2014 Cadillac CTS will come with a 420-hp, twin-turbo thump

We'll see Cadillac's redone 2014 CTS sedan next week during the New York Auto Show, and while images of the machine's body have not been released, Cadillac's plans for beneath the skin have. The standard V-6 remains, but a brand new twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-6 arrives, bridging the gap between the top-line CTS and the mighty CTS-V.

The new motor boasts a massive 420 hp and 430 lb. ft of torque, and will burst to 60 mph in an estimated 4.6 seconds. The brutish powerplant will be mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, replacing the six-speed in a quest for improved fuel efficiency.

At 118 horsepower per liter, Cadillac claims their new lump is the "most power-dense six cylinder engine in the midsize luxury segment." It is also the most powerful V-6 ever produced by General Motors. Peak torque is delivered over a broad range (2,500 - 5,500 rpm), which should allow for a strong punch even under low revs. A version of the twin-turbo will also see duties in the XTS and will be meshed to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

At 420 hp, the CTS/XTS top engine outspecs not just its Detroit competition, but much of the head-to-head European lineup, such as the Audi S6/S7 and BMW 550; GM's North American chief Mark Reuss pointed to the new engine as the reason why the XTS was launched without a V-8.

We'll have more information on the 2014 CTS next week, but color us intrigued. The CTS-V is one of the most intoxicating cars on the market, so a CTS that bridges the gap should be a welcome addition.