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Set to build on the formidable reputation of the fist generation CTS-V, which won many Eurocentric 4-door performance fans over with its peculiarly sorted handling - for a Cadillac - and crushing performance, the latest CTS-V will raise the bar considerably.
Built on the second generation GM Sigma platform, the latest CTS-V will feature rear-wheel drive, supercharged V8 Corvette power and either manual or automatic six-speed transmissions.
Styling has remained subtlety muscular, with a requisite power bulge on the bonnet - to accommodate the supercharged 6.2-litre V8 - aggressively woven mesh grille and front bumper inserts and flared wheel arches.
Sophisticated suspension
Enabling the CTS-V to challenge European super saloons with regards to handling finesse and fluidity, Cadillac has armed it with Magnetic Ride Control (MRC), which uses electro magnetically controlled dampers instead of mechanical valves, sharpening handling response time.
Electronic sensors at all four wheels constantly adjust damping to render precise body control even during extreme cornering.
Beyond MRC, another acronym, Performance Traction Management (PTM), ensures perfect synergy between the Corvette sourced supercharged V8 and available traction.
PTM regulates torque delivery to instantly match the available tire grip for maximum acceleration, instead of controlling wheel slip to assist in stopping or slowing the car, ensuring optimal traction even out of slow, off-camber second gear corners.
Unsophisticated but powerful
The Corvette sourced 6.2-litre supercharged V8 might appear comically outdated with its pushrod driven two-valve per cylinder intake system, but bolting on the latest, sixth generation, Eaton supercharger makes it put out 410kW and 745Nm, which is right in M5 and E63 AMG territory.
Weighing only a touch more than 1900kg, performance, whether applied with either the manual or automatic six-speed gearbox, should be epic, featuring 0-100km/h sprint times in the mid 4-second bracket.
Cadillac comfy interior
Cadillac is the American symbol for automotive luxury, and although the brand has seen a dynamic redemption with the CTS range, cosseting interiors are non negotiable.
Performance seat supplier, Recaro, slots in their latest 14-way adjustable performance seats, which include pneumatic bolster controls in the seat cushion and backrest to keep you comfy in even the most suicidal oversteer induced moments.
A microfibre material is added to the steering wheel, seats and shifter, providing the soft feel and luxurious appearance of suede without suede's inherent drawbacks of poor aesthetic durability and moisture sensitivity.
The CTS-V integrated centre stack will be trimmed with a new Obsidian material that is also applied to the centre console and door trim. Just like every CTS, the V-Series includes a hand-stitched instrument panel, door trim and centre console.
Leading-edge infotainment features, including a 40-gig hard drive, advanced navigation system with a "pop-up" screen and Bose digital surround audio, as well as factory-installed Bluetooth capability finish off the CTS-V interior appointments.
With the CTS due to arrive in South Africa during February, and considering Cadillac's keen interest to export the CTS-V to markets outside the traditional North American market footprint when it launches later this year, chances are one could perhaps see the CTS-V locally by early 2009.
