2011 Cadillac CTS-V Base

The CTS-V is Cadillac's high-performance sedan, coupe, or wagon, built to take on the BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG. It's brutally quick and handles with surprising agility for a big Cadillac, though the ride is firm and the visibility is poor. Inside, you get a roomy, leather-lined cabin with plenty of trunk space, but the fit and finish isn't up to German standards. Some owners report electrical issues and brake wear that comes on fast, so it's worth checking those areas on a used example. The CTS-V is the only performance trim in the lineup, and it's the one you want. Its 6.2L V8 makes 556 horsepower and 551 lb-ft of torque, sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic.