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It was inevitable that Cadillac would build upon the well-received CTS to replace the CTS-V performance variant, and the '09 model aims to top all of its performance sedan competitors. The mesh grille, dual exhaust and subtle body kit indicate that this CTS has the soul of a beast: a 550-horsepower supercharged 6.2 liter V8 with a choice of six-speed manual or paddle-shifted six-speed automatic transmission.

To get all of that horsepower to the road in a manageable fashion, the CTS-V is equipped with Magnetic Ride Control, fast-reacting system from Corvette. 15" six-piston Brembo brakes up front, and 14.3" in the rear. Recaro seats are used on the interior, and the usual wood trim is replaced with menacing obsidian. The CTS-V will also be available outside of the U.S. for the first time.