UPDATE: Our sources have just confirmed that the supercharged V-8 that will power the 2009 Corvette SS/Z07/Blue Devil and the supercharged V-8 that will power the '09 Cadillac CTS-v will be 6.2 liters, not the 7.0-liter as we reported in our July issue. It makes sense in that General Motors was getting the horsepower, but not the torque it wanted from the 427.6 cubic-inch engine. Despite the engine difference, we continue to expect the CTS-v to come with some 600-horsepower when it arrives.
What's good for the Blue Devil is good for the Cadillac CTS-v. The next-generation muscle-Caddy, which is expected in the 2009 model year along with the quicker-than-Z06 Chevrolet Corvette, also will get the supercharged LS7 7.0-liter powerplant. While the Blue Devil, which will be named Z07, will have about 700-horsepower ("Trend," June), expect the engine to be detuned somewhat for the CTS-v to about 600 horses.
That's still well above the competition's numbers. The BMW M3 and Audi RS4 come in at 420 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG looks to be about 503 horsepower, same as the CLK63 AMG Black Series that made its debut at the New York show.
On paper, the Z06's 505-horsepower, 7.0-liter has enough grunt to give the CTS-v the edge over its European rivals. But the naturally aspirated Z06 engine is said to lack enough low-end torque for a car of the Cadillac's weight. The Z06 weighs just over 3200 pounds; the new CTS-v is likely to tip the scales at about 3600.
Expect themes from the current Cadillac CTS-v to carry through to the new model, including stiffer springs and shocks, meaty Brembo brakes, a quicker steering ratio, fender blisters, and lower front and rear deck spoilers, a mesh grille, and nicely bolstered front seats.