The Cadillac CTS-V was launched in 2004 as a high-performance version of the CTS sedan. Aimed at fast sedans like the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, the CTS-V started out with a C5 Corvette-sourced LS6 V-8, rated at 400 horsepower. In its second generation, the sedan received a supercharged, 6.2-liter V-8 based on the LS9 mill found in the Corvette C6 ZR1. The LSA produced 556 horsepower and 551 pound-feet of torque and found its way into the station wagon and coupe versions the CTS-V received later on. Going into 2015, Cadillac->ke18 is rolling out the highly anticipated, third-generation CTS-V. Based on the brand-new CTS sedan with a redesigned exterior and a roomier interior, the 2016 CTS-V brings more power, updated technology, and less weight to the table.

The third-gen sedan sound brilliant on paper, mostly due to its 640-horsepower V-8 and bespoke interior. Much like the ATS-V that was created to give the BMW M4 a run for its money, the CTS-V is packed with custom features unique to the V-series lineup and more power than its direct competitors can handle. But does it have what it takes to finally dethrone the BMW M5->ke2922 and Mercedes E63 AMG from their spots at the top of the segment? Read on to find out.

Updated 11/17/2015: In its latest episode Jay Leno got to test the 2016 CTS-V. Hit play to see what he has to say about the first 200 mph Cadillac ever!

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V.

Exterior

As expected, the redesigned CTS-V features most of the styling introduced with the 2014 CTS while also showcasing a host of unique body elements. Up front, the headlamps are the only features that remained unchanged; everything else was remodeled for optimal aero performance and a menacing appearance. The grille is narrower a features a brand-new mesh pattern, as well as a smaller Cadillac crest. Down bellow, the thin air dam seen on the regular CTS has been enlarged significantly and equipped with the same honeycomb mesh.

The side intakes have been reshaped as well, while the apron showcases a carbon-fiber splitter. Speaking of carbon-fiber, the redesigned hood is made from the same weight-saving material and comes with an air-extracting vent that pulls hot air out of the engine compartment while also helping reduce lift.

When viewed from the side, the CTS-V sits lower thanks to its track-optimized suspension and features revised side skirts, wider fenders and all-new side vents with the V-series badge. Changes are less obvious around back, but a new trunklid spoiler and a redesigned bumper suggest this CTS is of the V-series variety. Gone is the plain apron with integrated, trapezoidal exhaust tips, replaced by a diffuser-like piece with round quad pipes.

Just like the smaller ATS-V, the CTS-V can be ordered with an available Carbon Fiber package that shaves a few more pounds and takes aerodynamics even further. The bundle includes a more aggressive front splitter, hood vent, rear diffuser and spoiler.

Exterior Dimensions

Side-by-side comparison

Interior

The new CTS-V may be gutsy on the outside and downright angry under the hood, but the interior is as luxurious as it gets. When you compete in the same segment as the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, you have to make sure your car is not just about performance, but convenience as well. And Cadillac did just that by taking the previous CTS-V up a notch in terms of equipment and technology alike.

Enter the cabin and you find yourself sitting comfortably in 20-way adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats. The performance-oriented seats are wrapped in semi-aniline leather with sueded microfiber and provide plenty of lateral support thanks to their revised design. Customers looking to spend more time at the track can opt for a set of Recaro performance seats that comes with adjustable bolsters and Mulan leather upholstery.

Naturally, the cabin is packed with cut-and-sew elements, decorative stitching and various soft-touch materials for the steering wheel, the shift knob, and the door panels. Only three color combinations are offered; Jet Black, Jet Black with Light Platinum accents, and Saffron with Jet Black accents. Granted, the offer is somewhat poor when compared with offerings from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but considering what you get under the hood, who gives a damn?!

Unique features continue with a bespoke version of the 12.3-inch instrument cluster display with V-series graphics and full-color head-up display. Cadillac's latest CUE infotainment system comes standard, as do the Bose Surround Sound audio system, Siri Eyes Free, wireless inductive phone charging and OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Customers also receive the Performance Data Recorder that debuted on the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. Let the hooning begin!

