Cadillac CTS-V pricing announced (UK)

The new Cadillac CTS-V, the most powerful Cadillac ever built, will cost �56,495 when it goes on sale next month.

The 556bhp Cadillac CTS-V saloon will be available in one trim level, called V-Series, with the choice of an automatic gearbox (which costs an extra �2500).

All cars will be left-hand drive only, as the configuration of the Cadillac CTS-V�s engine and exhaust systems would need extensive re-engineering to convert to right-hand drive which would push prices up considerably.

The Cadillac CTS-V�s 550lb ft 6.2-litre V8, derived from the Corvette�s engine, gets a supercharger and enables the car to hit 60mph in 3.9sec with a top-speed of 191mph (manual) and 175mph for the automatic.

Standard kit includes a 40Gb music-storage hard drive, magnetic ride control and Recaro seats.

With the regular Cadillac CTS selling very slowly, how will the CTS-V fare?

Press Release:

Most powerful Cadillac ever starts at �56,495 OTR
Supercharged 6.2-litre V8 delivers 564 ps (415 kW) and 747 Nm
0-60 mph achieved in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 191 mph
Holds the production saloon car lap record at the N�rburgring
Single luxuriously equipped �V-Series� specification

The all-new CTS-V �super saloon� � the most powerful Cadillac ever � is available from February 2009 and will be priced from �56,495 on-the-road (�58,995 for the automatic transmission model).

CTS-V�s supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine delivers 564PS (415 kW) and 747 Nm, launching the car to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and on to 191 mph where legal (175 mph for the automatic transmission). Its incredible performance capabilities enabled the CTS-V to claim the unofficial lap record for a production saloon (7 mins 59.32 secs) around the N�rburgring�s legendary Nordschleife circuit in October 2008.

�The CTS-V represents the extreme extension of Cadillac�s current design language and its performance technology capabilities,� said Jonathan Nash, director in charge of Cadillac UK. �The V-Series developments take the highly accomplished CTS launched last summer and elevate it to a position within the club of the world�s high-performance super saloons.�

Working in harmony with the extraordinary power unit is the latest generation of the world�s fastest-reacting suspension technology, Magnetic Ride Control (MRC), which uses shock absorbers controlled by electro-magnets, rather than mechanical valves, greatly accelerating response time. CTS-V is also equipped with powerful Brembo brakes; mighty six-piston callipers act on colossal 380 mm discs at the front, and four-piston callipers on 373 mm discs at the rear. These impressive features, along with four-channel ABS, hydraulic brake assist and dynamic rear brake proportioning, ensure that the immense performance capability of Cadillac�s most powerful model in history is delivered within a package of equally advanced vehicle dynamics technologies.

Complementing its incredible performance, the left-hand drive CTS-V also delivers the refinement of a fully appointed prestige saloon. New, 14-way adjustable Recaro� performance driving seats, high quality �hand cut-and-sewn� double stitched leather and sueded material, and a distinctive new high-gloss black Obsidian surface finish, all combine to deliver an exceptionally luxurious, comfortable cabin. Other features include a premium voice activated infotainment package featuring intelligent iPod� integration, 40GB hard drive and an advanced hard-disk navigation system.

The CTS-V�s single luxurious specification combined with astonishing performance capabilities and technologies delivers an exceptional driving experience for even the most demanding motorist.