2016 Cadillac CTS-V Rips to a 200 MPH Top Speed

Cadillac just officially announced the brutal new CTS-V ahead of its official debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.

Wasting no further time, here’s what you need to know about the car. It packs a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that is a close relative to the LT4 in the Corvette Z06. It pushes a monstrous 640 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels exclusively through an eight-speed automatic transmission and is capable of traveling at up to 200 MPH, cementing it as the most powerful production car to ever wear a Cadillac crest. This is the new luxury sledgehammer that Cadillac is hoping to swing at nameplates like the BMW M5.

“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.”

Featuring launch control, Cadillac says the car will reach 60 MPH in 3.7 seconds and is designed to be both a fully track capable vehicle and a comfortable luxury cruiser. That mixture is made possible in large part by GM’s third-generation magnetic shocks and traction control system that offer four drive modes: tour, sport, track and snow. The car also comes standard with an electronic limited-slip rear differential.

The new V-Series sedan also comes with significantly upgraded brakes and a much stiffer chassis not to mention a revised suspension and specially designed Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

Cadillac also gave the new CTS-V a carbon fiber hood, unique front and rear fascias, wider fenders to accommodate its larger 19-inch wheels and a front splitter. Similarly, the interior comes with higher-end touches like matte-finish carbon fiber trim and suede inserts along with optional Recaro sport seats, although the standard front buckets are already impressive with 20-way adjustability. Just like the Corvette, Cadillac is integrating a performance data recorder that will keep track of lap times, performance data and video footage.