Cadillac Debuts CT4-V and CT5-V With Super Cruise, Available AWD

Cadillac has just unveiled the first performance variants for the CT4 and CT5. The CT4- and CT5-V bridge the gap that Cadillac says exists between its regular cars and the track-ready V-Series cars of old.

The two Vs unveiled in Detroit show modest power gains over their non-V counterparts, along with visual updates to show off that extra power. Cadillac has promised, though, that it won’t give up on hardcore, track-focused V-Series cars.

The CT4-V is powered by a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine making 320 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Cadillac promises that 100% of the engine’s torque is produced at just 1,800 rpm, which should encourage it to hustle off the line.

As the this is the first CT4 ever presented by the brand — they promised to unveil the lineup’s more modest models in about a month — we can’t yet say how much more power that is than the base car, but in the Silverado, it makes 310 hp.

ALSO SEE: Cadillac Unveils 350-HP 2020 CT5 Sedan

Cadillac did reveal, though, that both V models would start at between $6,000 and $7,000 more than a regular Sport model.

The CT5-V is powered by the same 3.6-liter V6 that powers the regular CT5 and CT5 Sport, but makes 355 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. That’s about 20 more horsepower and no more torque than the regular CT5 when fitted with the V6. Both models funnel their power through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Along with the modest performance gains, both models get modest visual upgrades including black accents, quad-exhaust inserts, and grey-tinted taillights, among other changes. Bright colors are also available for the V cars, including blue, orange, red, and green.

Both models are available with AWD or RWD, with the CT5-V getting an electronic limited slip differential to help manage the power (the CT4-V gets a mechanical rear diff).

In AWD trim, both models come with the option to manage torque bias through the drive modes.

Speaking of drive modes, Cadillac has also promised that the new V-series cars will come with customizable V-modes to help you decide how sporty you want each aspect of the drive to be, including braking, whose feel through the pedal can be changed.

The two cars come with Brembo front brakes and Magnaride 4.0, which Cadillac promises is even faster than before. Thanks to that, the car should get better damping that’s both sportier and more comfortable. Both will also feature Cadillac’s hands-free driving aid, Super Cruise.

If you’re reading this thinking it’s all a little underwhelming for a series of cars that used to be developed at the Nurburgring, fear not. Cadillac’s Performance Variant Manager, Mirza Grebovic, says that there’s more to come from the V-Series. And that doesn’t just mean V-series SUVs.

Grebovic told as at the unveiling that V-Series, like all performance brands, holds track events for its buyers, who complained that the V-Series cars, especially in the snow belt, could be too powerful and too rear-wheel driven. These new V cars should satisfy that portion of the population while also, hopefully, introducing the brand to younger, (slightly) less loaded customers.

For purists, though, Grebovic says that there are more, more track-focused V-Series products coming across the line.

“And this is only the beginning of the V family,” said Mark Reuss in a statement. “Cadillac’s passion for performance shines on a racetrack. Stay tuned.”

The CT4-V and the CT5-V go on sale in early 2020 and will be produced at GM’s Lansing Grand River plant.