Quick Facts: V is the high-performance version of the popular CTS sedan. Engine produces 550 horsepower. CTS-V will be exported to Europe, the Middle East and Asia for the first time. Suspension uses a magnetic fluid to control stiffness (Magnetic Ride Control - MRC). Recaro driving seat adds support.

The Cadillac CTS is a perfectly respectable sports sedan. But when that just isn't enough, there's the new 2009 CTS-V.

The V is the high-performance version of the widely popular CTS. At the center of that high-performance is a new 6.2-liter V-8 engine that cranks out 550 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque, according to General Motors' estimates.

Getting all that power to the wheels is done either through a 6-speed manual transmission, or a six-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters that is exclusive to the CTS-V.

To add to the sporty nature of the car, the suspension uses a magnetic fluid to control the firmness of the shocks. The suspension is similar to that on the Chevrolet Corvette, and is capable of reacting to changing road conditions much faster than conventional shocks.

Inside, the driver will be held firmly in place in a Recaro performance driving seat that can be adjusted in 14 ways.

Microfiber cloth is used throughout the car, including the seats, steering wheel and shifter.

A 40-gigabyte hard drive holds your music that can be played through the car's Bose digital surround-sound audio system.

Past editions of the CTS-V were only sold in the United States. For 2009, Cadillac will begin exporting the car to Europe, the Middle East and Asia.