Holy Hatchback

One of the fastest production station wagons of all time has just come roaring into the limelight. The Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, now in its second production year, has rolled out its high-performance V-Series model, giving the sleek wagon a major power boost.

A shocking, bestial affair, the CTS-V combines the performance and luxury of the landmark CTS-V Sport Sedan with the dramatic design of the CTS Sport Wagon.

“The CTS-V Sport Wagon is a natural extension of both the V-Series and the CTS lineup, offering an uncompromising performance car to enthusiasts who want the extra room of a wagon,” said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac marketing. “The V-Series Sport Wagon is another hallmark of the dramatic presence and power of Cadillac vehicles.”

Like its sedan and coupe stable mates, the CTS-V Sport Wagon is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, which delivers 556 horsepower and is backed by either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. A suite of technical and performance elements complement the powertrain, including Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 performance tires mounted on 19-inch forged aluminum wheels.

Like the other CTS V-Series models, the Sport Wagon has a unique grille that doubles front-end airflow to help enable its high-performance capabilities. It has an unmistakably aggressive front fascia and a raised center hood section that provides clearance for the supercharger.

Of course, cargo capability is a hallmark of wagons, and the V-Series Sport Wagon delivers with 25.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 58 cubic feet with the seats folded — virtually doubling the cargo space of the sedan.

The monster V-8 offers 551 pound-feet of torque and is the most powerful engine offered in Cadillac’s history — which is really saying something. Packed into a sleek wagon, it’s helping to burn rubber on an old stereotype.