556-HP Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon Showcar: 2010 New York Auto Show

NEW YORK — Dolled up in the same exterior paint that graced the Cadillac Sixteen Concept, the 556-horsepower Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon showcar was unveiled ahead of the 2010 New York Auto Show. But Cadillac was quick to point out that a lot of the showcar's color and trim elements "are not yet intended for production."

Cadillac confirmed that a production version of the CTS-V Sport Wagon will debut in limited numbers in late 2010. Pricing has not been announced, but it would not be surprising to see it start at $60,000 or higher. The 2010 Cadillac CTS-V sedan starts at $61,545, including an $825 destination charge. The base 2010 Cadillac CTS starts at $35,990, including shipping.

The rear-wheel-drive CTS-V Sport Wagon, along with its sedan and coupe stablemates, gets the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that delivers 556 hp and 551 pound-feet of torque. The engine is linked to either a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission or a Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic. Fuel economy is estimated at 14 mpg in city driving and 19 mpg on the highway.

Performance elements include Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 performance tires on 19-inch forged aluminum wheels.

While many of the showcar's elements will not see the light of day, they add lots of glamour. The CTS-V Sport Wagon showcar gets the same Midnight Silver exterior paint first seen on the Cadillac Sixteen Concept, along with Liquid Silver-finished wheels and a black chrome finish on the grille's mesh insert. The rear fascia, upper spoiler and center high-mounted stop lamp are also unique to the showcar, said Cadillac in a statement.

The cabin gets special treatment, too, including midnight Sapele wood trim and black leather-trimmed Recaro seats. "The showcar's bespoke color and trim elements hint at the potential direction of color and trim in future Cadillac models," said Cadillac in a statement. "These elements are not yet intended for production, but represent Cadillac's desire to gauge customer reaction to new color and trim options."

Cadillac said the production version will come standard with performance seats with perforated suede microfiber inserts. Recaro driving seats are optional. An advanced navigation system and Bose 5.1 digital surround audio are standard.

The production version of this showcar will roll out first in North America, followed by Europe and the Middle East.

Inside Line says: Cadillac flexes its muscle with a preview of the latest V-Series model in the stable. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent