Cadillac's Super Supercharged CTS-V Laps Nurburgring in 7:59!

If you're into high-performance sedans, Cadillac's upcoming CTS-V ought to

be on your radar. The previous version was an understated American performance weapon, combining Cadillac luxury with all-American muscle from the previous generation Corvette Z06. And while it might have lived in the shadow of such high-performance luxury sports sedans as the BMW M5 or Mercedes-Benz E55 and E63, this latest model is, as according to Cadillac's ads, going to break through.

The new CTS-V, which made its debut at this year's North American International Auto Show, features what is in essence a detuned version of the engine that's been fitted to the new Corvette ZR1. While the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 (dubbed LSA) may be less powerful than the ZR1's LS9, it still makes 550 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque, which is well above the Mercedes-Benz E63 or BMW's M5, which are both rated at 507 hp.

But it isn't just a big, powerful engine that's going to make the difference for the CTS-V; it's the way it drives. Seeking to be on the top of the heap, Cadillac has invested serious money into R&D and high-end components. The final tuning for ride and handling took place in the backyard of the Germans - the Nurburgring.

As a gauge for performance, Cadillac let the CTS-V loose on the famed German race track with GM's executive race tester, John Heinricy at the wheel. He was able to lap the track in 7:59:32, which bests the lap time set by the M5 (8:13), and according to GM, makes it the fastest production sedan to ever lap the track!