Cadillac CTS-V Coupé at Detroit motor show 2010

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

11 January 2010 04:02

It had to happen. GM found some spare change rattling around the back of the sofa and decided to put the Cadillac CTS-V Coupé into production. No prizes for guessing this car's format: it wraps the supercharged 556bhp 6.2-litre V8 with the sharpest set of clothes you'll see this side of Edward Scissorhands.

That's a terrible joke. Tell me about the car

It's basically a choppped, two-door version of the CTS-V saloon and you can see it for the first time at the 2010 NAIAS at Detroit. This coupé iteration is lower and stubbier, measuring 51mm lower and shorter than the equivalent notchback CTS.

There are other subtle stylistic differences from the saloon: the grille is unique and is claimed to double the air intake volume, while the rear track is an inch wider than the four-door's. Speaking of inches, those alloy rims are 19s.

How fast is the new Caddy CTS-V Coupé?

Plenty quick enough, thank you very much. In a message running counter to much of the Detroit eco echo, this hot Caddy will smash the 60mph barrier in a scant 3.9sec. Don't mention the dirty D-word (downsizing) in this company.

Pick your CTS-V Coupé in six-speed manual or auto paddle shift flavours, and the magnetic ride function is present and correct. GM claims it's the world's fastest reacting suspension technology, preparing the dampers for sudden demands for comfort or body control depending on road conditions and driver selection.

The 2+2 CTS-V Coupé goes on sale in the US in summer 2010.

By Tim Pollard