Back in the late ‘40s, Cadillac upended the world of automotive design by introducing rear tailfins, a styling cue inspired by aerospace that would eventually see adoption the world over. This iconic styling element would become more and more pronounced with each successive application, eventually peaking with models like the Cadillac Eldorado. Now, Caddy is giving a nod to its design heritage with an unexpected bit of Cadillac CT5 design work.
Cadillac CT5 tail lamp
We spoke with Cadillac design chief Andrew Smith, who clued us in on where the tailfin-inspired cue can be found in the Cadillac CT5 design. Checking out the tail lamps, we find an inner lighting graphic that runs up from the rear bumper and arcs horizontally into the rear fender with an L-shaped curve. According to Smith, this bit was inspired by the tailfins of classic old-school Cadillacs.
While not as pronounced as the tailfins seen on the Cadillac Eldorado, this small bit of Cadillac CT5 design still does well to set the sedan apart from the rest of the luxury four-door segment.
There are several other small details that help the Cadillac CT5 design stand out. For example, there are small Cadillac crests inside the tail lamp housing which can be found towards the front-most section that stretches into the rear fender. Furthermore, the door handles also come with small Cadillac badging.
Details like this are sure to be appreciated by those buyers who look for the finer details in automotive design, and the pride that goes into calling the CT5 a true Cadillac is obvious.
Cadillac CT5 door handle
Note that there are several design cues that help to differentiate the different trim levels within the Cadillac CT5 lineup, including the tail lamp housings, with Premium Luxury and Luxury trims equipped with red lenses, and neutral-density / gray-tinted lenses for Sport and CT5-V models.
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Joe Booky
My ’13 XTS has the light bar and the tail lamp is actually a fin. If the CT5 designers really wanted to pay homage to the fastback ’48 Cadillac, instead of just emulating the roof line, a real tail fin ala 1953 could have been incorporated. It could have started another trend like the original fin. Cars are too generic in design. Cadillac, be bold.
Bill Series 60
I wish Cadillac would define the vehicle’s better. Why not offer a slightly different engines by increasing the horsepower by turbo’s of displacement.
Another thing would be to stretch most of the wheel bases by a few inches. Make a CADILLAC a CADILLAC not a Buick or Chevy.
Marty Coddington
If Mr. Smith sees any resemblance between CT-5 taillights and styling cues from the 50s, it is time for the drug test many of us have proposed for GM management. It is not a bad looking taillight, just a little blah. Certainly does not echo the styles we loved 70 years ago.
Frank Ricciardi
I’m sorry the CT5 is NOT cool!!!
Daniel Tarrab
We miss coupes, cabriolets, attractive sedans….Too many wheeled boxes (SUV)🤨