Cadillac Pulls the Wraps off Two New V-Series Sedans

Repositioning V-Series products as daily-drive sporty vs. track-day machines, the all-new CT4-V and CT5-V sedans still get potent turbo engines and athletic chassis tech.

August 1, 2019

Paul Seredynski

The newest Cadillac V-Series sedans – CT4-V (foreground) and CT5-V – are both based on GM's Alpha architecture, will be available in RWD or AWD configurations and feature turbocharged powerplants. (Cadillac)

Cadillac has added two more sedans to its V-Series performance lineup, the all-new 2020 CT4-V and CT5-V. The CT4-V will square off against established C-segment players such as the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, along with the new Genesis G70. The CT5-V will compete with the BMW 5-Series and Audi A6. The two new 4-door sedans join the larger 2019 CT6-V sedan in the V-Series stable, though the company noted that the series is evolving to be less focused on hard-core, track-worthy machines, and more about sporty and comfortable daily drivers.

Cadillac’s Super Cruise advanced driver-assist system (ADAS), will become available in calendar year 2020 on both the CT4-V and CT5-V sedans. (Cadillac)

“We are inviting even more customers into the V-Series family,” said Brandon Vivian, Cadillac executive chief engineer, “by adding a new level of elevated performance between our Sport models and the ultimate, high-performance track capability that the V-Series has grown to represent.”

The 2020 Cadillac CT4-V will provide a standard mechanical rear limited-slip differential. (Cadillac)

The 2020 Cadillac CT5-V replaces the CTS-V and provides a rear electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) to help channel power from its twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6. (Cadillac)

Though an apparent shift from the original track-ready V-Series ethos, the company hinted at upcoming V-Series models that will provide elevated, closed-course performance. True to its word, two days after the new V-Series sedan were revealed, two prototypes took to the track at the Detroit Grand Prix on Belle Isle. Beyond the “CT4” and “CT5” labels integrated into the camouflage and several images (see gallery, and below), Cadillac provided no additional details on the prototypes.

Turbocharged and 10 speeds

The CT5-V will arrive powered by a 3.0L twin-turbocharged V-6 rated at a Cadillac-estimated 355 hp (265 kW). The CT4-V will be powered by GM’s all-new 2.7L “dual-volute” turbo 4-cylinder (which made its recent debut in the Chevy Silverado), rated at a Cadillac-estimated 320 horsepower (239 kW). Both the CT4-V and CT5-V will be paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and both models will be available in RWD or AWD configurations.

The 2020 CT4-V (right) and CT5-V (center) show a strong family styling resemblance to the 2019 CT6-V (left). (Cadillac)

The CT4 prototype Cadillac teased at the 2019 Detroit Grand Prix. (Cadillac)

The CT5 prototype Cadillac teased at the 2019 Detroit Grand Prix. (Cadillac)

Both the CT4-V and CT5-V are underpinned (like the ATS and CTS models they replace) by GM’s rear-wheel-drive Alpha architecture. The larger CT5-V will feature a rear electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD), while the CT4-V will get a mechanical unit. Both models will feature the latest version of GM’s magnetorheological dampers, what it labels Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, claiming a tune that enhances comfort without sacrificing responsiveness.

Each of the new sedans will feature Brembo front brakes, launch control and a number of drive modes, including a “V-Mode” that permits a customized set of parameters. The CT5-V will feature 19-inch wheels, the CT4-V will arrive with standard 18-inch wheels, with RWD versions shod with summer performance tires and AWD models getting all-season rubber. Cadillac’s Super Cruise advanced driver-assist system (ADAS), will become available on both sedans in calendar year 2020.

The CT4-V and CT5-V are expected to go on sale in early 2020. Though pricing specifics have yet to be revealed, Cadillac noted the price differential between standard versions should be $6K-$7K. Both sedans will be produced at GM’s Lansing Grand River facility in Lansing, Michigan.