Celebrating the launch of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V in China, GM held a big event called V-Day in Shanghai where chief engineer John Heinricy once again set a production sedan lap record, this time on the F1 circuit in Shanghai.

Around 19,000 fans gathered at the F1 circuit for the launch of the CTS-V in China while a team of professional stunt drivers from Hollywood put on an incredible show to ‘wow’ the crowd.

You can check out all the photos from the event after the jump along with a video of the stunt driving.

2009 Cadillac CTS-V V-Day in Shanghai:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Cadillac Notes (via AutoBlog)

As if the 556-hp 6.2L V8 in the Cadillac CTS-V wasn’t powerful enough already, Hennessey has went ahead and created a more powerful version of the Caddy beast giving those looking for (if you will) a ZR1 Sedan.

First in the lineup is the V600 package, which give the CTS-V a total of 610-hp allowing for a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.7 seconds (base CTS-V goes from rest to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds) with a top speed of 195-mph. Hennessey is offering 40 more horsepower with the V650 package.

Those looking for insane power can opt for the V700 package which allows for 700-hp. 0 to 60 mph comes in 3.1 seconds. 

A V800 package is also available allowing for 800-hp and a maximum torque of 780 lb-ft.

Click through for more details on each package along with videos.

2009 Hennessey Performance Cadillac CTS-V:

V600 – 610 HP Upgrade:

Power:

* 610 hp @ 6,000 rpm
* 605 lb-ft torque @ 4,400 rpm

Performance:

* 0-60: 3.7 sec.
* 1/4 mile: 11.8 @ 122 mph
* Top Speed: 195 mph (6-speed)

Includes:

* K&N Air Filter Element
* Supercharger Pulley Upgrade & Belt
* Engine Management Software Upgrade
* Supercharger Pulley (14 psi) & Snout Upgrade

V650 – 650 HP Cadillac CTS-V Engine Upgrade:

Power:

* 650 hp @ 6,200 rpm
* 641 lb-ft torque @ 3,400 rpm

Includes:

* 4 inch Cold Air Induction System
* Supercharger Pulley & Snout Upgrade
* Engine Management Software Upgrade
* Long Tube 1 7/8 inch Stainless Steel Headers
* 3 inch Stainless Mid Pipes
* 3 inch Stainless X-Pipe
* High Flow Catalytic Converters
* Intercooler Heat Exchanger System Upgrade
* Hennessey Embroidered Head Rests
* Serial Numbered Dash Plaque
* Serial Numbered Plaque in Engine Compartment

V700 – 700 hp Engine Upgrade:

Power:

* 700 hp @ 6,300 rpm
* 701 lb-ft torque @ 3,400 rpm

Performance:

* 0-60 mph: 3.1 sec. *
* 1/4 Mile: 10.9 @ 129 mph *
* Top Speed: 211 mph (with 6-speed transmission)

*with optional 20 inch HRE wheel upgrade & 305/45-20 Nitto drag radial tires.

Includes:

* 4 inch Cold Air Induction System
* Supercharger Pulley & Snout Upgrade
* Engine Management Software Upgrade
* Long Tube 1 7/8 inch Stainless Steel Headers
* 3 inch Stainless Mid Pipes
* High Flow Catalytic Converters
* Intercooler Heat Exchanger System Upgrade
* V700 Camshaft Upgrade
* V700 High Flow Cylinder Heads
* Hennessey Embroidered Head Rests
* Serial Numbered Dash Plaque
* Serial Numbered Plaque in Engine Compartment

Vtt – V800 Twin Turbo Upgrade – 800 HP:

Power:

* 800 hp @ 6,200 rpm @ 15 psi
* 780 lb-ft torque @ 4,400 rpm

Includes:

* Custom Twin Turbo System
* Twin Ball Bearing Turbos
* External Wastegates
* Blow-Off Valves
* Fuel System Upgrade
* Upgraded Injectors
* Engine Management Software Upgrade
* Corsa Stainless Steel Catback Exhaust System
* 3 inch Stainless Mid Pipes
* 3 inch Stainless X-Pipe
* High Flow Cylinder Heads
* Camshaft Upgrade

- By: Omar Rana

Earlier this morning we reported that the General Motors disbanded its High Performance Vehicle Operations unit. GM said that engineers from the department will now focus on more high-volume Cadillacs, Buicks, Chevrolets and Pontiacs and that all high-performance projects are on an indefinite hold.

