Cadillac has revealed the latest additions to its V-Series performance lineup: the CT4-V and CT5-V.
2020 CT4-V
Usually when manufacturers unveil new models, the standard versions debut months before the performance variants. Cadillac has done the inverse of that thinking, opting to reveal the sporty CT4-V today, ahead of the standard CT4’s debut in a month’s time.
Cadillac claims the CT4 is intended to rival compact sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A3, but its dimensions suggest otherwise – it is 47mm longer and 13mm narrower than a BMW 3 Series, placing the Caddy in the class above.
Under the bonnet is a 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder borrowed from the Chevrolet Silverado ute, producing an estimated 239kW (320hp) of power and 500Nm of torque. Drive is sent to either the rear or all wheels (the latter is optional) through a 10-speed automatic transmission – a 0-100km/h time in the mid 5-second bracket is likely.
Thanks in part to a near 50/50 weight distribution, the CT4-V promises to be a true corner carver. That’s aided by the standard adaptive Magnetic Ride Control dampers on rear-wheel-drive models (AWD cars get passive ZF units), 320mm front Brembo brakes and a mechanical rear limited-slip differential.
Visually, it looks like a shrunken version of Cadillac’s larger CT5 and CT6 – design cues include vertical LED daytime-running lights, black mesh grille, bootlid lip spoiler and quad exhausts. Inside, there’s a large central touchscreen, along with a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel with an LED strip used as part of the brand’s Super Cruise semi-autonomous system.
2020 CT5-V
One step above is the CT5-V, the performance variant of the CT5 revealed at last month’s New York auto show.
Under the bonnet is a larger 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6, developing 265kW (355hp) of power and 542Nm of torque. Like the CT4-V, drive is sent to either the rear or all wheels through a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Performance features include 345mm front and 315mm rear four-piston Brembo brakes, Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension, a V-specific driving mode and 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin performance tyres.
Visual differences over the CT5 Sport include a darkened grille, black trim, black lip spoiler and quad exhaust tips.
Launch
The Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V go on sale in the United States early next year. Cadillac doesn’t sell cars in Australia, so these models won’t be making it Down Under.
