2009 Cadillac CTS-V photos

Cadillac uses a V designation for cars it equips with motor sport-level engines and suspension tuning. The CTS, updated in 2007, gets the V treatment for the 2009 model year.

The styling of the CTS-V is largely the same as the standard CTS, with the most notable exception being the bulging hood, which creates extra room to accommodate the larger power plant.

The CTS-V uses a 6.2-liter V-8 engine, with forced air from a supercharger. It puts out 556 horsepower and 551 pound-feet of torque, giving the CTS-V acceleration to 60 mph in less than four seconds.

The headlights of the CTS-V, similar to the CTS, have LED-light pipes down the sides to serve as parking lights.

Although the CTS-V competes in price with the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, it is the size of a BMW 5-series.

Cadillac's V badge adorns the CTS-V in strategic places.

The CTS-V is supported by a magnetically-controlled suspension, which continuously adjusts for road conditions and driving style.

These plush Recaro seats, with power adjustable side and seat bolsters, are an option in the CTS-V.

When the updated CTS came out in 2007, it sported impressive cabin tech, which it carried over into the CTS-V, along with gorgeous luxury materials.

The steering wheel has controls well-integrated in the spokes. There is even a traction control button on the right spoke, making it easy to turn electronic assistance off.

The gauges have a unique trailing red line that follows the needles upwards.

The six-speed automatic transmission is a no-cost option, but we found it unsatisfying.

Cadillac's interface uses an odd combination of buttons and touch screen.

The hard drive-based navigation system integrates traffic very well, letting you avoid traffic jams easily.

XM satellite radio is present in the CTS-V, and we particularly like Cadillac's graphic designs for the interface screens.

iPod integration is excellent in the CTS-V.

The single disc player reads MP3 CDs, showing the contents in this Music Navigator interface.

We were very impressed with the sound from the 10-speaker Bose audio system.