Caddy gives the V

A one-fingered salute may be the more common gesture in the USA, but Cadillac is giving its European rivals the Vs when by unveiling its 550bhp CTS-V super saloon at this weekend's North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Where you'd normally find an unsuspecting 3.6-litre V6 engine, Cadillac has shoehorned in a version of the Corvette's supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine. Punching out a little less than the Corvette's 620bhp, the CTS-V is still good for 0-60mph in less than five seconds and a top speed of around 190mph, though Caddy is yet to confirm performance figures ahead of the Detroit show.

All of that power is sent to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox with paddle shift, and a new traction control system has been developed to cope. Cadillac also says the suspension for the CTS-V has been completely revised over the standard car's to make sure it can hold its own alongside the best super saloons from Europe.

There's no mistaking the CTS-V for any other Caddy thanks to an aggressive body kit that includes a bonnet bulge to clear the supercharger. There's also a new mesh grille, Recaro sports seats in the front, and Alcantara upholstery.

Unlike previous hot Cadillacs, the CTS-V is slated to come to Europe and will make it into UK showrooms late in 2008, though Cadillac has not worked out how much the car will cost in Britain. However, the CTS-V should be much cheaper than its European rivals in the USA, so that could translate into lower prices in the UK than the likes of the BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG.

Alisdair Suttie