Cadillac reveals 2016 CTS-V packed with 640 horsepower

Pic of new Cadillac CTS-V debuting at 2015 Detroit Auto Show (Source: WDIV)

DETROIT – It might not have been the best kept secret, but word is officially out.  Cadillac has upped the ante in the performance category this year with its 2016 CTS-V -- and it definitely has a need for speed.  With 640hp it's one of the fastest cars in its class.

"You know when we envision the car and get into performance luxury it's really about competing against BMW M and Mercedes AMG.  So this is a type of vehicle that we think goes toe-to-toe with those vehicles and actually beats them on all counts," Cadillac Global Marketing director Jim Vurpillat said.

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The fastest BMW M and Mercedes AMG models come in at just under 600hp, according to Motor Authority.  Brian Smith, Cadillac exterior design manager, said while the CTS-V performs like a race car, its feel stays true to the luxury Caddy is known for.

"We like to say V-series is all about performance without punishment," Smith said.  "So, you can drive it every day as your everyday vehicle in perfect comfort, take it to the track and really have extremely high levels of performance."

Performance and comfort may be the main selling points for the CTS-V, but the vehicle's five-star safety rating is also a feature Cadillac executives like to brag about.

"Probably your No. 1 area to increase safety is massive brakes," Vurpillat said.  "You know brakes give people confidence with that stopping power so putting Brembo brakes and the largest they've put on a production car is a key element of a CTS-V."

The new CTS-V will be on display at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in January.