No longer satisfied with lagging behind the German big three when it comes to super saloon outputs, the Americans started their comeback to serious Q-car title contention with Chrysler’s Dodge Hellcat twins. Now, it’s Cadillac’s turn to show off some of its muscle with the 2016 CTS-V.
While the Charger Hellcat will still be the world’s most powerful production sedan, Cadillac’s put up a pretty good fight. The General Motors subsidiary’s halo model employs a supercharged 6,2-litre V8 powerplant that puts out 477 kW and 855 N.m of torque. Thanks to an eight-speed automatic transmission (and a launch control system), which sends torque to the rear wheels, the CTS-V is capable of a 3,7 second 0-100 km/h sprint and goes on to a top speed of 322 km/h.
But Cadillac also wanted to ensure that buyers of the new CTS-V wouldn’t have a hard time keeping the Detroit sleeper on the straight and narrow. So the firm’s engineers granted it 25 percent more torsional rigidity to increase handling and steering precision, wider front and front tracks, an electronically controlled limited slip differential, as well as Magnetic Ride Control active suspension damping. Peeking out from the 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in sticky Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber are 390 mm brake discs and six-piston calipers by Brembo.
Although the CTS-V is definitely possessed of a more extroverted exterior than its lesser brethren, by the way of the larger mesh grille, vents in the (painted) carbon-fibre bonnet, wider fenders and quad tailpipes, it’s still not too excessive. There’s also a carbon-fibre exterior package available for those who want a little more visual appeal.
The cabin vastly resembles the rest of the CTS range, but buyers can also opt for a carbon fibre trim package, as well as microfiber suede upholstery, Recaro front seats, and the company’s Performance Data Recorder – which plays back video and telemetry from track days.
The Cadillac CTS-V will make its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, as is expected to go on sale in left-hand drive markets mid 2015.
