2009 Cadillac STS-V

Designed to attract the attention of customers normally drawn to Teutonic speed machines, the STS-V is a high performance version of Cadillac's full-size STS luxury sedan. Modifications to the STS-V to make it competitive with the likes of the BMW M5 and Mercedes Benz E63 AMG include faster steering, a stiffer suspension, bigger brakes and larger wheels compared to the standard STS.

The element of the STS-V most likely to incite cross shopping with its German rivals is it's supercharged, 4.4 Liter Northstar V8. The engine was actually de-bored from its normal 4.6 Liter capacity in order to better handle the internal stress of 12.0 psi of boost from the Roots-type supercharger; the result is 469 horsepower and 439 lb.-feet of torque, enough to rocket the STS-V from 0-60 in about 5 seconds. Aiding the process is a 6-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission with a manual mode and Performance Algorithm Shifting.

A wire mesh grille, subtle body kit and lip spoiler hint at the increased power under the STS-V's hood; the aluminum wheels are 18 inches in front, 19 inches in back and feature a unique ten-spoke design. Chassis changes include increased stiffness for the front and rear springs, anti-roll bars, and shock absorbers. The engine is mounted lower in order to both make room for the transmission and to lower the center of gravity. Brakes are supplied by Brembo, with heavy-duty cross drilled rotors, dual-piston front calipers and single piston front calipers.

Interior upgrades include olive-ash burled wood, a leather wrapped instrument cluster, suede-like seat inserts, and aluminum trim. The STS-V's standard features include such technological goodies as a Bose 5.1 studio surround sound system with a 6-disc changer and 15 (!) speakers, a keyless access/remote start system, a Lane Departure Warning System which alerts the driver when the vehicle strays from a lane, and a clever Head-Up Display (HUD) device that projects digital readouts for speed, audio settings, and selected gear on the windshield to help the driver maintain focus on the road.

Safety features include dual front airbags, side thorax airbags for driver and passenger, and side curtain airbags for fist and second row occupants. The STS-V features StabiliTrack stability control with 4 driver selectable modes to determine the computer intervention level as well as an electronic traction control system.