The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V ups its performance game with an all-new, 6.2L supercharged LSA engine that delivers 556 horsepower—making it second only to the Corvette ZR1’s LS9 supercharged engine as the most powerful production LS crate engine offered by GM Performance Parts. It is based on the same foundation as the LS9, but with a slightly smaller supercharger and a few other unique components designed to deliver Cadillac’s signature quietness and refinement. But just because the LSA doesn’t have the same peak power numbers of the LS9 engine doesn’t mean it comes up short in any important measurement. The unique aluminum-cylinder block casting houses a forged steel crankshaft and super-tough reciprocating parts, integrated pistoncooling oil jets, high-flow cylinder heads and relatively mild camshaft with 0.492-inch lift on both the intake and exhaust sides. The forced induction of the 1.9L, sixth-generation supercharger makes up for the comparative lack of valve lift by packing the combustion chambers full of air and fuel. This gives the LSA 556 horsepower and 551 lb-ft of torque, along with excellent idle quality and “right-now” throttle response. And unlike the LS9, the LSA comes with a conventional wet-sump lubrication system.