Details are very important and you guys are missing a lot of details.
Joe R
The idea that Cadillac is testing at the ‘Ring is good indicator of the nascent renaissance taking hold at GM. I can’t wait to see the next gen CTS.
Edward Hayes
I love to hear about the Nurburgring in Germany and its fantastic that GM has invested so much time at the German track. I already know changes are afoot for GM and Cadillac’s success will continue unabated without missing a heartbeat.
America is now blessed with a great car, division and company with vehicles from a world class track. We also have a great track in America, a natural one, the Bonneville salt flats. No it does not have hills but I am sure GM’s investment there can go an equally long way. Of course, it does not sound as good on the commercial.
Speaking of Bonneville, I hope to see the next Pontiac full size car. I saw two Bonnevilles this morning and I know Pontiac still needs such a car.
Fact- GM still outsells Toyota by the amount of Pontiac and Buick cars sold worldwide.
That is why it is so heart breaking to hear posters who just want to kill one or both. Some hackers want just two GM nameplates to compete with Toyota’s Lexus, Toyota, Hino Truck, Daihatsu and Scion brands. You know Toyota’s two brands.
That fact to me is inescapable and that is why more than ever GM needs to focus its attention on its supposedly weaker brands.
Not weak brands, just a fiercely competitive market. GM will excel when Pontiac and Buick come back.
May God Save the Neapolitan!
weirving
I’ve heard wonderful things about the new Caddies’ powertrains and suspensions. People are no longer laughing uproariously at the venerable Cadillac ad slogan, “The Standard of the World.”
You’ve built cars that run great on Germany’s famed Nurburgring. But if I can believe reviews, they still can’t measure up to big Benzes, Lexuses, Audis and the like driving on rutted and pocked Third World road surfaces like one finds, say, in Detroit - or Washington. The new Caddies have great handling, steering and road feel, but at the price of too much NVH for a true luxury car - even a performance-oriented luxury car.
I think part of this can be attributed to the current fad of super-large (up to 21″) wheels and ultralow-profile tires - especially if they are of the run-flat type. I can say with experience behind me that while these tires and wheels certainly afford added measures of crispness to steering turn-in response, the price paid by my kidneys and backside was, on balance, not worth it.
On reflection, I have grown to associate the huge chrome wheel/low tire look with the MTV “Pimp My Ride” set. If you think this look is cool, I guess there is no accounting for taste, but does it have any place on a sporting luxury car with any pretentions to class?
I think GM should seriously rethink what they want associated with the Cadillac image. Before, it was the Florida real estate salesman with polyester double-knit and white patent leather. Now, it appears to be L.A. Snoop Dogg wannabes with baggy clothes, gold teeth and WAYYY too much bling. Is this an improvement? Well, this demographic is younger - that’s something, I guess.
The other thing is that your promotional campaigns send mixed messages. Just WHO ARE you trying to sell Cadillacs to, anyway? Your gawdy, over-blinged cars say “young urban hip-hop”, but your TV ads say “over-the-hill 80’s hair band.” Which is it? Do you REALLY think your ideal Cadillac customer would want to be identified with EITHER?
Cadillac running gear is already competitive, but in order for Cadillac to be taken seriously by those who currently look at S-class Benzes, A-8 Audis, and XJ Jags, you must, must, MUST address TWO THINGS:
1.Fits and finishes are just not up to snuff in this class of car.
I have seen new Caddies with crooked body hardware, and too wide - and worse - inconsistent panel gaps. These gaps need to look - as much as technically possible with the current state of the art - like they were incised with a laser; narrow, clean and even, with tolerances so tight, inconsistencies are detectable only with a micrometer but NOT with the naked eye. As it is now, I can see them from tens of yards away; Toyota doesn’t put up with that in a Corolla, why does GM consider it acceptable in a Cadillac?