However, Camaro SS fans can rest assured that the 422-hp Camaro is still on its way. According to Inside Line who spoke with spokesman Vince Muniga, the Camaro SS “is not threatened at all.” Muniga said that the Camaro SS along with the Corvette ZR1 and Corvette Z06 are regularly engineered cars and don’t go through HPVO.

HPVO is responsible for products such as the V-series Cadillacs, Chevrolet Cobalt SS, HHR SS and a V8 version of the Colorado.

Muniga said that the Cadillac CTS-V is also a regularly engineered car and will continue through its life-cycle.

Chevrolet Camaro SS:

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1:

Cadillac CTS-V:

Source: Inside Line

Following Jim Talyor’s move to HUMMER, Cadillac today lost another one of its important figures – John Heinricy. Heinricy retired after working with GM for 38-years leaving his position as an executive with GM’s Performance Division and chief engineer of the new 2009 Cadillac CTS-V. Heinricy is also known for his work on cars like the Chevrolet Corvettes and Camaros. He also led development on the new 2010 Camaro SS as well as the Cobalt SS and HHR SS.

Heinricy, with his championship driver experience, was an occasional “guest driver” for Team Cadillac SPEED World Challenge GT over the years. He is also the man behind the Cadillac CTS-V’s record run of 7:59.32 around the Nurburgring.

You can check out a video of Heinricy in action here.

2009 Cadillac CTS-V:

Source: Cadillac (via AutoBlog)

So besides all the boring GM industry news and Cadillac’s CEO departing with the brand to go join HUMMER, here is some fun and exciting news. GM has announced the pricing on the new 2009 Cadillac CTS-V with sales set to begin on Nov.1

That’s right – on Nov1. you can buy the car that Clarkson thinks smashes the M5 and that InsideLine says is faster and sharper than the E 63 AMG and the BMW M5. Not to mention you will end up owning the fastest sedan to ever go around the famous Nurburgring in Germany and you can be proud to say it’s American.

Okay enough with all that. Pricing for the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V starts at $59,995. That’s not too shabby when comparing it to the BMW M5 that starts at $85,100 and the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG that starts at $88,575. Now go enjoy the high-res pics after the jump.

Follow the jump for the high-res gallery and press release.

2009 Cadillac CTS-V:

Press Release:

Cadillac’s All-New 2009 CTS-V Ready For Launch

 DETROIT – The 2009 CTS-V, Cadillac’s 556-hp expression of ultimate performance and luxury, begins production this month with initial sales beginning around November 1. The latest in the brand’s V-Series of high performance models, the new CTS-V is intended to reach the top of the world’s most desirable luxury cars, at a starting price of $59,995 in the US market.

“The launch of the new CTS-V presents a compelling proposition for luxury and performance enthusiasts,” says Mark McNabb, North America vice president, Cadillac/Premium Channel. “The CTS-V is a strong statement about Cadillac design and technology and a new member in the club of the highest performing luxury cars.”

The CTS-V, based on Cadillac’s critically acclaimed CTS sports sedan, expresses the full extent of the brand’s dramatic design and technology. Designed to enter the stratosphere of the world’s fastest and most exclusive luxury sedans, CTS-V includes advanced performance technology such as a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine and Magnetic Ride Control, the world’s fastest reacting suspension.

The new CTS-V comes standard with a nearly complete collection of features, including a hand-crafted cabin, a 6-speed manual transmission and a Bose surround sound system with a 40-gigabyte hard drive with a USB port. In addition there are a few options available, including a new 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted shift buttons, 14-way adjustable Recaro performance seats, microfiber interior accents and a large “Ultra-View” sunroof.

“Along with the new Escalade Hybrid, the CTS-V is a key aspect in Cadillac’s ongoing renaissance, with dramatic designs and very sophisticated technologies for luxury consumers,” McNabb said. “These two new high-tech Cadillac models pave the way for a series of new Cadillac models coming in 2009, including the upcoming CTS Sport Wagon and SRX Crossover.”

The GM 4.5L V8 Duramax diesel was designed to fit into SUVs and light-duty pickups. However, GM engineers have been saying that the four-valve diesel V8 would also fit in the space of a small-block gasoline V8.

