The 640 HP Cadillac CTS-V Isn't Done Sucker Punching BMW And Mercedes

Oct. 21, 2015 6:11 AM ET by Jay Traugott Rumor / 129 Comments

What more is that blown V8 capable of?

Cadillac wasn't messing around when it engineered and launched the latest CTS-V. 640 horsepower. That's a staggering output considering its two main rivals, the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-Benz AMG E63, produce 560 and 557 hp, respectively. And yet Cadillac still isn't satisfied with 640 ponies. According to Automobile Magazine, a "well-placed source inside Cadillac" claims that output will be even higher for 2016. "The Cold War continues," the source stated. "I don't know where it stops, but it's not at 640 hp, that's for sure."

So what's the immediate need for more power? Both the M5 and E63 AMG are old in comparison to the CTS-V, and replacements are not far off. Cadillac simply wants to stay ahead of the game. That same supercharged 6.2-liter V8 found in the Corvette Z06, where it spits out 650 hp, must be capable then of even more. How much more is the precise question, which will hopefully be answered no later than the Detroit Auto Show in January.