Cadillac CTS-V: Spotted

Disappointed that the big, bad saloons are going all-wheel drive? There is a Cadillac you know...

If just 250 are to be made then it seems very unlikely that many 'W1' HSV Commodores will be seen even in Australia, let alone anywhere else in the world. But if you are in the UK and fancy a 640hp GM supersaloon, then there is another way...

Yes, it's the Cadillac CTS-V. Better still, it's a Cadillac CTS-V in the UK. Surrey, in fact. Yes, it's left-hand drive - best get that out in the open straight away - but for those wishing to be a little different (i.e. not German) with their V8 saloon choice, there's plenty to recommend the Cadillac.

Because, while some may still struggle to get it, America now makes some thoroughly decent performance cars. Indeed, the last CTS-V was praised by those who drove it over here, with this car and its ATS-V brother also doing well in various US tests.

Look at the basics: it's got a supercharged V8 so powerful it was used for the flagship previous generation Corvette. It's got another 35hp on the ferociously rapid Audi RS6 Performance, plus no interfering limiter at 155mph or however much higher you can afford to pay for. This is a genuine 200mph saloon. Which is pretty cool.

It borrows technology from the latest Corvette too, a car that has also received its fair share of acclaim. It has GM's Performance Traction Management, third-gen magnetic dampers, Michelin Pilot Super Sports and an electronic limited-slip diff.

Dare we say it looks good too? Certainly it's distinctive against the obvious rivals and, a few small details aside (the bonnet scoop, the oddly small spoiler) the CTS appears a pretty well resolved saloon. Just be prepared to tell everyone what it actually is. And, if the reports on Caddy's CUE infotainment system are correct, don't expect an intuitive cabin either.

But we're getting off track. This is a brand new, 640hp, rear-wheel drive saloon and that will always appeal. Trouble is, at nearly £80,000, there's lots of other stuff that appeals too. Plus, with so many competitors reaching the end of their life cycles, the deals are extraordinary. This E63, for example, that's just over £50K having covered only 1,000 miles. This M5 is super subtle and £60K with only a few more miles. And for something actually brand new and a little fresher in design, an RS6 is available for less than the Cadillac as well.

So there's little doubt the Cadillac faces some tough competition at this money. But for those who are feeling bolder than most, the out there alternative no longer requires the justification it did. Moreover, if you run it in on the way to the Nurburgring then the left-hand drive will come in handy...

CADILLAC CTS-V
Engine: 6,162cc, V8 supercharged
Transmission: eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 640@6,400rpm
Torque (lb ft): 630@3,600rpm
MPG: 20.5
CO2: N/A
First registered: 2016
Recorded mileage: 250 miles
Price new: $85,595 (plus VAT)
Yours for: £78,335