2016 Cadillac CTS-V is 640 hp rocket aimed at Mercedes-Benz and BMW V8s

Cadillac has taken the covers off its most powerful car by the company so far, the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V. With 640 hp and 855 Nm, the new Cadillac CTS-V has claimed the bragging rights going from zero to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. And the company has wasted no time to proclaim that the 6.2L supercharged V8 engine in the CTS-V has more horsepower and torque than the Mercedes-Benz 5.5L biturbo V8 and the BMW M-series 4.4L TwinPower (twin-turbo) V8 units.

“V-Series represents the very best of the Cadillac brand – the pinnacle of our design and technical capabilities,” said Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac president. “The new CTS-V is the most compelling example of Cadillac’s product substance and brand trajectory. The new CTS-V soars into the stratosphere of the most exhilarating luxury cars.”

The new Cadillac CTS-V comes with a track ready design, chassis and suspension elements to manage all that power seamlessly. Key features include carbon fiber hood as standard with carbon fiber vent, front splitter, rear spoiler and rear diffuser as options, Brembo high-performance brake system, Third-generation Magnetic Ride Control with 40-percent faster damping response, integrated chassis controls including competition-spec Performance Traction Management, Driver-selectable modes for touring, sport and track driving conditions and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires with tri-compound technology. Inside too, the design is performance oriented with sueded microfiber accents and matte-finish carbon fiber trim and available RECARO high-performance seats.

All the fame for the new CTS-V is credited to the all-new 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine without a doubt, which makes 640 hp at 6400 rpm and peak torque of 855 Nm at 3600 rpm. All this power is sent to the rear wheels through a eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine makes use of a more-compact 1.7-litre supercharger and matches it with direct injection and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation).

“V-Series is the emotive core of Cadillac and the apex of the brand’s Art and Science design philosophy,” said Andrew Smith, executive director, Cadillac Global Design. “The CTS-V reflects that with a bold sense of arrival, serious performance, seamless integration of technology and precision in its craftsmanship. The exposed carbon fiber components, for example, are book-matched on the centerline for a more precise, tailored appearance.”

“With the performance the new CTS-V is capable of delivering, the interior needs to be as functional as the other vehicle systems,” said Smith. “All of the contact points – the steering wheel, seats, shifter and pedals – are designed to make performance driving experiences direct and intuitive.”

The CTS-V also gets advanced safety and parking technologies in the form of a front curb-view camera system that provides a visual cue of curbs to protect the front splitter, automatic parking assist, side blind zone alert, forward collision alert, lane keep assist and rear cross traffic alert.