Cadillac, the American luxury automaker that developed the world's first V-16 engine and the world's worst cylinder deactivation technology, has never built a motor more powerful, or more sophisticated, than the supercharged, 4.4-liter Northstar V8 that resides under the hood of the new 2006 Cadillac STS-V.

Developing 100 horsepower per liter, this new engine is capable of propelling the new 4,300-pound STS-V to 60 mph in less than five seconds. With 440 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 430 lb.-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm, the 2006 Cadillac STS-V's supercharged V8 engine is impressive, particularly when taking into account the fact that 90 percent of peak torque is available between 2,200 and 6,000 rpm.