The new high-performance version of the CT6 will now be known as the CT6-V, not the CT6 V-Sport, denoting that it's part of the full-bore V lineup along with the CTS-V and ATS-V. The new high-performance version of the CT6 will now be known as the CT6-V, not the CT6 V-Sport, denoting that it's part of the full-bore V lineup along with the CTS-V and ATS-V. “Beginning with the debut of the CTS-V Sedan in 2004, the V-Series sub-brand sparked new life into Cadillac,” said GM Product Development Chief Mark Reuss, according to The Detroit News. “As a result of the overwhelming response the CT6 V-Sport received when revealed in early 2018, we’ve decided to formally make it a V-Series, signaling the expansion of V-Series.”

Cadillac is ramping up the performance of its lineup-topping CT6 luxury sedan for 2019. The CT6 will be available as a V model for the first time, joining the CTS-V and ATS-V among Cadillac’s highest-performance offerings. However, the CT6-V is significant not only because it’s a new model but also because it debuts an all-new twin-turbocharged V-8 engine. The CT6-V does expand Cadillac’s V lineup as the company stated. It will join the ATS-V and CTS-V in the high-performance segment through the 2019 model year, so if you still want to savor the fruits of either offering, there's time to make it happen. As for the new sedans replacing both them, we will have to wait and see what Cadillac has in store. The company has an ambitious plan to roll out a new vehicle every six months between now and 2021.

The twin-turbo 4.2-liter V-8 is exclusive to Cadillac. Built from a blank slate with knowledge gained from General Motors’ racing programs, the new engine, known as Blackwing, makes 550 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 627 lb-ft of torque from 3200 to 4000 rpm. A “hot V” setup, which puts the turbochargers atop the block between the heads, aims to minimize turbo lag while making the engine more compact. We dive into the details of the new powerplant at length here. The forced-induction V-8 is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. (The new engine also will be available on non–V models, where it will have 500 horsepower and 553 lb-ft.)

The CT6-V has specific tuning that stiffens the suspension to abate body roll, and the standard Magnetic Ride Control dampers have been recalibrated. A mechanical limited-slip differential is fitted, and the steering has been retuned. The CT6-V rides on 20-inch wheels hugged by performance summer tires, and four-piston monoblock Brembo brake calipers should give drivers confidence in the left pedal. Cadillac also added a sport exhaust system with active valves for a livelier soundtrack. A Track driving mode alters the all-wheel-drive system's torque split, the stability-control mapping, the specially tuned rear-wheel steering, and the suspension firmness.

To visually distinguish the CT6-V from the rest of the CT6 lineup, there's a dark, "V-inspired" mesh grille and LED headlights. Lower-body aero pieces provide a sportier look, the windows are outlined with gloss-black trim, and a rear spoiler finishes the package. The V sits at the top of a refreshed CT6 lineup, which will be divided into Luxury and Sport trims, a strategy similar to that of the Mercedes-Benz E-class. The entire refreshed 2019 CT6 lineup shows influences from the Escala concept, with horizontal styling elements incorporated into the reworked front and rear ends.

Cadillac's Super Cruise suite of driver-assistance systems is not offered on the CT6-V, but there is plenty of other news on the technology front. A revised rear-camera mirror can tilt and zoom, the 360-degree-view monitor includes a video-recording function that activates when the security system is activated, pedestrian detection and automated braking now work when backing up as well as when going forward, and the wireless device charging capability has been enhanced. Most welcome, however, may be the changes to Cadillac's much derided CUE infotainment interface, which gains a rotary controller and a volume knob as well as shortcut buttons to primary menu functions.