View Photos BRIAN WILLIAMS FOR KGP PHOTOGRAPHY , A.J. MUELLER , ROY RITCHIE, THE MANUFACTURER

What It Is

The eagerly awaited bazooka version of the third-generation Cadillac CTS, designed to fight for America’s honor against its European competitors. Unfortunately, this time around, there won’t be a station wagon or a coupe—or a manual option. That’s a crime, but the automatic sedan is what sells.

Why It Matters

The first two generations of this velvet Vette have given Cadillac credibility among enthusiasts. The next one will sand down the few rough edges of its predecessors. The CTS-V is a halo car for the brand and for GM as a whole.

Platform

Broadly speaking, the CTS-V will use the ATS/CTS “Alpha” architecture, but with more aluminum onboard.

Powertrain

Power will come from a supercharged V-8, most likely the 6.2-liter LT4 from the new Corvette Z06. It will make at least 600 horsepower and send the squawk to the rear tires through GM’s new eight-speed automatic.

Competition

Audi S6/S7/RS7, BMW M5/M6 Gran Coupe, Jaguar XFR, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.

What Might Go Wrong

The lack of coupe and wagon variants may put off the hard core. And the 420-hp Vsport could make the CTS-V a harder sell.

Estimated Arrival and Price

Mid-2015 as a 2016 model, at prices starting around $75,000.

NICHOLAS WALLACE, AARON ROBINSON, MARC URBANO, THE MANUFACTURER

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