Cadillac unveiling 550-horsepower CTS-V

updated 11:14 a.m. ET Jan. 14, 2008

DETROIT - The new version of the Cadillac CTS-V is designed to go after the world's fastest and most elite sport sedans.

With a 550-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine and magnetic-controlled shock absorbers, the new 2009 CTS-V ought to be able to keep up.

"The CTS-V represents the full extension of our design, technology and performance capabilities," said Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor.

In addition to the performance upgrades, the CTS-V, to be unveiled Monday at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, also will have Recaro performance driving seats.

General Motors Corp. says the new car will compete with such elite vehicles as the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG and E63 AMG.

Taylor said the car enthusiast is a critical market for Cadillac as it tries to attract new buyers to the CTS, which was redesigned for 2008.

"The audience for this car is a dream buyer," said Clay Dean, Cadillac's design director.

Pricing and fuel economy were not announced for the car, which should make its way to dealerships sometime this fall.

The 2007 CTS-V, the last year such a model was made, cost $52,170, and Cadillac spokesman David Caldwell said the new version would be a little more than that.

The new version will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds, Caldwell said.

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