It's hard to believe that the third-generation Cadillac CTS-V is about to debut at the Detroit auto show, a decade after the first hot-rod sedan to wear the wreath and crest debuted. At that point, it was Cadillac's moment to prove itself as a maker of more than just luxurious sedans that wafted about, hinging on the success of the (then-revolutionary) CTS. So much more than the sum of its parts, each successive CTS-V has come even closer to supercar territory.
That's why waiting for the final horsepower figures for the 2016 CTS-V sedan was about as nerve-wracking as watching the lottery numbers appear on television.
And the numbers are? The CTS-V's supercharged, 6.2-liter V-8 engine will produce 640 horsepower—an increase of 84 horsepower over the current model—and go on to a top speed of 200 mph.
Holy humanity.
Thanks to all that power, Cadillac claims that the 2016 CTS-V sedan will be capable of a Corvette Stingray-shaming 3.7-second sprint to 60 mph. An 8-speed automatic is the only transmission yet confirmed, although it wouldn't be out of character for a manual transmission to later appear. Like the upcoming ATS-V, the new CTS-V will also feature a carbon-fiber hood, as well as Magnetic Ride Control and Brembo brakes.
Impressively, the styling of the next-generation CTS-V looks less angular and threatening than the current model's, owing to the third-generation CTS' demure yet mature nature—although Cadillac claims that nearly every exterior body panel is bespoke. We're particularly keen on the expansive wire-mesh grille and front splitter, as well as the kickin' 19-inch wheels, and we can't wait to see its interior.
Expect the CTS-V sedan to hit Cadillac showrooms in the third quarter of 2015, but don't expect them to sit on dealer lots for long. Check back for our first look at the 2016 CTS-V straight from Detroit next month!
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