Interior Dimensions

Drivetrain

The highlight of the brand-new CTS-V is its engine. Although it displaces the same 6.2 liters as its predecessor, the V-8 powerplant is all-new and features stronger, aluminum cylinder heads and lightweight, titanium intake valves. In addition, the previous 1.9-liter supercharger has been replaced by a 1.7-liter blower that's more compact and more efficient. The unit's rotors are now smaller, allowing higher maximum rpm to be generated earlier in the rev band. Also, the boost is achieved more efficiently thanks to a more direct discharge port that creates less turbulence and less heat. An updated Active Fuel Management system improves fuel consumption.

Moving over to the part that interest us the most -- the numbers -- the supercharged V-8 sees massive improvement in terms of power and torque versus the previous sedan. With 640 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque at its disposal, the new powerplant generates an extra 84 ponies and 79 pound-feet compared to the model it replaces. The new output makes the 2016 CTS-V nearly as powerful as the 645-horsepower Dodge Viper and torquier than Chrysler's sports car. What's more, the CTS-V wipes out its main rivals, the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, on paper. The Bimmer's twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V-8 churns "only" 560 horses and 502 pound-feet, while AMG's 5.5-liter V-8 cranks out 577 ponies and 590 pound-feet in its S-Model tune.

The sprint to 60 mph takes 3.7 seconds, which is a significant improvement over the previous sedan's four seconds. This is where the CTS-V still lags behind the Merc E63 AMG S-Model, which needs just 3.5 seconds to achieve the same benchmark. On the other hand, the American sedan is no less than 0.7 seconds quicker than its BMW-badged competitor. Downright amazing! Top speed jumps from 186 to a mind-boggling 200 mph. As a refresher, the German sedans have their top speeds limited at 155 mph.

Cadillac also updated the CTS-V to GM's 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission for quicker shift-response times and greater efficiency. The autobox offers manual control via steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, while the Performance Algorithm Shifting makes it as quick as any dual-clutch transmission. At least that's what Cadillac claims. The bad news is there's no word on a manual option for the CTS-V as of December 2014.

Drivetrain Specifications

Chassis and Suspension

Although it shares the same wheelbase as the regular CTS, the V-Series sedan features wider front and rear tracks, a 25-percent stiffer structure, as well as track-honed chassis and suspension parts. Improvements include a multi-link, double-pivot MacPherson front suspension with cross-axis ball joints, high-rate springs and a stiffer stabilizer bar for greater roll stiffness and a revised, and a five-link rear suspension that delivers reduced roll center migration and stronger lateral control. An electronic limited-slip differential enables greater corner-exit acceleration, while GM's third-gen Magnetic Ride Control allows optimum performance based on the four driver-selectable modes.

Stopping power is provided by a Brembo brake system that includes two-piece, 15.3-inch front rotors with six-piston calipers and 13.4-inch rear rotors with four-piston calipers. The lightweight, 19-inch wheels are 45-percent stiffer than previous CTS-V wheels and use Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires to put all that power to the tarmac. The rubber was specially developed for the CTS-V and features a tri-compound tread for excellent grip and improved ride quality, as well as extended wear.

All told, we expect the new CTS-V to rise above its predecessor in terms of handling and ride with significant improvements on the track.

Prices

The 2016 Cadillac CTS-V is priced at $83,995.

Competitors

BMW M5

Revised for the 2014 model year, the current BMW M5 continues to be a popular choice among high-performance sedan enthusiasts. Motivated by the company's proven, 4.4-liter V-8, the M5 benefits from 560 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. These figures make it severely less powerful than the 2015 CTS-V. However, the M5 has all the dynamics BMW is known for on its side. In addition, its aggressive appearance and luxurious interior enable it to be a key player in the midsize market across the United States.

