CTS-V to Feature a 640-Horsepower V-8

2015 Cadillac CTS sedan (Credit: © Cadillac)

We recently learned that the new Cadillac CTS-V will make its much-anticipated debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show next month, but the details were still pretty sketchy as to what we can expect. This is especially true when talking about what’s under the hood. Well, thanks to a report from automotive spy shot extraordinaires at Chris Doane Automotive, we’ve learned that the CTS-V will reportedly pack well over 600 horses.

According to the post on Chris Doane Automotive’s Facebook page, the CTS-V will indeed borrow the 6.2-liter, supercharged, V-8 engine from the 2015 Corvette Z06. As expected, the 6.2-liter will be slightly detuned in the transition from the Vette to the sedan, as the report claims the engine will put down 640 horsepower. We all knew that GM wouldn’t dare allow another car to exceed or even match the output of the range-topping Z06, so it’s no surprise to see the CTS-V down 10 ponies.

Other information on the CTS-V remains a closely guarded secret, but the design features are not very hard to guess. Simply look at the ATS-V, take its changes and transfer them to the CTS Sedan; voila, you have the CTS-V.

Getting back to that power output though. If this report is true, then BMW and Mercedes will likely be scrambling to improve their M5 and E63 AMG, respectively. The M5 comes to the table with up to 575 horses and the E63 AMG tops out at 577 ponies, so they are both dramatically low relative to the Caddy. Fortunately for the Mercedes, it has the added benefit of 4MATIC all-wheel drive to help its acceleration time, but it remains no mystery that horsepower sells cars.

Keep in mind that this is simply a report from a spy photography company, so it could be off slightly. We’ll get the official word next month in Detroit.