2009 Cadillac CTS-V

This lightly camouflaged 2009 CTS-V test mule that was spotted somewhere in Colorado gives a good look at what the production model will look like when it goes on sale sometime within the next year. Deviation from the formula that made the first CTS-V a hit is minimal -- mesh upper and lower grille, larger front fascia with bigger fog lamps, side skirts, and a pair of large exhaust pipes sticking out from the restyled rear fascia.

The front camo does a reasonable job of concealing the hood bulge that accommodates the Corvette ZR1's 600-some horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V-8's blower (for the CTS-V, the engine may be detuned to somewhere around 580 horsepower), making it look like it's placed too far forward due to an optical illusion. In reality, it is placed just over the engine as it should be, as can be seen in the photo at right. Additionally, a six-speed auto is expected to be offered in the CTS-V for the first time alonside a six-speed manual.

The aggressive black ten-spoke wheels are unlike any Cadillac has used on past production models, but these go together well with the blacked-out grille and underscore Cadillac's aim offering M5-beating performance at an M3 price.