The Cadillac CTS-V is based on the a midsize luxury car, available in Sedan, Coupe, and Sport Wagon variants. But unlike the conventional CTS, the CTS-V features a potent 6.2-liter supercharged LSA V-8 engine based on the mounstrous LS9 V8 found in the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 of the same year. The 2013 Cadillac CTS-V carried a base price of around $63,000.

In the CTS-V, the LSA puts out 556 horsepower and 551 pound-feet of torque. Power goes to the rear wheels through either a 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode and paddle shifters. Manual cars, especially wagons, are particularly desirable. Cornering and braking are aided by Brembo brakes and the MagneRide suspension system. The CTS-V also features Michelin Pilot Sport performance tires and sharp 19-inch alloy wheels (9-in wide in the front and 9.5-in wide in the rear).

All these systems can be optimized by selecting between either Touring or Sport mode, which hardens the suspension up, and livens up the throttle response and engine mapping.

The cabin of the CTS-V is largely unchanged from its tamer CTS counterpart. There is standard leather and Alcantara, and available features such as a navigation system and 14-way power adjustable Recaro seats. These seats are heated and ventilated and are a highly suggested option if you can find them.

The CTS-V features a unique power dome hood, as well as a chrome grille and revised lower front bodywork. The Coupe’s lower front fascia is more aggressive, and out back it features a unique center-mount exhaust system.