It seems that Cadillac is very serious about living up to its slogan: The Standard of the World.
Today they announced the introduction of the most powerful car in their 112 years, the 640 hp CTS-V. Said to be capable of speeds of over 200 miles per hour, they will debut the hyper-performance sedan in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show, but have released most of the details already.
The heart of this car is its motor, a 6.2L supercharged V8 that pumps out more power than either the top of the line engines from Mercedes AMG or BMW M. In addition to performance features like small diameter supercharger rotors and an aluminum cylinder head that transfers heat more effectively, this new motor also features cylinder deactivation technology currently employed in the Corvette Stingray, so fuel economy should be better than any of its German, British or Italian rivals.
The power is put down through an 8-speed automatic transmission with full-manual paddle shifters, and the car is shod with 19-inch, low-mass wheels wearing tri-compound Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. The already best-in-class magnetic ride control suspension has been upgraded to deliver 40% faster damping response and the chassis is 25% stiffer which should mean improved overall driving dynamics and more control.
Of course it’s important for a car that goes this fast to stop just as quickly. Cadillac has outfitted the CTS-V with a Brembo high performance braking system with 15.3 inch rotors up front, 14.3 in the rear and staggered 6-piston calipers for track-ready stopping power.
On the outside, form and function are one, with extensive use carbon fiber and surface designs that optimize cooling and aerodynamic performance. All in all, the look is purposeful and bad-ass.
Clearly this is a Cadillac that’s designed not just to lead, but to dominate.