New 2016 Cadillac CTS-V Has 640HP Supercharged V8, Reaches 200MPH

With 640hp, the new 2016 CTS-V is not only Cadillac’s most powerful production model ever, but it also out-powers the German competition, including BMW’s 552hp (560PS) M5 and Mercedes’ 577hp (585PS) E63 AMG S.

Power comes from GM’s LT4 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that churns out 640 horsepower (477 kW) and 630 lb-ft (855 Nm) of torque, which is 10hp and 20 lb-ft (26Nm) less than the Corvette Z06.

An eight-speed automatic with paddle-shifters, launch control and Performance Algorithm Shifting, drives the rear wheels allowing the new CTS-V to reach 60mph (96km/h) in 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 200mph (322km/h).

Cadillac claims that the auto box “rivals the dual-clutch/semi-automatic transmissions found in many luxury performance sedans – but with the smoothness and refinement that come with a conventional automatic fitted with a torque converter”.

The CTS-V has wider front and rear tracks along with a limited-slip differential and GM’s third-generation Magnetic Ride Control and Performance Traction Management with four modes named Tour, Sport, Track and Snow.

Stopping power comes courtesy of a Brembo braking system with two-piece 15.3-inch-diameter (390 mm) front rotors with staggered six-piston calipers and 14.3-inch-diameter (365 mm) rear rotors with four-piston calipers

Furthermore, Cadillac states that torsional rigidity is improved by 25 percent over non-V models. It rides on 19-inch wheels wrapped with specially developed Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires that enable nearly 1g in lateral acceleration

As with the Corvette Z06, the new CTS-V comes with GM’s Performance Data Recorder that allows drivers to “record high-definition video, with data overlays, of their driving experiences on and off the track”.

Much like the ATS-V sedan and coupe that were introduced at the LA Auto Show last month, the CTS-V has a certain aftermarket feel on the outside, with unique elements including a carbon fiber hood with an air-extracting vent, chrome upper and lower front grilles, redesigned bumpers, front spoiler, rear diffuser and quad pipes.

There’s also an available Carbon Fiber package with a more aggressive front splitter, hood vent, rear diffuser and spoiler.

On the inside, the CTS-V gets sports seats trimmed in semi-aniline leather, with sueded microfiber inserts and seatbacks or optionally, Recaro bucket seats, different décor and a unique version of the 12.3-inch instrument panel cluster display. There are three color combinations on offer, including Jet Black, Jet Black with Light Platinum accents and Saffron with Jet Black accents.

The new CTS-V will have its world premiere at the Detroit auto show in January before it reaches U.S. showrooms in the summer.