2017 Cadillac CTS-V

Launched just last year, the third-generation Cadillac CTS-V has upped the ante for high-performance four-door sports sedans. Regarding performance, luxury, and technology, it's a real world-class performer, showing America's strength in engineering.

The heart of the CTS-V, as with all prior models, comes courtesy of the Corvette. In this case, it's the engine that powers the Z06. At 6.2 litres in displacement, the supercharged LT4 puts out an incredible amount of power and torque - some 640 hp and 630 lb-ft of the stuff. Paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission that routes power to the rear wheels, the CTS-V is capable of accelerating to 100 km/h in under four seconds and on to a top speed that exceeds 320 km/h. That's faster than the electronically limited speeds of the Audi RS 7, Benz E63, and BMW M5.

The CTS-V is more than just a straight-line rocket, though - it brakes, steers, and rides like a European super-sedan, too. An electronically controlled limited slip differential keeps the rear end under control in corners, while supersized Brembo brakes provide track-grade stopping power. What's more, the CTS-V is lighter than its key rivals thanks to its lightweight aluminum-intensive construction, and use of carbon fibre components. Thanks to the standard fitment of Cadillac's magnetorheological suspension system, it absorbs rough pavement and bumpers better than its rivals. Active noise cancellation and acoustic glass also make it quieter than any 640-horsepower sedan has any right to be.

The standard CTS is an aggressively styled vehicle. The V takes that one step further with a bold mesh chrome grille, massive hood vent extractor, aero kit, and shiny 10-spoke alloy wheels. New this year, the CTS-V is also available with a Carbon Black Package, that adds more carbon fibre trim to the exterior, plus dark chrome grille and body accents. This can be matched to the new Morello carbon fibre interior trim kit which adds gorgeous exposed weave trim to the interior. The CTS-V's cabin features standard full-colour head-up display, Recaro sports seats, and the CUE touchscreen infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As with the standard CTS, the CTS-V offers competitive levels of rear leg- and headroom, but trails the bigger sedans in its class.

The CTS-V features a few new technology features for 2017. The innovative Rear Camera Mirror is now available as an option, which superimposes an unhindered view out the rear of the vehicle onto the car's rear-view mirror to improve rearward visibility. There's also a new distance control display which alerts the driver to the distance between the car and the next vehicle ahead. Lastly, certain to add a bit of peace of mind for owners with teens and young adults in the household is the new Teen Driver mode. First featured on the Chevy Malibu, it limits the maximum speed, tracks the number of times the car's active safety systems have been triggered, and provides a nifty report card that evaluates the driver's performance.