Meet the 640-hp Cadillac CTS-V

    

Hot rod Cadillac will debut at Detroit Auto Show, gets Corvette Z06’s LT4

    Cadillac unveiled the 640-hp, 6.2-liter LT4-powered CTS-V before its official debut at the Detroit auto show in January. The new halo car will get 630 lb-ft of twist to go along with that power, good for a lightning-quick 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds.

    “This is the maximum Cadillac V-series,” said David Caldwell, Cadillac spokesperson.

     We have every reason to believe him, considering the first generation CTS-V delivered 400 hp, the second gen brought 556 hp, and this one borrows the engine from the stellar Corvette Z06 -- good for 200 mph, by the way.

     Cadillac felt a supercharged engine was the direction to go in the CTS-V, saying that as much as they love the turbo engine in the ATS-V, this car needed instant, smooth power.

     “There’s still no replacement for a 6.2-liter V8,” said chief engineer Tony Roma.

   The sprint time gets help from a launch control program and the eight-speed automatic transmission, which will be the only gearbox offered. It also gets the ’Vette’s performance shift algorithm, which can detect track-style driving and adjust the transmission accordingly.

    Power is sent rearward -- no AWD -- to an electronically controlled limited slip differential. Caddy also skipped the carbon ceramic brakes on the V, saying that the stock iron discs are better prepared to stop the car repeatedly from high speeds without long-term noise or chatter. Brembo calipers will be offered in three colors. Summer Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires are standard, but Cadillac says winter tires will be easy to find, if so inclined.

    Like all of GM’s performance cars, the CTS-V gets the company’s Magnetic Ride Control with settings for tour, sport and track, which also adjusts the throttle, shifting and steering. The system is now in its third generation. Caddy claims that at 60 mph it reacts in 1-inch increments. It’ll pull 1g on the skid pad, according to Cadillac, but drag and downforce numbers aren’t yet available.

    The sheetmetal is new from the front doors forward. The CTS-V gets fender vents that remind us a bit of the Chevy SS, a new protruding front lip and a mesh grille that’s shaped like an airfoil to help in cooling.

    “Nothing is purely decoration,” said exterior designer Brian Smith. “It’s all functional.”

     The fenders are wider to accommodate the bigger wheels while the hood bulge covers the 1.7-liter supercharger. The car will be offered in six colors, excluding the promotional matte white, which will be available in limited numbers.

    We’ll get more info on pricing and production at the Detroit auto show.