Cadillac shows blown 477kW CTS

Cadillac's most powerful car ever has been revealed, in the form of the third-generation CTS-V powered by a 477kW/855Nm 6.2-litre supercharged V8.

Taking direct aim at German stalwarts such as the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG, the new performance leader of GM's large luxury flagship sedan is more powerful, faster and more suited to racetrack work, insists Cadillac.

Full details of the lavish new American bruiser were confirmed overnight in the US, ahead of its public debut at the 2015 Detroit motor show in January.

The 640hp sports sedan is powered by a new supercharged, direct-injection V8 sourced from the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, ensuring the new Cadillac CTS-V is the most powerful vehicle in the brand's 112-year history.

Fitted with a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission, launch control system and electronic limited-slip differential, the rear-wheel drive sports sedan is claimed to accelerate to 96km/h in 3.7 seconds.

The new donk features a smaller but faster-spinning supercharger than previously, which is said to allow "power-enhancing boost to be generated earlier in the rpm band".

Peak power of 477kW arrives at 6400rpm while maximum torque of 855Nm hits at 3600rpm, providing a significant 2800rpm powerband.

Top speed is claimed to be 322km/h, or 200mph, while at the other end of the performance spectrum the supercharged V8 also features cylinder-deactivation, which shuts down half the engine when it's not labouring to reduce fuel consumption.

Pitched as a premium luxury car that transform from cruiser to racetrack thrasher at a whim, Cadillac says the CTS-V allows for "track driving without modifications or special procedures".

With a 25 per cent stiffer body thanks to new strut towers and braces, along with Brembo brakes, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, new third-generation Magnetic Ride Control and competition-spec Performance Traction Management, the 2016 CTS-V is a more advanced, sharper handling vehicle than its predecessor, says Cadillac.

It can also be optioned with more aggressive carbon-fibre body work and Recaro sports seats finished in Mulan leather.

A Performance Data Recorder is designed to capture memorable drives, allowing owners to record high-definition video of their experiences – whether on road or track – complete with data overlays, which can then be shared via social media.

Cadillac president and former Audi USA and Infiniti boss, Johan de Nysschen, said the new model is "the most compelling example of Cadillac’s product substance and brand trajectory".

"The new CTS-V soars into the stratosphere of the most exhilarating luxury cars," he said.

De Nysschen added that Cadillac's 'V' designated models – akin to BMW's M and Audi's RS models – "represent the very best of the Cadillac brand – the pinnacle of our design and technical capabilities."

The new CTS-V also gets an aggressive new design that elevates it above regular CTS models. A new-look front fascia with larger air intakes, a subtle front splitter and a carbon-fibre bonnet with a power bulge are now standard.

It rides on forged 19-inch aluminium wheel rims shod with grippy Michelin rubber surrounded by flared wheel-arches to accommodate the wider front and rear tracks. At the rear there's a mild diffuser, boot lid spoiler and quad exhaust outlets.

Befitting any self-respecting luxury car, the CTS-V comes with several advanced features designed to make regular driving a little less stressful, with a new front kerb-view camera system designed to avoid damaging the low front splitter. The Cadillac can also park itself and comes with all the expected driver aids, such as rear cross traffic, forward collision and blind spot alerts, plus lane keeping assistance.

Cabin niceties revolve around 20-way 'performance-oriented' heated and cooled front seats covered in semi-aniline leather with sueded microfibre inserts, plus a suede steering wheel and gear shifter, and a trio of interior colour schemes: Jet Black, Jet Black with Light Platinum accents and Saffron with Jet Black accents.

The view from the driver's seat encompasses a 12.3-inch instrument panel with V-Series graphics and a configurable head-up display is another highlight. A touch-screen interface is hooked up to a Bose surround sound stereo and wireless inductive phone charging is also featured, as is a wi-fi hotspot.

The chances of Caddy's new CTS-V flagship performance sedan seeing the light of day in Australia, where the current CTS formed the basis of Cadillac's stillborn launch a few years ago, are virtually nil – at least in this model generation.

As previously reported, ex-Infiniti boss de Nysschen is keen to develop the next generation of Cadillac vehicles for lucrative right-hand drive markets such as Australia and Japan, but notes that's "a long-term issue and by long-term I mean at least five years".