2016 Cadillac CTS-V

This marks the introduction of the third-generation of Cadillac's ultimate sport sedan, the CTS-V. Here's a car that makes big promises about keeping up with the likes of the BMW M5, Audi S6 and Mercedes-benz E 63 AMG, and will mostly likely be able to keep them.

Beyond the most obvious change -- the car's new styling -- there's also a new 6.2L supercharged V8 under an also-new carbon-fibre hood, Brembo high-performance brakes, third-generation magnetic ride control suspension, selectable driving modes and the CUE infotainment system.

That big engine cranks out 640 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, which Cadillac says is more than either the M5 or E 63 make, and it puts that power through an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption estimates are 16.6/11.1 L/100 km.

This car is a thrown gauntlet to the German automakers who have long dominated the market for high-performance sedans, and signals that this American brand is ready to prove it can run with the world's fastest four-doors.

Standard exterior features include illuminated door handles, HID headlights with automatic high beams, power-adjustable heated side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers and 19-inch wheels.

Inside, there's automatic parking assist, Bluetooth, 13-speaker Bose stereo, CUE infotainment system, dual-zone automatic climate control, 12.3-inch driver-configurable gauge cluster, cruise control, curb-view camera, forward collision alert, head-up display, heated front seats and steering wheel, passive keyless entry with push-button start, lane change alert with lane keep assist and lane departure warning, magnesium steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, backup camera, rear cross-traffic alert, 20-way adjustable leather and suede-uphostered front seats, side blind zone alert, tire pressure monitoring, wireless smartphone charging and a garage door opener.

Pricing starts at $92,135. Options include a luxury package that brings tri-zone climate control, split-folding rear seat, heated rear seats, powered rear window sunshade, manual rear side window shades and a 110-volt power outlet, all for $1,635. A $6,330(!) carbon fibre package adds a hood vent, front splitter, rear diffuser and rear lip spoiler, all done in that lightweight material. A sunroof is a $1,660 stand-alone extra, and the Brembo brakes can be ordered with dark gold or red calipers for $625.