The 2014 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe will roll off the production line with little change from last year's model, which means it still has a unique and striking appearance, delivers more than enough power and offers road-gripping performance.

The 2014 changes are all cosmetic for the CTS-V Coupe. There are 4 new color choices—Phantom Gray Metallic, Mocha Steel Metallic, Majestic Plum Metallic and Red Obsession Tintcoat—and a new Sport Blue interior package. This optional interior upgrade adds Recaro performance seats with Twilight Blue leather upholstery and sueded fabric inserts, microfiber sueded trim for the steering wheel trim and shift knob, and the Midnight Sapele Wood Trim package, which puts jet-back wood accents on the door trim, instrument panel and center console.

The CTS-V Coupe, which comes in just one trim, distinguishes itself from its CTS Coupe cousin in many regards. First and foremost is the engine, a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 which produces a whopping 556 horsepower and 551 lb-ft of torque. The standard transmission is a 6-speed manual with a dual-disc clutch that gets 14 mpg city/19 highway. There's also a no-cost option for a 6-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted shift controls, although that decreases efficiency to 12/18.

All that power is sent to the rear axle and is kept under control by Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes and performance tires mounted on 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, features that are all unique to the CTS-V Coupe. The Magnetic Ride Control uses shocks controlled by advanced magneto-rheological technology (as opposed to mechanical valves) to increase performance. There are also electronic sensors at all 4 wheels that read the road and constantly adjust the damping. The suspension can also be tailored to the driver's style or mood by selecting either Tour or Sport mode. Not only does this technology help provide superior handling, it also creates a smooth ride, something that has been viewed as lacking in the non-V CTS Coupe.

The CTS-V Coupe also separates itself from the non-V with a larger front grille that allows for more air intake, a raised hood to fit the supercharged engine, unique front and rear fascias, and a rear spoiler with a center-mounted brake light. Other exterior features include heated power mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers and high-intensity headlights with an Adaptive Forward Lighting system.

Like the exterior, the CTS-V Coupe's interior features aesthetically appealing sharp angles. These are contrasted by plenty of soft-touch materials and complemented by well-placed wood trim. Standard interior features include Bluetooth, navigation, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, remote start, ambient lighting, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, 8-way power and heated front seats, power telescoping steering column, Memory Package (controls the driver's seat, mirrors and steering column), Ultrasonic Rear Park Assist with rear-view camera, Universal Home Remote, split-folding rear seat, and a 10-speaker audio system with Bose Cabin Surround Sound, a 40GB hard drive, MP3 playback and a USB port.

Standard safety features for the CTS-V Coupe include traction control, stability control, side blind-spot alert system, 1 year of OnStar Directions and Connections and a full array of airbags for all 4 passengers.