The first Cadillac CTS-V was a great success. Mating the CTS sedan with Corvette derived V8 power was a sure-fire way to win over enthusiasts, and it did. Packing 400hp, the small Caddy was vaulted to a league of worthy super-sedans with the likes of BMW’s M5 as main competition.

Now the newer award-winning CTS will get the V treatment. As if we did not see this one coming from a mile away. The new one though, packs 150 more horsepower. Wow, that’s a lot of pony’s.

The new V will be equipped with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 generating an estimated 550 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices include either a six-speed manual or an exclusive, six-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. It is the first automatic offered on the CTS-V.

Another thing the CTS-V boasts is Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) suspension. GM claims the V’s advanced suspension is the fastest reacting available. It uses shocks controlled by electromagnets, accelerating response time. Electronic sensors at all four wheels read the road every millisecond, making constant adjustments to damping to create instantaneous and precise control of body motions.

Expected to retail for about $62,000 when it goes on sale, the CTS-V is a lot of performance for the dough. As much for the same reasons as it’s predecessor it should be a hit with the go-fast crowd. At least the part of that crowd that is into Cadillacs.

Above: Mesh grille and body kit are all part of the V treatment. There’s also that engine….