Jan. 13--If you've been wondering what direction Cadillac is heading under president Johan de Nysschen, it is putting performance at the forefront of the brand's evolving identity with a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine with an 8-speed automatic that generates 640 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque.
In a four-door sedan.
The redesigned 2016 CTS-V goes 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds.
It has a top speed of 200 mph.
Introduced at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, the CTS-V is the most powerful vehicle in Cadillac's 112-year history and is at the vanguard of a product offensive that will bring eight new models to market by 2020.
"The new CTS-V is the most compelling example of Cadillac's product substance and brand trajectory," said de Nysschen.
Much like Lexus' race-inspired F-series, the V-series is the performance line aimed at drawing in a younger demographic than typical Cadillac buyers.
"It is track ready from the showroom floor," de Nysschen said of the CTS-V. A lightweight carbon fiber hood, front splitter, rear spoiler and diffuser push the CTS into mind-boggling performance specs.
The CTS-V out-powers the 5.5-liter biturbo V-8 in Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, the all-new 2016 LExus GS F midsize, and BMW's M-series 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8.
"We will challenge the market leaders head on," de Nysschen pronounced, "precisely where they are strongest."
The CTS-V will come available with Recaro racing seats, 19-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport ties, three drive modes and advanced safety features.
Pricing was not announced, but it is sure to be more than the outgoing CTS-V, which started at $63,000.
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Twitter @DufferRobert
