200-Mile Per Hour 2016 Cadillac CTS-V Unveiled Ahead of NAIAS

Right now, many children are studying their family Christmas trees studying whether the gifts addressed to them will be the highly desired toy or the less intriguing clothing item. When we were young, we were taught waiting would be rewarded on December 25th (sometimes Christmas Eve depending on the family tradition). Sometimes, the anxiety of delivering a gift could prove difficult for the gift giver. Cadillac just couldn't wait until January's North American International Auto Show to show the world their latest gift to the performance luxury sedan market. The latest iteration of the General Motors' premium brand's beloved performance luxury, the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V sedan has arrived ahead of Santa Claus' sleigh.

At First Glance:

It could be said from the debut of the 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan that engineers were provided with quite an elegantly athletic shape to work with when creating the third-generation version of their V-8 sport luxury sedan. The larger, polished look of the latest CTS served as an already striking. Upping the ante with the 2016 CTS-V, performance artists at Cadillac has applied a number of distinguishing touches to their latest sedan.

Topped the front-end with a new engine cover, the carbon fiber hood of the 2016 CTS-V is near identical to the design used on the 455-horsepower Cadillac ATS-V. An optional Carbon Fiber package allows the lightweight engineered material be used to accent the vent, front splitter and rear diffuser of the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V sedan. The front of the new CTS-V has been reshaped for optimized aerodynamics and feature larger air inlets. Upper and lower grille sections feature a mesh covering completed by a smaller Cadillac emblem.

Wider fenders accommodate Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires mounted to 19-inch forged aluminum wheels. Chevrolet SS-like side vents and a large rear deck lid spoiler is also found on the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V conveying greater dynamics for the four-door sedan.

Momentum and Control:

When the first-generation CTS-V was introduced in 2004, 400 horsepower provided some more than satisfactory movement for the sedan. In 2009, the larger hood for the second incarnation of the Cadillac CTS-V packed a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 LSA engine generating 556 horsepower. For 2016, the natural progression of the CTS-V had observers expecting more than 600 horsepower from the vehicle. Achieving a new plateau for American super luxury sedans, the official output rating for the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V is rated at 640 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque.

An all-new 6.2-liter V-8 engine powers the third-generation CTS-V. Conforming with the LT4 engine design (also used to propel the all-new Chevrolet Corvette Z06), the 2016 CTS-V operates with a more efficient supercharger unit using smaller diameter rotors. The reduced diameter allows boosted power at a lower RPM range granting the vehicle extra responsiveness. The all-aluminum Cadillac powerplant also features intelligent control through gasoline direct injection and Active Fuel Management.

Rear-wheel propulsion from the 2016 CTS-V's engine will be channelled through an eight-speed automatic transmission featuring steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. Employing Performance Algorithm Shifting, Cadillac touts that the automatic transmission on the new CTS-V operates more quickly than dual-clutch gearboxes that are growing in popular among European automakers. Estimated to reach a top speed of 200 miles per hour, the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V's 0 to 60-mile per hour acceleration time is rated at 3.7 seconds.

A 25 percent stiffer structure made possible with additional bracing has insured competent all-around handling and performance for the 640-horsepower Cadillac sedan. Performance Traction Management provides four selectable driving modes that allows the driver to match handling to specific conditions. The latest application of GM's Magnetic Ride Control dampers, ZF Steering System Servotronic II electric power steering, standard electronic limited-slip differential and high-performance Brembo brakes promises to make the 2016 CTS-V one of the greatest driving sport sedans.

The Cabin:

Inside, the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V immediately informs the driver how performance and luxury can exist at the same time in such a glorious presentation. Offered in one of three color combinations (Jet Black, Jet Black with Light Platinum accents and Saffron with Jet Black accents), the 2016 CTS-V's interior employs decorate stitching touches. Standard front seating consist of heated and ventilated semi-aniline leather/sueded microfiber seats with 20-way adjustment. Buyers could also opt for more aggressively-shaped Recaro performance seats.

Technology also receives an upgrade with the 2016 model year variant of the Cadillac CTS-V. A 12.3-inch instrument display provided ahead of the motorist is accompanied by a full-colour heads-up display. Cadillac's CUE infotainment system serves as the control centre for navigation, connecting Bluetooth enabled devices and interacting with Siri Eyes Free devices. Performance Data Recorder (a video capture system that debuted on the Chevrolet Corvette) equipped on the CTS-V is viewable on the CUE touchscreen. Wireless inductive phone charging and OnStar 4G LTE connectivity are also high-tech cabin details.  

Final Notes:

Stepping across the 200-mile per hour line where supercars are defined, Cadillac has squarely targeted the BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG and indirectly the Audi RS7 Sportback with their latest CTS-V.

While the CTS-V has been the vanguard for Cadillac's V-Series performance, the twin-turbocharged ATS-V is set to take more of a center stage role for the brand. The Cadillac ATS-V is already set to replace the past-generation CTS-V on the race track. Will the 640-horsepower 2016 Cadillac CTS-V be seen as an high-powered boulevard cruiser?