The all-new, second-generation Cadillac CTS-V for 2009 is giving the European luxury sedan manufacturers some sleepless nights. Designed to compete with the likes of the BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, and the Audi RS6, the CTS-V more than holds its own against these traditional powerhouses. The ’09 CTS-V has been described by MotorTrend Magazine as “the fastest, most powerful Cadillac ever built” – high praise, indeed, from those wondering if a domestic luxury sports sedan could ever hold its head high again. Powerful, aggressively stylish, luxuriously appointed, this Cadillac certainly does its bit to help GM in its climb back to respectability.

The ’09 Cadillac CTS-V gets its awe-inspiring power from a ZR1-inspired supercharged, variable-valve-timed OHC 16-valve V8 that produces an asphalt-burning 556 hp at 6,100 RPM and 551 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 RPM. All this power is harnessed to a six-speed, fully synchronized manual transmission with two overdrive gears - or an optional Hydra-Matic six-speed electronically controlled automatic with torque converter clutch. High-performance, six-piston front and four-piston rear Brembo four-wheel disc brakes bring all that power to a seamless stop. The four-wheel independent suspension with Magnetic Ride Control electromagnetically controlled shocks keeps the CTS-V accelerating smartly, riding smoothly and handling like a dream on 19-inch by 9-inch front and 19-inch by 9.5-inch rear wheels.

In true Cadillac style, creature comforts abound in the four-door CTS-V for ‘09. Standard performance, convenience and comfort features include, among many other things, Solar-Ray light-tinted glass, a leather-wrapped telescoping steering wheel with memory, 8-way power adjustable front seats, Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps, heated, power adjustable outside mirrors, leather seating, in-dash Driver Information Center, Ultrasonic rear parking assist, power-programmable door locks, a universal remote, 3-channel programmable garage door opener, CD/DVD player with MP3 playback, XM satellite radio and a 10-speaker Bose Surround Sound audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise and power door locks and windows with express up and down - the list is nearly endless.

GM didn’t skimp on safety either. Safety systems for the ’09 CTS-V include driver and front passenger front and side impact airbags with the Passenger Sensing System, side head curtain airbags, all-speed traction control, the StabiliTrak stability enhancement system and, of course four wheel ABS.

Besides the six-speed automatic tranny, options for the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V include 14-way adjustable Racaro performance front bucket seats with driver memory, polished aluminum wheels, power dual-panel sunroof, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, audio-integrated nav system with 8-inch pop-up screen, and heated and ventilated front seats.

All in all, reviewers and drivers of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V are unanimous in warning foreign carmakers to watch their backs.