Cadillac Rolls out Vsport Performance Lineup

General Motors Co.'s Cadillac brand is introducing Vsport performance variants to its existing vehicle lineup, beginning with the 2014 XTS large sedan and CTS midsize sedan.

The new all-wheel-drive package features Cadillac's new 3.6-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 engine, which makes 410 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque in the XTS and 420 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque in the CTS.

The Vsport package in the CTS and XTS includes Cadillac's new 8-speed automatic transmission, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, head-up display and 12-inch color IP display. Other Vsport extras include a quicker steering ratio, Brembo brakes, heavy-duty cooling system, 18-inch wheels shod with summer-only performance tires and driver-selectable track-mode steering and suspension damping rates.

Vsport features are borrowed from Cadillac's even racier V Series models, creating a midrange performance line between those models and the brand's standard vehicles. Cadillac notes that the new trim level also will be offered for the Escalade SUV and SRX crossover.

The Vsport package boosts the price of the base XTS by $17,500 to $63,000. For another $7,000, buyers can step up to the Platinum package that adds a suede headliner and two-row sunroof.