According to some inside sources, GM is considering throwing the 4.5L Duramax V8 turbodiesel into the bay of the Cadillac CTS, which is pretty straightforward for engineers as long as they use the raised hood from the CTS-V. Then engine is capable of producing more than 310-hp and a peak torque of 520 lb-ft. Yes, it’s legal in all 50 states and meets the 2010 emission standards.

With the Ultra V8 gasoline engine dead and the CTS due to get a 2.9L V6 diesel engine in Europe, the 4.5L V8 Duramax diesel seems to be a perfect fit for the CTS lineup. Motor Trend points out that while a diesel CTS for the U.S. would be a risky move, the downside for GM is minimal since the engine already exists and it’ll only help it get closer to CAFE regulations of 35 mpg by 2020.

Obviously, the 2.9L V6 diesel would also help.

2009 Cadillac CTS-V:

Source: Motor Trend

We really can’t wait to see Clarskon, Hammond and May get behind the wheel of the Dodge Challenger SRT8, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V and hear what they have to say about America’s latest onslaught. Well, we don’t have to wait until the next season to see what Clarkson thinks of the 2009 CTS-V since he recently wrote a review on it for Times Online.

Clarkson’s main point: While the BMW M5 may be more satisfying, the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V smashes the M5 in pricing and on the Nurburgring bringing in a time of 7:59. He also states the 2009 CTS-V is the perfect car of the Stig.

“If you had an M5 you’d have to drive it carefully, to save fuel,” writes Clarkson. ”With the Cadillac, you can blast through the recession at 191mph, knowing you made the savings when you bought it.”

2009 Cadillac CTS-V:

Source: TimesOnline

Last week the Top Gear trio was caught at SFO airport and was later spotted in Reno with the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V.

Continuing their U.S. journey, Clarkson, Hammond and May were caught over the weekend filming an episode at Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah. According to forum members at Final Gear the trio has attracted many fans which is slowly starting to bug them.

We would be pretty bothered too if we had people snapping pics of us while we were trying to drive the three hottest American cars currently on the market. Actually – no we wouldn’t.

Click through for more pictures.

Top Gear at Bonneville Salt Flats with Corvette ZR1, Challenger SRT8, CTS-V:

Source: Flickr (via FinalGear)

GM definitely deserves some respect for the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V. In its first ever performance test by InsideLine, the 2009 CTS-V delivered numbers that will scare the rubber of the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG tires.

For those of you still not familiar with the power of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V the new GM performance sedan is powered by a 6.2 supercharged V8 that gives it 556 horsepower with a peak torque of 551 lb-ft. GM says 0-60 comes in just 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 171mph.

InsideLine says that in its performance tests the 2009 CTS-V ran the quarter-mile in 12.5 seconds at 115.3 mph. That’s faster than the M5 and E 63 AMG that did it in 12.7 seconds at 113 mph. Braking distance for the new CTS-V from 60 to 0 comes in at 109 feet – beating its two German rivals by 6 feet.

Check out the full InsideLine’s review here.

2009 Cadillac CTS-V:

On Friday, TopGear reported that UK and other European regions won’t be getting the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V . However, AutoCar did some digging and found out from a senior source at GM that the 556-hp 6.2L supercharged V8 CTS-V will indeed make its way to the UK and other European markets.

However for all of you that drive on the wrong side of the road, the CTS-V won’t cater to your needs. It will only be offered in left-hand-drive only so get used to any problems or issues you may have with that.

Honestly, we were thinking it was odd on GM’s part not to offer the CTS-V in Europe and then flaunting it as the fastest production sedan to lap the Nurburgring .

2009 Cadillac CTS-V:

Source: AutoCar

When the new Cadillac CTS makes its way over to the UK in September, the Brits won’t get the 556-hp CTS-V. Cadillac’s UK chief says that the V8 powered CTS-V isn’t viable for European markets. Meaning the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG have nothing to worry about in European markets.

However, they will be getting a cheaper entry-level 2.8L V6 that starts at £26,995 ($43,050) – something we wish we got on the stateside. Not to mention it will probably be a little more fuel-efficient than our entry level 3.6L V6.

2009 Cadillac CTS-V:

Source: TopGear