Panels are not perfectly smooth. When I say “perfectly,” I mean, so smooth and even, a mirrored reflection off the paint looks PERFECT and without any waves or optical distortions beyond the designed-in curvature of the panel. A Jaguar fender looks like it could be of blown Chihuly glass. In this class, Cadillac MUST equal this level of bodywork perfection.
Paint surfaces are not consistent in luster or depth. The body of the last red Porsche I saw looked like it had a uniform fresh coating of wet fingernail polish. But I’ve seen small runs and hints of orange peel in Caddies - NOT ACCEPTABLE!
2.Fix the interior ergonomics!
For example, if you must include a navcom system, make it USABLE - like those in Audis. Too many buttons, too many menus, too many layers of function, buttons too small and poorly located to boot. Its unnecessary overcomplexity makes it outright dangerous to use while driving, which is when one normally uses a navcom, after all.
By contrast, Audi’s system is a model of well planned, clean, functional, accessible design; you can almost use it without having to read the manual first. To use an analogy computer geeks might appreciate, Audi=Macintosh, Cadillac=MSDOS.
In a car that is being driven fast - which is what a performance car is for, right? - the driver doesn’t want “Tokyo by night.” He or she NEEDS all functions visible, reachable, and usable by touch, with an absolute minimum of extraneous motion and distraction from the road.
At this, Europeans are still the leaders (Imagine the consequences of removing one’s eyes from the road for even 2 seconds on the Autobahn - at 200kph! In that time, you have traveled a football field and a half!), the Japanese are very close behind, but while GM’s interior designs have come a long way aesthetically, they still leave a lot of room for improvement in FUNCTIONALITY.
To bat in this league, Cadillac’s goal can’t be, “better than before” or even, “the best in GM’s history.” It must be, “BEST IN THE WORLD!,” because the world has come a long way while GM was asleep.
Right now is a great opportunity for GM. Daimler-Benz and BMW are showing signs of losing their way. BMW is going off the deep end with wacky styling and their byzantine, techie-freaky “iDrive” control system. Meanwhile, Mercedes’ has been suffering from serious and worrisome declines in quality control.
Unfortunately, GM’s history - when its competition stumbles - is taking that as a sign it can afford to kick back, get fat, happy, and satisfied with churning out the same old mediocre crap.
If GM can resist this impulse, PRESSING its advantage, a resurgent GM can do to the high-end market what the Japanese have been doing to them for decades, catch them with their pants down, move in with the right products and start eating them for lunch!
Bob Z
Missed you driving the CTS-V in Speed GT. Sorting the STS-V is certianly more important. love my CTS-V but the guy critiquing the interior is correct. Interior design and material need much more thought ( I hate crashing my knukles in to the radar detector plug shifting into 5th), The Audi and Infinity are better. Good human design should not necessarily make a more expensive product but much more desireable to users. While doing this keep the Vs true to concept of very high performance touring sedans. AWD and a wagon would be welcomed by me. In any case keep the folding rear seats in the CTS. That allowed me to buy the CTS-V vs an S4 Advant.
SteveG
Time to change the music in your Caddy ads.
How about ‘Break on Through’ by The Doors?
John Hennessey
Its great to see GM using the Ring as the ultimate proving ground for its vehicle development process!
John Hennessey
Hennessey Performance Engineering
BWright
John,
I met you briefly recently at the New York Auto Show. It was clear that you loved your job and the passion shows in cars like my 2005 Corvette. Continued success and thanks for all the great technical insights you gave me into just how difficult (and dangerous) it often is to bring us truly great and passionate cars.
I can hardly stand the wait to upgrade to the Z06 and I sincerely hope you and the rest of Cadillac are going to soon unveil a flagship sedan in the requisite size class to do battle with the S-Class and 7-Series.
gtjeff
Has GM taken the Pontiac “mystery car” on the North course yet? 170 turns sounds like fun.
