Leaked: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

550 hp from 6.2l V8

The States are raving mad about the new Cadillac CTS, picking up awards left and right for looks and comfort, something the WCF newsroom just can't understand. Cadillac seems to have turned down the right path and is taking it one step further, this Sunday at the 2008 North American International Auto Show Cadillac will be unveiling their CTS-V sports sedan. MotorAutority has been kind enough to post 21 images of the embargoed car.

The CTS-V is powered by GM's 6.2 liter supercharged V8 (LSA) which will also be propelling the ZR1 Blue Devil Corvette in LS9 guise. The LSA engine produces 550 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque, while the LS9 puts 650 hp to the road. Power is transferred through either a manual six-speed transmission or, for the first time on the CTS-V, an automatic paddle-shift Hydramatic six-speed transmission.

But where the Corvette is famous for its straight-line acceleration, the CTS-V is claimed to perform as well (if not better) going through twists and turns than its European counterparts thanks to its Electro-Magnetic suspension. Two options can be altered between, Sport and Tour, while Brembo brakes (front: six piston; rear: four piston) will put the vehicle to a halt again.

The CTS-V also comes with a fancy new traction control system, based on the system found in the CTS-V race car, ensuring maximum traction without loosing too much power like most traction control systems.

Do we finally have a proper American M5 killer? Stay tuned for official info from the Detroit show which starts this Sunday.