The upcoming Cadillac CTS-V will look to take on the likes of the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG when it goes on sale in 2015.
These latest spy shots show the car winter testing, with this test mule seen benchmarking its performance against a current BMW M5.
Visible in these images are dramatic cosmetic changes to the nose, compared to the CTS, on which it is based, although it is not clear if these will reach production.
The spy shots have further revealed the car's quad exhaust tips and notable power bulge, which confirm that this is a CTS-V and not a 'standard' variant of the CTS.
Cadillac's new CTS-V is expected to receive the recently launched 'LT4' V8, which debuted in the Chevrolet Corvette C7 Z06.
Using the new LT4 engine would grant the CTS-V a power output in the region of 600bhp, and around 600lb ft of torque; its unlikely that it will offer more than the C7 Z06's quoted 625bhp and 635lb ft.
Power will be sent to the rear wheels, most likely via General Motor's new eight-speed automatic transmission.
The current CTS-V uses a supercharged 6.2-litre 'LSA' V8 that produces 556bhp and 551lb ft, allowing the saloon to sprint from 0-60mph in 3.9sec.
No official details have yet been released, but US list prices are expected to start at upwards of £40k.
Additional reporting by Darren Moss, 19 March 2014
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Ho hum..........
Bias not withstanding....
New Cadillac CTS-V to take on BMW M5
In AMERICA!!! Not here, not Europe.
Maybe 3 sales in Russia and six in China, but the rest -
IN AMERICA!!
Don't under estimate it