Kenneth Piecowye
Hi, to everyone at GM. Here are some of my concerns. Having owned 1994 Olds Cutlass Supreme Coupe and 1998 Olds Silhouette, really miss the Oldsmoblile line. We currently own 2000 Deville in blue, and a 1999 Firebird 3.8L in dark blue. Some words to the design team. 1. Don’t chop our devill’s to that of matchbox sized CTS versions regardless of sales. We Want Image!! 2. Bring back the F body cars as real rear drivers, get back into business of motorsports not some hopped up goatmobile GTO,Yuck They dont have the same lines. I’M keeping my 99 Firebird until GM’s design team Gets back to designing them like my 99-02 F bodies.
Thanks and Keep up the good work GM.
Rick Lupori
Mr. Heinricy: I have driven the new CTS and CTS-V as well as the V6 and V8 versions of the STS and have been very impressed with their chassis balance, and the STS-V should be improvements on these excellent cars.
I have also driven the new 3-series BMW at one of your Auto Show in Motion test drives in LA and it made me wonder; as good as the CTS and STS are, why has GM not addressed the entry level high performance sedan market (the CTS is more 5-series size). This is a lucrative market for BMW’s 3-series and GM could offer a BMW 3-series size 5-passenger Sedan using the Solstice platform in the $25,000 - $35,000 price range. GM has never offered a model like this on the U.S. market. An entry level high performance sedan would solidify GM as a legitimate player in the high performance sedan market. And would be a great addition to the Solstice for Pontiac and/or provide a stepping stone for younger Cadillac customers to the CTS and STS models.
There are plenty of power choices starting with the 2.8L I-4, both the 3.6L V-6 and 4.2L I-6, as well as the 5.3L V-8. The 2.8L will be needed to offset the sedan’s weight, and the 4.2L torque advantage over the 3.6L may offset packaging issues. Backing up these engines would be variations of Corvette transaxles; both are proven design 6 speeds that would help the sedan achieve the desired 50-50 weight distribution.
The interior needs to be not only world class but offer legitimate 4 adult passenger comfort with the ability to carry the occasional 5th passenger. Luggage space and utility should spacious and versatile.
A 5 passenger coupe would be a another obvious addition, and could have a low price model offered with the 2.8L I-4 5 speed and more limited equipment, and would serve as a great platform for first time racers. Both the Coupe and Sedan should be able to start in the mid $20K range with top performance models priced competitively with the BMW 3-series. Hopefully you will continue on the CTS and STS success and offer a 3-series competitor - it would be a great excuse for more Nurburgring testing.
JDM
I’d love to have your job. Where do I sign up?
Getting a paid check to toss around cars a track all day. Hopefully my retirement can be like that.
Regarding the CTS-V, wonderful job. Great car. First Cadillac I would consider buying, really turned my head with this one. Keep up the good work on thinking outside the box.
Isaac Graff
I thuroughly enjoyed this story. As so as I finish this response I’m going to go look for more similar articles.
I admire the “total package” thinking, it would be spectacular if I could achive that some day. As of now, I don’t have enough money for the whole package and simply choose speed. I never really thought much about this until I was coming home one night trying to make up times. The motor had no problem pulling me up to around triple the speed limit, the problem layed in the rest of the vehicle. The wind noise at this speed was nearly deafening, the suspension had no idea what to do. It became very obvious that nothing on this car was designed to go this fast. Even the speedometer was lost simply pointing at my legs, well past the last numbers on the speedometer which was more than enough for the stock engine.
When I finally got home, I understood for the first time the major attraction to the hi-end cars. Sure I can out perform several cars worth 20x as much as mine, but there is something to be said for the “total package” and also how certain modifications cause the rest of a very nice package to become so incredibly obsolete.
So is life with a “tuner” car
Agustin Cesar
How hard is to become a test driver?
Is there a career in college for that?
I want to become one…
Diane
Hi
Just to let you all know that I just got my 2006 STS V on Feb. 28 2006 It is by far the most thrilling experience I’ve ever had even with all the years I drove motorcycles, & raced cars.
