As expected, the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V was just announced at a private event at Detroit’s Eastern Market. Let’s dig into this new sedan to see what it’s all about.
Under the hood, the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V features the brand’s high-output, twin-turbo 3.0L V6 engine making 355 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. The motor, which uses low-inertia turbochargers to enhance power production across the rpm band, is mated to Caddy’s new 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel-drive is standard, while all-wheel-drive is available. An electronic limited-slip rear differential is on tap.
Like the “regular” CT5, the CT5-V is built on Cadillac’s award-winning rear-wheel-drive Alpha platform to deliver “the ultimate blend of performance, presence, and road-going refinement.”
To that end, V-Series performance chassis with Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, Performance Traction Management, and Vehicle Control Mode with customizable V-Mode are all present and accounted for, as is a Brembo front braking system. 19-inch wheels and summer-only performance tires are standard, while all-season tires are equipped on all-wheel-drive models.
Dark exterior accents and V-Series mesh grilles differentiate the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V from non-V models. A unique rear diffuser and quad exhaust tips take the differentiation even further.
Inside, the Cadillac CT5-V features a unique performance-oriented instrument cluster and V-Mode steering wheel control. Other than that, the cabin is similar to that of the regular CT5. The Super Cruise semi-autonomous vehicle system will be available.
If the specifications and positioning seem a bit underwhelming, it’s because the CT5-V has been repositioned from Cadillac’s prior V-Series models of the past. Now, the Cadillac CT5-V slots above the CT5 Sport models in Caddy’s trim level hierarchy, taking the spot of the discontinued midrange V-Sport models seen on outgoing Cadillac sedans such as the CTS and XTS. In that regard, the Cadillac CT5-V does not represent the range-topping performance model of the CT5 lineup. Keep that in mind as you read these quotes from Cadillac executives.
“The new V-Series sedan lineup defines modern sophistication by combining luxury appointments with thoughtful technology and athletic refinement for the discerning enthusiast,” said Brandon Vivian, Cadillac executive chief engineer. “We are inviting even more customers into the V-Series family 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.”
Hence, Cadillac is expanding choices for its V-Series performance sub-brand with the all-new CT5-V. By making the V-Series models more accessible, it is “inviting even more customers into the V-Series family.” Notably, the all-new Cadillac CT5-V follows the 2019 CT6-V as the second model in new-school V-Series sedans.
“The new lineup expands the V-Series ethos, drawing more customers into the Cadillac Performance family, and the newest Vs are focused on elevated athleticism and luxurious refinement for customers wanting a dynamic daily drive,” said Mark Reuss, president of Cadillac parent company, General Motors. “And this is only the beginning of the V family. Cadillac’s passion for performance shines on a racetrack. Stay tuned.”
And stay tuned we will. In the meantime, be sure to subscribe to Cadillac Society for the latest Cadillac CT5 news, the latest Cadillac CT5 forum discussions, and any ongoing Cadillac news coverage.
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