Currently reading: New Cadillac CTS-V to take on BMW M5
High-performance version of Cadillac's CTS to feature supercharged 6.2-litre V8 and distinctive new styling, plans to take on premium German rivals

The upcoming Cadillac CTS-V will look to take on the likes of the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG when it goes on sale in 2015.

These latest spy shots show the car winter testing, with this test mule seen benchmarking its performance against a current BMW M5.

Visible in these images are dramatic cosmetic changes to the nose, compared to the CTS, on which it is based, although it is not clear if these will reach production.

The spy shots have further revealed the car's quad exhaust tips and notable power bulge, which confirm that this is a CTS-V and not a 'standard' variant of the CTS.

Cadillac's new CTS-V is expected to receive the recently launched 'LT4' V8, which debuted in the Chevrolet Corvette C7 Z06.

Using the new LT4 engine would grant the CTS-V a power output in the region of 600bhp, and around 600lb ft of torque; its unlikely that it will offer more than the C7 Z06's quoted 625bhp and 635lb ft.

Power will be sent to the rear wheels, most likely via General Motor's new eight-speed automatic transmission.

The current CTS-V uses a supercharged 6.2-litre 'LSA' V8 that produces 556bhp and 551lb ft, allowing the saloon to sprint from 0-60mph in 3.9sec.

No official details have yet been released, but US list prices are expected to start at upwards of £40k.

Additional reporting by Darren Moss, 19 March 2014

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Peter Cavellini 20 March 2014

Ho hum..........

So, stick a big V8 in it,man it up a bit,and hey presto!......it's an M5 chaser,really!,an M5 is way more than just a bahn stormer,it as we know does handle,is built better,has more heritage,can be had with the steering wheel either RHD or LHD,when this Caddy goes on sale in Europe it'll be double the US price,nope,making cars go faster my slotting in a big engine does not always make good car, come on Uncle Sam!, you could do better!
philcUK 22 March 2014

Bias not withstanding....

Peter – the European price of the last CTS-V – fully optioned – was 5 grand cheaper than the base spec M5 and also consistently faster than it on track tests. The big mystery really is why Caddy refuses to market their products outside of the states. They are constantly improving the hardware and today’s cars are excellent – even the last gen CTS-V’s could give the Germans a run for the money - but despite all this and having a price based competitive edge they consistently let the brand whither and die through apathy in non domestic markets – their European sales have fallen almost ten fold since its peak in 2007. The mind boggles.
john bon 20 March 2014

New Cadillac CTS-V to take on BMW M5

Yes,
In AMERICA!!! Not here, not Europe.

Maybe 3 sales in Russia and six in China, but the rest -
IN AMERICA!!

ChrisToddRed 19 March 2014

Don't under estimate it

I understand that the cts v and most american cars in general aren't too highly regarded among many car enthusiasts. I even live in the states and i have to agree for the most part when it comes to american cars, but the previous cts v was regarded by many to be very close to it's rivals and judging by the way the new vette has turned out and the way it addressed many of it's major criticisms i think this could place an interesting contender in the extremely competitive market segment. Not saying it will be to everyones taste but what it will have some extremely advanced electronic systems off the latest vette and it will definitely lay down some impressive lap times as well as a uniquely american muscle luxury air about it and for some it may be "the one" in that super saloon class.