Performance-wise, the M5 is tough to beat, but the CTS-V does so on paper. The sedan sprints from 0 to 60 mph in only 4.4 seconds and screams up to 124 mph in just 13 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited at 155 mph, but once the limited is removed, the M5 can charge toward the 190 mph mark. Pricing for the beefed-up 5 Series starts from $92,900.

Read our full review on the BMW M5 here.

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

The E63 AMG is another strong competitor the CTS-V has to go against in the U.S.. Powered by a biturbo, 5.5-liter, V-8 engine, the ultra-fast sedan is available in two guises, both of which are quicker than the current M5 but only one is quicker than the CTS-V. Available with all-wheel drive only, the E63 AMG 4MATIC packs 550 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of twist. It needs only 3.7 seconds to sprint from 0 to 60 mph. Although that figure is impressive enough as it is, Mercedes-Benz is offering a faster version of the sedan: the E63 AMG S-Model.

The range-topping E-Class carries the same 5.5-liter, V-8 engine under the hood, but output sits at 577 horses and 590 pound-feet of torque. With the extra 27 ponies and 59 pound-feet, the 0-to-60 mph sprint drops to only 3.5 seconds -- 0.2 seconds faster than the CTS-V. Unlike the "regular" E63 AMG, which tops out at 155 mph, the S-model comes with a top speed of 186 mph. The E63 AMG 4MATIC retails from $92,770, while the E63 AMG S-Model fetches at least $99,770 before any options.

Read our full review on the Mercedes-AMG E63 here.

Conclusion

The second-generation CTS-V brought massive improvements to its predecessor, ranging from a more powerful engine to significantly enhanced handling and track performance. Now, Cadillac took the same route with the third-generation sedan, taking things up a notch performance-wise to the extent that the CTS-V outguns its German competitors in many ways. The brand's offensive against BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi just got a massive boost with the CTS-V, a sedan that's set to lead the segment as far as performance goes until the Germans find a way to inject more oomph into their midsize range-toppers. Sure, performance isn't just about horsepower and torque, but it seems the redesigned CTS-V has taken a huge step toward becoming the sedan that blends the characteristics of a luxury daily driver with those of a track-day sports car. BMW and Mercedes-Benz, you've been warned!

Update History

Updated 04/29/2015: Cadillac revealed prices for the 2016 CTS-V, which will arrive at dealers later this summer. The model is priced from $83,995 and dealers are now taking orders for it.

Updated 12/23/2014: We've just learned the official specs and details on the 2016 CTS-V and now its time to see if the new sports sedan knows how to turn a little rubber into smoke. Check out the newest burnout video above or after the jump.

Updated 07/17/2014: Today we created a series of renderings for the future CTS-V. Check them out after the jump.

Updated 12/16/2014: Cadillac confirmed that the 2016 CTS-V will make its world debut in early January 2015 at the Detroit Auto Show. According to Autoblog, Cadillac's official invitation to the brand's press conference confirms that "it's time for the V-Series to elevate to the next level." Stay tuned for the official details.

Updated 12/18/2014: Chris Doane Automotive revealed on its Facebook account that the future CTS-V sports sedan will be far better than expected. If the report is correct, the new CTS-V will be powered by a supercharged, 6.2-liter V8 engine that will deliver no less than 640 horsepower, shaming its German competition.

Updated 12/22/2014: Chevrolet unveiled the official details on the 2016 CTS-V sedan, with just a few weeks before the car's official debut in Detroit. Click past the jump for the new details.

Video

Rendering

We inspired our rendering from the spy shots you saw the other days, but we've added a new Maybach style wider grill, larger air intakes, splitter and body skirt all around the car. We've also included that hood vent you can see in the spy shots and a Corvette Z06 style bonnet design.

Spy Shots

July 16, 2014 - Cadillac CTS-V smokes tires at Nurburgring

July 14, 2014 - Cadillac CTS-V testing at Nurburgring