Although the Cadillac CTS Sedan arrived with a brand new face at the 2013 New York International Auto Show->ke226, its performance-oriented cousins have yet to receive the updated look.

The entire CTS-V->ke1200 lineup, consisting of sedan, coupe and wagon models, charged into 2014 without major modifications, with Cadillac->ke18 hoping to lure customers from BMW->ke178 or Audi->ke14 with more horsepower for less bucks.

That won't change much for the first half of the 2015 model year, at least not as far as the CTS-V is concerned, as the manufacturer opted to end the current-generation model with a special edition two-door that will be available in the second half of 2014.

Only 500 of these cars will be built and sold with a number of exclusive features to complement the host of luxury amenities already offered with the CTS-V Coupe. The special edition model will provide passage between the current-generation version and the brand-new coupe that's scheduled to break cover next year.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe.

2015 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 556 @ 6100
  • Torque: 551 @ 3800
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Don't look for any styling changes on the 2015 CTS-V. There are none, not even a headlamp or a new set of wheels, although the rims are now available in a Satin Graphite finish and are contrasted by red brake calipers. Exterior colors will be limited to three shades, Crystal White, Phantom Gray and Black Diamond, the latter offered at extra cost ($995).

Despite the lack of novelties, the CTS-V Coupe remains somewhat attractive due to its muscular lines and sleek appearance, both enhanced by a suspension that sits lower when compared to the sedan.

Satin Graphite wheels

2015 Cadillc CTS-V Coupe - Drivetrain/Specifications

Wheelbase (in / mm)

113.4 / 2880

Length (in / mm)

188.5 / 4789

Height (in / mm)

56 / 1422

Width (in / mm)

74.1 / 1883


Interior

Things become a little more compelling inside, where the driver and the passenger will ride in Recaro performance seats. The interior also benefits from microfiber suede-wrapped steering and shift knob, as well as a set of metal pedals. Additionally, the 2015 CTS-V Coupe will come with an exclusive Ebony interior with red contrast stitching and the Midnight Sapele wood trim previously offered on the Black Diamond Edition. Those looking to enjoy a bit of sunlight in the cabin can select the sunroof option for $700.

Just like this year's model, the 2015 special edition will feature standard heated, eight-way power seats, rear center console with dual cup holders and steering wheel mounted control for audio, traction control and StabiliTrak.

Drivetrain

Open the hood and you'll find the same 6.2-liter, V-8 engine with a 1.9-liter Eaton supercharger on top. Although output figures remained unchanged, that's far from bad news, because the mill pumps 556 horsepower and 551 pound-feet of torque, which is enough to blow most competitors away.

Connected to either a Tremec six-speed manual or a Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic, the engine will propel the coupe from naught to 60 mph in four seconds and up to a top speed of 180 mph. Naturally, the special edition comes equipped with Cadillac's Magnetic Ride Control system and Brembo brakes all around.

Far from being its strong point, fuel economy remains at 12 mpg city and 18 mpg highway with the automatic transmission and 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway with the manual gearbox.

2015 Cadillc CTS-V Coupe - Drivetrain/Specifications:

Type

6.2L Supercharged V-8

Displacement (cu in / cc):

376 / 6162

Bore & stroke (in / mm)

4.06 x 3.62 / 103.25 x 92

Block material

cast aluminum

Cylinder head material

cast aluminum

Valvetrain

overhead valve, two valves per cylinder

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm)

556 / 415 @ 6100

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm)

551 / 747 @ 3800


Prices

Pricing for the special edition CTS-V Coupe will be announced closer to its launch date. The 2014 model retails from $65,825 and we don't expect for Cadillac to add too much to the sticker.

Competition

BMW M4

Before it makes way for the brand-new CTS-V Coupe, this special edition model will have to go against the BMW M4, probably the most desirable coupe to hit U.S. streets this year. Redesigned inside and out, the M4 is 11 pounds lighter than the model it replaces (M3 Coupe). Engineered with efficient aerodynamics in mind, the M4 also benefits from a tremendous amount of downforce while keeping its design road-friendly appealing.

The sporty interior seen on the 4 Series becomes even more aggressive in the M4, with race-inspired front seats and numerous details crafted by the company's M division. The car changed even more engine-wise, with the naturally-aspirated V-8 being ditched in favor of a turbocharged, 3.0-liter, inline-six unit. Available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT, the mill sends 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque to the wheels.

The M4 charges quite quickly from 0 to 60 mph, taking only 3.9 seconds with the automatic transmission and 4.1 seconds with the manual gearbox. Top speed is limited at 155 mph.

Audi RS5

The RS5 isn't exactly new, but it did receive a facelift for the 2014 model year, gaining a new front grille, revised bumpers and LED technology for the taillights. Inside, the RS5 is sportier than both its Cadillac and BMW competitors, featuring high-back design sports seats with integrated headrests and red-painted components for more aggressive contrasts. The vehicle's cabin is obviously no stranger to luxury and comes with carbon inlays instead of the regular aluminum or wood trims.

Motivation is provided by the proven 4.2-liter V-8. The engine is rated at 450 horsepower and 316 found-feet of torque and pushes the coupe from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. That's about half a second slower than both the BMW M4 and the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe. Top speed is rated at 174 mph. The U.S. model can only be had with Audi's seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission operated via paddle shifts mounted behind the steering wheel. As far a fuel economy goes, the RS5 returns 16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined.

Conclusion

Although dated by design, the CTS-V Coupe still has a lot of power to offer. On the other hand, it still lacks some of the features found on its German competitors and the new additions aren't really helping in that aspect. The good new though is that the new CTS-V is coming next year and we'll be getting more power, new tech and a more modern design.