This car is next to perfect. I’m waiting for my Corvette Z06 Cant wait.
The thrill of driving approx. 30 km down a paved road along the river banks is absolutely awesome. There are no other STS V in our area for approx. 250 miles. You shold see the heads turn when they see this car. Many are not sure about it but they love the looks Black w/deep tinted black windows!! Not many cars any nicer anywhere. My husband had no idea what I was after about a year ago when I told him about this new series. At that time I told him I was going to order one as soon as possible. I had read about this engine & couldn’t wait to get one. I knew then that Cadillac would get it right. Well the day it came in I told my husband my new car was in & He was thrilled that my need for speed & handling came in such a beautiful car. I use this car everyday for work & it makes my day. everyday.
Thanks
Diane
Ruckus
what is the price of 2006 STS-V
Patrick Clark
The STS V sound like it is right up my alley. Since I’ve been married (10 years or so) I haven’t had time or money to spend on nice cars. I have a 2001 STS and love to go fast. I can’t wait for a used STS V to come into my price range!
Having been a Benz guy for a dozen years or more, I must say that the posts above are correct about the need for more attention to detail in terms of ergonomics and fit and finish. While the CAdi is right there in terms of performance, it is not even close in terms of everyday drivability and overall ” quality feel”. My S class and E class benzes always felt like they were carved of a solid chunk of steel and ALWAYS maintained their composure even when they were “technically out of control”. Nothing seems to match the experience of an S class Benz. But, if GM were to really take the time and build something that matched an S class.( and I am willing to bet GM could do so for less than MB charges) then you will have customers coming in droves!
All of that said, nobody appreciates the progress that has been made SO FAR than me. I will be loyal to the Cadi badge as long as you are trying to do “the right thing”.
Jocelyn
I am very interested in becoming a test driver too. I have no idea what steps to take: Do I need a special DL? Who do I contact? ANY information at all would be greatly appreciated!
Tim
how do u become a test driver. it is the coolest job ever, i have a true passion for cars.
Skyler Eppich
I have always loved cars. my father has owned several vetts and his own custom built race car. in fact he still has his high school car. a 69 dodge dart swinger. i have dreamed about test driving cars for large motor companies. i would love to get some information on how to make my dreams come true.
Corey Mannoia
I have always wanted to be one of the test drivers for a large motor company like GM. How would I go about living my dream?
Jonathan Roberts
I am 15 years old and living in South Africa.I have been driving cars since the age of 6 and truly want to become a tets driver.Can anyone offer me some advice? Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Kind regards
Jonathan
Jim Pastorius
I have been a GM fan for many years. Starting with my father’s 65 Chevelle SS and cemented when I first view his silver 69 Z/28.
Now I find myself running a 92 Camaro 1LE in the NASA Camaro-Mustang Challenge.
It has been many years since your days with these cars, any chance you remember some suspension tricks? The driveline must stay stock. The only modification to the suspension are Koni SA and an adjustable panhard bar.
The car is pretty awesome as is. So I thought maybe I would solicit advice from the expert. Otherwise, I will leave well enough alone.
Great job on the 1LE.
Sincerely,
Jim Pastorius
Raleigh, NC
Jerry
I have to ask the infamous question. How could I as a ordinary person be a test driver for GM? In the past 8 months I have seen Lincoln MKS, Ford FLEX, Mercedes-Benz ML and GL-Class, Volkswagen test mules roll through my town in Northwest Florida. This is a question that I have had for the past 10 years.
Alonzo Valentine
John,
I know there are a lot of comments above, and this article is pretty old, so my expectations of a response are limited. nonetheless, I am an eighteen year old second semester mechanical-engineering freshman at Howard Universty, and i’ve been searching for weeks on how to go about my degree to land a job as a test-driver. As a professional, what kind of advice can you give me?