The Cadillac Sport Sedan Is Dead: CT4 and CT5 Discontinued
The last Cadillac sedans standing are nearing the end of their production runs. The automaker confirmed that both the CT4 and CT5 will be discontinued after the 2026 model year.
Key Points
- Cadillac confirmed the next-generation CT5 will continue with an internal combustion engine and be built at GM’s Lansing Grand River Assembly plant, reversing earlier plans to convert the facility for EV production.
- Production of the smaller CT4 sedan will end in mid-2026 with no successor planned, while the current CT5 will remain in production until late 2026 before the new generation arrives.
- GM’s decision follows a $1.6 billion charge related to unused EV production assets and contract cancellations, signaling a strategic pullback as the automaker reassesses electric vehicle demand and federal funding uncertainties.
But don't cry yet, a replacement for the larger CT5 is already under development.
Production of the CT4 will wrap up by June 2026, while the CT5 will remain in assembly until later next year. Both are produced at GM’s Lansing Grand River plant in Michigan.
The news comes alongside a $1.25 billion investment plan to prepare the Lansing plant to continue combustion vehicle assembly. GM had previously announced a $1.4 billion plan to retool the plant for EV production, but that plan has obviously been put on ice.
A letter sent by Cadillac's Global Vice President John Roth notified dealers and other stakeholders of the change earlier this week.
“As Cadillac evolves, we will continue to make necessary adjustments to our portfolio to meet customer demand,” Roth’s letter read. “We are thrilled to confirm that the legacy of the CT5 will continue with a next-generation ICE vehicle, proudly manufactured at GM’s Lansing Grand River Assembly plant, of U.S. and globally sourced parts.”
Unfortunately, this also means we will lose the enthusiast-focused CT4-V and CT5-V, along with the Blackwing versions of both models, which are some of the last rear-wheel-drive sedans available with a manual transmission.
Earlier this year, GM announced an $888 million investment in its Tonawanda, New York, propulsion plant to build a next-generation V8 engine for trucks and SUVs—an engine that could find its way into a future Cadillac performance model, hopefully. A V8 sport sedan is more likely in this political climate now that the fines for missing fleet emissions targets have been eliminated.
While Cadillac has not announced technical details about the next-gen CT5—it could become a crossover for all we know—the name will represent one of the few remaining gas-powered vehicles in Cadillac's lineup. GM says the decision is unrelated to the potential loss of subsidies for electric vehicle production.
GM was previously awarded funding under a Department of Energy program aimed at converting existing facilities for electric vehicle production. That program is now under review, with potential cancellations affecting roughly $12 billion in federal awards.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, went over the wall during the Rolex 24, and wrenched in the intense IndyCar paddock.
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As long as the new CT5 is NOT a crossover but a sedan, everything is OK. If it becomes another unnecessary boring crossover, then is NOT a CT5 but a vulgar joke.
Muscle cars are dead. When is the funeral?