SPY PHOTOS: Cadillac CTS V-Series

We’ve shot several “ordinary” CTS test cars in mild camouflage in recent weeks, but this is NOT the run-of-the-mill (future) CTS: Our prototype, as seen here, has a huge bubble in the hood, performance wheels and wide tires, unique (larger) exhaust pipes and – our photographer swears – an obvious “supercharger sound.”

Engine-wise, we’ve heard more rumours than jellybeans in a bottle. One of our most dependable sources claims the CTS V Series will be powered by a 4.6-liter non-supercharged V8, while others insist (and our pictures likely show) a supercharged V8 is in store for the hot CTS. And some even claim this will share the Stingray’s supercharged V8 – which could be why these two test groups are working in the same “neighbourhood.”

Horsepower estimates have also been all over the board, but we’re guessing the CTS V will have somewhere between 550-600-hp. Production should start in the autumn of 2008, and an annual run of 7500 V-Series units is expected.