What’s Different About The Next-Level Cadillac CT5-V Prototype?

Following the recent debut of the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V, Cadillac was generally chastised for not blessing its new D-segment sedan with the absurd power levels expected of a V-Series nameplate. After all, the new CT5-V delivers less power than the ATS-V and CTS-V it indirectly replaces. Thankfully, Cadillac has announced that the new CT5-V will spawn a go-faster variant, as evidenced by a surprise reveal at the Detroit Grand Prix three days after Cadillac’s announcement.

Race fans got an eyeful of two prototypes attacking the Belle Isle track, providing a taste of the forthcoming high-spec, next-level CT5-V variant. The next-level prototype was decked out in extensive camouflage, making it tricky to do an exact visual comparison to its respective production counterpart. But when did something difficult stop us here at Cadillac Society?

Front End

The next-level CT5-V prototype wears extensive camouflage that obscures the front fascia, with black netting covering up what’s underneath. But we can still make out some details beneath the veil.

Both the production CT5-V and the next-level CT5-V prototype come with the same headlamp housings, which pull back into the fenders alongside a set of vertical accent lamps in the lower fascia. However, the grille and primary air intake on the next-level CT5-V prototype look as though they have a different shape, with larger dimensions for both the upper and lower portions.

The grille inserts also look as though they have a different pattern, rather than the “shield” stylistic of the production model. We also notice that the prototype comes with new lower air blade elements just inside the vertical lighting signature. Finally, the mirror caps are finished in a corresponding black color, although it’s possible this is just an intentional part of camouflage.

We expect even more changes when these high-spec variants reach further stages of development and finally hit production, including the possible addition of large air extractor vents on the hood.

Sides & Rear End

At the sides and rear, the first thing that catches our eye on the next-level CT5-V prototype are the wheels, which come with a matte-black finish replacing the bright silver alloys found on the production car. The wheel diameter also looks like it gains an extra inch or so, while the tire width appears significantly wider than that of the production models.

We also notice small air vents located just behind the front wheel, which could add some additional cooling for bigger brakes.

The next-level CT5-V prototype also gets a decklid-mounted spoiler, but it looks more or less identical to that of the production car. Regardless, we expect new aero spec to be a critical component to the go-faster CT5-V variant.

The next-level prototype also gets quad exhaust tips with a rhomboid shape and bright silver finish, seemingly identical to the production car.

What’s Under The Hood?

The standard CT5-V produces 355 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque thanks to a twin-turbo 3.0L V6. Rear-wheel-drive is standard and while all-wheel-drive is optional. A 10-speed automatic transmission does the shifting.

Meanwhile, Cadillac describes the next-level CT5-V prototype revealed at the Detroit Grand Prix as “track-capable.” As such, we’re expecting significantly more power from the next-level CT5-V, potentially via the 4.2L Blackwing Twin Turbo V8 engine that makes 550 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque int he CT6-V. We also expect significant upgrades to the chassis, including new settings for the Magnetic Ride Control suspension system and Performance Traction Management software, along with bigger brakes that are more resistant to heat.

That’s all we have so far, but you can bet we’ll be keeping our ears to the ground and report on any information that surfaces. In the meantime, subscribe to Cadillac Society for more Cadillac CT5 news, Cadillac V-Series news, and ongoing Cadillac news coverage.