The Cadillac CTS-V is a high performance version of the standard CTS. It is a series of mid-sized cars with a pushrod V-8 OHV engine and a sport-tuned suspension. The 4-door CTS-V sedan was introduced in 2004, and the CTS-V Sport Wagon and Coupe were introduced in 2010 for the 2011 model year. The sedan competes in the consumer market, alongside high-performance, luxury sedans such as the BMW M5, the Jaguar XFR, and the Mercedes E63 AMG.
The first generation CTS-V is based on the same rear-wheel-drive GM Sigma platform as is the base model CTS. The use of a V8 engine required a unique engine cradle distinct from the base CTS V6. Larger anti-roll bars and larger shocks were also added. The spring rate was significantly increased. The 2006-2007 update also included a stronger rear differential and half shaft design. Unique front and rear treatments also included mesh grilles over the front openings, a track-ready suspension, and 18x8.5 inch wheels inside of P245/45R18 Z-rated Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar run-flat tires. Brakes were 13.97-inch (355 mm) rotors in the front, with 14.37-inch (365 mm) rotors in the rear - each with four piston Brembo calipers on the front and rear wheels. In addition, GM badges were added on 2006 models.
The CTS sedan is enhanced with GM performance parts like a GM LS engine V8 from the C5-generation Chevrolet Corvette Z06, as well as the Corvette Z06's six-speed Tremec manual transmission. From 2004 and 2005, the CTS-V came with the 5.7 liter pushrod OHV LS6 engine producing 400 hp (298 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 395 lb·ft (536 N·m) of torque at 4,800 rpm. The 5 ft lb torque reduction of the CTS-V vs the LS6 used in the C5 Z06, was due to the exhaust manifold that needed to be used on the CTS-V. From 2006-2007, the previous LS6 engine was superseded by the new 6.0 liter OHV LS2 engine as used in the base 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. The new LS2 engine was rated at the same 400 hp (298 kW) at 6,000 rpm with the peak torque of 395 lb·ft (536 N·m) at 4,400 rpm. While both engines offer the same HP and torque specifications, the LS2's benefit was a wider torque band, at the cost of higher displacement.