While it may not be a perfect time to launch a gas-guzzling high-performance sedan, GM announced today that the most powerful Cadillac ever, the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, will go on sale in the UK next month. The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V will take on the V10 500-hp BMW M5 and the E 63 AMG.

Pricing will start at ￡56,495 ($78,925 USD) and will reach ￡58,995 ($82,418 USD) for the automatic transmission model. U.S. pricing for the 2009 CTS-V starts at $59,995.

Power comes from a 6.2L V8 engine that pumps out 556-hp with a maximum torque of 550 lb-ft. 0 to 60 mph comes in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 191 mph. The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V holds record for the fastest production sedan around the Nürburgring's Nordschleife in 7 mins 59.32 secs.