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Cadillac’s 2016 CTS-V hits 200 mph with a 640-hp V8 yanked from a Corvette Z06

Stephen Edelstein
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Following the unveiling of its baby brother, the ATS-V in Los Angeles back in November, the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V will thunder into the 2015 Detroit Auto Show a few weeks from now.

The third-generation CTS-V is the meanest ever, featuring all of the refinements of the current CTS with a powertrain that will inspire more than a few expletives from slack-jawed onlookers.

Lurking under the hood of this Caddy is a 6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V8, the same one used in the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. For the CTS-V, it’s tuned to 640 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque.

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That not only makes this car the most powerful production Cadillac ever, but also puts it just ahead of the departed 638-hp Corvette ZR1, as well as the Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini Huracán LP610-4, and Porsche 911 Turbo S.

Driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission (sorry, no manual), that lump of greatness can launch the CTS-V to 60 mph from a standstill in 3.7 seconds, and on to a top speed of 200 mph.

2016 Cadillac CTS-V

That means the Caddy can’t quite match the 204-mph, 707-hp 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, which will likely cost less.

To make sure the CTS-V can do more than pummel its passengers with accelerative forces, Cadillac also equipped it with an electronic limited-slip differential, an updated Magnetic Ride Control suspension system, and Brembo performance brakes.

Cadillac’s Performance Traction Management system includes four driver-selectable modes – Tour, Sport, Track, and Snow – because what’s 640 hp without choices?

The structure is also 25 percent stiffer compared to non-V CTS models, thanks to strategically-placed chassis bracing.

Naturally, Cadillac made some more overt changes as well. The CTS-V features a vented carbon-fiber hood, sportier front and rear fascias, front splitter, and widened fenders made to accommodate model-specific 19-inch wheels.

On the inside, Cadillac offers leather-trimmed Recaro sport seats with adjustable bolsters (power-adjustable heated and ventilated “performance-oriented” seats are standard), and some sportier trim options to match the rest of the car’s attitude.

Despite the shout-y exterior and muscular engine, there’s also a long list of features. This is a Cadillac, after all.

So the CTS-V achieves its impressive performance figures while hauling around a 12.3-inch instrument panel display screen, wireless inductive phone charger, and OnStar 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.

Additional tech features include Siri Eyes Free, navigation with Bose Surround Sound audio, the maligned CUE system, and the Performance Data Recorder introduced on the 2015 Corvette Stingray.

That makes the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V the perfect car for the performance junkie that doesn’t want to leave any toys at home.

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Stephen Edelstein
Stephen Edelstein
Contributing Editor
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
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