2009 Cadillac CTS-V

Cadillac wants its "Standard of the World" slogan back. Toward that end, the brand is mounting sort of a "wreath-and-quest" global crusade to convert the heathen masses currently worshipping roundels, three-pointed stars, linked-rings, and the like. Its arsenal of enticements includes a small car (the Swedish-built BLS), diesel engines (including a new state-of-the-art 2.7L V-6), and even a sleek and slinky CTS Sport Wagon due next year. But it needs a big-dog halo car-something to run with the Ms, AMGs, and RSs, capable of laying down big bragging-rights numbers at the Nurburgring. This CTS-V aims to be that car.