The Cadillac CTS-V is Caddy's high performance midsize vehicle, part of the Cadillac V-Series. The V-Series includes high performance versions of several Cadillac models, often compared with the Pontiac sports car lines and the Chevrolet Corvette, whose engine and manual transmission it uses. The CTS-V is also marketed to compete with the Mercedes-Benz AMG, BMW Motorsports and Audi S and RS lines.

The current Cadillac CTS-V sports a 6.2 liter, 556 horsepower gasoline powered V8 engine with the choice of a six-speed manual (with a short-throw shifter) or six-speed automatic transmission, either with overdrive. With the manual transmission, mileage in the city is 13 miles per gallon and on the highway is 19 miles per gallon. Drop one mile per gallon in the city for the automatic transmission.

The V6 CTS was introduced in the 2003 model year as the replacement for the Catera. The V, with its high performance upgrades, came out a year later. In 2006 CTS-V got a minor refresh, which included a refined grille and rear end, newer engine (still the corvette model) and better differential, suspension and tires.

The upgraded differential came at least in part from customer complaints based on whine and breakdowns in the original. There was some controversy over this problem, but it was mostly resolved by dealers fixing it, without any public admission by General Motors or Cadillac.

The second generation of the CTS-V appeared in the 2008 model year. The looks were changed only slightly, but there were a number of mechanical upgrades. This was when all-wheel drive and the automatic transmission first became available. Minor improvements were also made in the 2009 model year.

As it turns out, the second generation Cadillac CTS-V may be the last one. General Motors is dropping the high performance versions of most of their vehicles, including the Cadillacs, as part of their "viability" plan. The lines may or may not start up again if GM finances improve - that decision will be made later.

NHTSA gives the CTS, including the V, five stars for side impact and four stars for frontal impact and rollover, which is neither awful nor great. IIHS gives the CTS Gs straight across, which is their best rating.

Both horsepower and torque for the CTS-V are more than twice the class average, though the weight of the CTS-V is also greater than average, hampering the power to weight ratio. The warranty is somewhat below average for a luxury sports car. The base price of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V is a whopping $58,280, also about twice the class average.