Watch out M5? Cadillac CT6 V-Sport gets a 550bhp V8

Cadillac has long hinted that its CT6 series – a saloon that sits somewhere between a Mercedes E-Class and S-Class – would morph into a range-topping super-saloon. Well, to use the parlance of a TV show beyond TG’s understanding, IT’S MORPHIN TIME.

This is the brand-new Cadillac CT6 V-Sport; the first V-Performance CT6 saloon. And for this new brand nange-topper, Cadillac has fitted a brand new engine: a mighty (sorry) 4.2-litre twin turbo V8.

Sure, everyone’s doing a twin-turbo V8 these days, but this is Caddy’s first. It’s a hot vee – like the AMG V8 – which means the turbos sit inside the space created by the Vee shape – for less turbo lag and better packaging. Just like AMG.

It produces a really quite healthy 550bhp (estimated) and 627lb ft of torque which again, is plentiful. Though no 0-62mph time is quoted, think somewhere around the fours and you’re about there. Maybe faster, who knows, we’re reaching here.

That new engine is matched up to a ten-speed automatic gearbox (obligatory mountain bike joke goes here) and four-wheel-drive. There’s a mechanical rear diff, V-Sport suspension, massive Brembo brakes, modified steering and damper settings, and a loud exhaust.

The ‘Track Mode’ goes even further. Like remapped steering for better feedback. Active rear steer. A revised 4WD torque split. Track-focused stability controls. And a track-focused exhaust valve calibration. That last one’s basically just noise, then. Good, honest V8 noise, hopefully.

Externally you’ll spot a new mesh grille, horizontal LED lights, new aero bits, and 20in V-Sport wheels.

It certainly talks the talk and looks menacing enough (it wouldn’t look out of place in a Sopranos episode), but can it outsmart the current reigning heavyweight kings – the Merc-AMG E63 S and BMW M5? Only time will tell...