The new 2009 Cadillac CTS-V sports almost the same body armor as previous models; but this time around Cadillac has done its home work. Actually instead of studying up for the test, they just cheated off their classmate. And the classmate in this story is the ultimate American muscle car; the Corvette!

Let's just get to the real meat of the new CTS-V. The 6.2-liter LSA engine is a detuned version of the Corvette ZR-1 LS9 which is supercharged. The Cadillac CTS-V engine will also receive forced induction via the same Eaton roots type supercharger. The compressed air will be cooled via an air-to-air intercooler before being slammed into the engine. So how much power will this luxury rocket produce? 556 ground pounding horsepower and 550 tire shredding lb-ft of torque! 0-60 mph times are right at 3.9 seconds which is as fast or faster than a 2007 Aston Martin Vanquish S (4.6), 2007 Ferrari F430 Srider (4.0), 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (4.5), 2007 Lamborghini Gallardo (4.0), and 2007 Porsche 911 Carrera (4.8). That’s some serious company.

And how much does this supercar beating performance cost. Well that’s the best part! Priced right at $60,000 the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V is the best performing car money can buy. How do I know this? Well the Cadillac shattered the record for a Sedan on factory tires at the famed Nurburgring test facility in Germany. With a sub 8-minute lap time this car is approaching the heavyweights in the automobile industry. The CTS-V is just a tick off the best lap times that a Corvette, Viper, Lamborghini, Porsche, or Ferrari can produce. And yes this car cost a fraction and has a roomy back seat!

The Cadillac CTS-V also gets some more goodies from the Corvette parts bin. The CTS-V will come with either a 6-speed manual transmission or an automatic taken from the Corvette. It will also inherit Magnetic Ride Control Shocks. This sedan will also get huge 19-inch rims with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires, and Brembo brakes front and rear. The driver will have 14-way adjustable Recaro racing seats to hold him in place during those spirited drives.

Cadillac aims to dethrone the BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG which are both about $25,000 more expensive and cannot match the CTS-V's performance numbers. There are still those who will argue that BMW is better looking or cannot be matched in terms of luxury. But looks are in the eye of the beholder and I could skimp on ultimate luxury if I was going to save 25k!

So does the new 2009 Cadillac CTS-V have enough to become the ultimate luxury car? Only time will tell; but on the surface it looks like the best performance bargain for the price.