Following its announcement of the latest V-Series cars, Cadillac brought out CT4-V and CT5-V prototypes to the track at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix. The production vehicles are slated for release in 2020.
On Saturday, Cadillac followed up on its recent announcement of the new V-Series performance lineup. The carmaker brought two prototypes to the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear race event, held on Belle Isle in Detroit, Michigan. General Motors president Mark Reuss and vice president of product Ken Morris drove the camouflaged carsaround the track.
Richard Prince for Cadillac
Richard Prince for Cadillac
Richard Prince for Cadillac
There appear to be slight external differences to the production vehicles, such as the larger spoiler on the blue/CT4 car. Could these be more powerful versions of the cars that Cadillac showed off just days ago?
Cadillac revealed the new additions to its V-Series, the CT4-V and CT5-V, on Thursday. They owe their existence to the 2004 CTS-V, which fathered the V-Series lineup. It packed a 5.7-liter LS6 V-8 mated to a 6-speed Tremec manual transmission. The CTS-V borrowed these components from the outgoing C5 Chevrolet Corvette Z06.
The next V-cars were the short-lived XLR-V and STS-V. The ATS-V rolled out in 2016 and is still in production. The limited-production 2019 CT6-V was announced last year and quickly sold out.
They owe their existence to the 2004 CTS-V, which fathered the V-Series lineup
The 2020 CT4-V and CT5-V are the latest vehicles to wear the V-badge. They ride on GM’s Alpha chassis, which is shared by the Cadillac ATS, CTS, and Chevrolet Camaro.
“The new V-Series sedan lineup defines modern sophistication by combining luxury appointments with thoughtful technology and athletic refinement for the discerning enthusiast,” Brandon Vivian, Cadillac executive chief engineer, said. “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.”
The V-specs
Richard Prince for Cadillac
Richard Prince for Cadillac
Richard Prince for Cadillac
Standard V-Series technology includes magnetic ride control and various drive modes. These latest models are available with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. A 10-speed automatic transmssion and Brembo front brakes with eBoost electronic assist are standard. Cadillac’s Super Cruise is also available, which offers a hands-free driver experience on select roads. Cadillac scanned more than 130,000 freeway miles in the U.S. and Canada to develop and implement the technology.
The CT4-V’s 2.7-literturbocharged four-cylinder engine produces an estimated 320 horsepwer. A 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 powers the CT5-V, producing 355 horsepower.
“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,” Reuss said. “And this is only the beginning of the V family. Cadillac’s passion for performance shines on a racetrack. Stay tuned.”
NewYorKars spotted a CT4 undergoing testing in Manhattan, N.Y. in April:
Al Khoury
Al Khoury
Al Khoury
GM’s Lansing Grand River facility in Michigan will build the CT4-V and CT5-V, which will be available in early 2020. Cadillac said that it will release details on more V-Series vehicles at a later date.