BC the Mag - Early Spring 2016

AUTO cannot be completely eliminated. The supercharger is one of them. Its whine fills the cabin when you're feeding the V more juice and when its sound is paired with a burly V8, you really cannot go wrong.

Looking at this V from the outside, I don't think the average individual would pick up on what a monster it really is. I wouldn't exactly call it a wolf in sheep's clothing, but it does look rather dapper. Think of it as a body builder in a tailored suit that's probably a size too small.

Sure, it has more aggressive styling with a larger front grille and bigger air intakes to cool the impressive engine, but it doesn't come off as overtly aggressive. Yes, it has a new wheel and tire package that make the big brake kit very visible, but it's not in your face. What may be a bit of a giveaway is the larger rear decklid spoiler and quad-tipped exhaust when the baffles are open. When they're closed it seems like a normal sedan. However, when they're open it sounds like you have a bassy, rumbling giant on your hands. And that's because you do.

After getting more comfortable in front of the CTS-V's Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and closing the door, you'll appreciate the cabin’s inviting aspect.

My test vehicle was equipped with a pair of Recaro, race-inspired seats, which means that support and bolstering is more than taken care of. Another improvement over the last-gen product, these seats provide the right mix of sporting potential and comfort. In the last-gen CTS-V, the Recaro's padding was too stiff and was painful after driving around for an extended period of time. Elsewhere around the cabin you'll note the clever use of Alcantara and leather, which makes it feel just a bit more special than some of its competitors.

Though this all sounds good, I have to say I could do without the use of touch-sensitive buttons on the center stack. While GM tried this out with the first-generation Chevrolet Volt, it abandoned that with the all-new 2016 model year Volt. Something tells me I am not the only one wishing I had something with more of a tactile feel. The reality is that the haptic feedback that produces an almost non-existent "thunk" when you touch a button just isn't enough when you're hauling at speed. The last thing I want to do is take my eyes from the road and inspect if a button lit up or did what I intended for it to do.

But, what's it like to drive? I've been waiting to get to this part.

Since all the aforementioned power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels, you have a bit of a wildcat on your hands. Unlike many of today's all-wheel drive cars, if you goose the throttle you will chirp the wheels and lose traction. First gear's a Duesey if you aren't paying attention. So is second and third. This makes the driving experience truly exhilarating. With so many of today's