In the early 1950s, Cadillacs were known for being hot performers on the road racing circuit -- thanks in no small part to those huge V-8 engines that lay under the hoods.

If you weren't around to see the original hot rods, you can get a taste of what they were all about behind the wheel of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V. In fact, having driven a few hours in it, I can safely say that once you experience this car, the word "power" will be plastered across your brain cells for some time to come.

Even before this ultrahigh-performance version, the new CTS already was a hit. It's a solid seller, and one of the few bright spots from the domestic automakers this year.

Why is it so popular?

It's chic, for one thing -- and not just another variation on BMW's familiar styling, a route far too many other car makes in the entry-level luxury field seem to be taking.

Instead, CTS has robust, all-American styling that resembles nothing else on the road. And thanks to strong marketing and good word of mouth, the CTS has been imbued with a fair amount of charisma.

But the attractions go well beyond styling of this car, whose price is not yet set; but it it expected to sell for $60,000 or more.

The CTS has one of the best interior designs in the business, and the quality control, fit and finish are impeccable.

The CTS-V is icing on the cake. You start with a 6.2-liter, 556-horsepower V-8 that has a top speed of more than 191 mph with a six-speed manual transmission, and 175 mph with the all-new six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. There's 551 pounds per foot of torque to move you along, too. The CTS-V will hit 60 mph in about 3.9 seconds. Fuel mileage figures aren't yet available.

The CTS-V, by the way, is now the fastest production sedan ever to be tested at Germany's famous Nurburgring race track, doing a lap of the track in 7:59.32.

"The eight-minute mark has long been recognized as a major Nurburgring milestone, reserved for race cars and the fastest exotic cars," a company official said.

But don't be fooled by the performance. This is still a Cadillac, which means that you're swathed in luxury and comfort. While other luxury performance sedans may be somewhat Spartan inside with rough rides, the CTS-V is smooth and comfortable. It's quite pleased to be anything you want it to be -- a daily cruiser on city streets or a weekend barnstormer on the racetrack.

You'll know a CTS-V by its distinctive satin-finish grille, rear-end fascia design, big tires, subtle hood bulge and intricately designed road wheels.

And, boy, can it handle. It holds on to the road like glue, and responds instantly when prompted by a gentle push on the accelerator pedal. The Recaro seats are extraordinarily supportive -- important because this car takes corners and curves aggressively.

What really drew my attention was the interior, with all of its intricacies, finishes and trims.

You notice double stitching everywhere, including a hand-stitched instrument panel. The juxtapositions of aluminum, wood and other materials highlight the complex angles and curves.

Cadillac has designed a world-class interior with this car, ending once and for all the mediocre qualities and finishes that were a problem only a few years ago.

I'll have to wait for an extended test drive of the CTS-V to find out more. But I think Cadillac has a winner on its hands.