Cadillac unveils 2020 CT5-V and 2020 CT4-V in Detroit

Enforcing its pledge to build more performance models, Cadillac invited us to Detroit yesterday evening to give us a peek of the 2020 CT5 and CT4 V-series models.

First off, the CT-5-V gets its motivation from Cadillac’s 3,0-liter twin turbo V6 powerplant which puts out 355 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.

This engine is mated to a 10-speed auto trans, with a choice of standard RWD configuration or AWD configuration. Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 (the latest version of this component), electronically limited slip differential, a customizable V-Mode, Huge Brembo front calipers, 19-inch wheels and Super Cruise are all standard bits on the CT5-V.

As far as the CT4-V is concerned, Cadillac opted for a four-cylinder 2.7 Liter turbocharged 320 horsepower engine with a responsive torque of 369 lb-ft at 1,800 RPM. This one is also mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The standard equipment list on this smaller sedan includes the limited slip differential, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 on RWD models and ZF dampers on AWD models, V-Mode, 18-inch wheels, Brembo brakes and Super Cruise.

We had speculated at length about engine choices and power levels of these performance variants. Hoping for a lower-output version of the CT6-V’s V8, but ready to settle for a (very) high output turbocharged V6.

Even if squeezing out 369 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 RPM from a 2.7 L four-banger is an impressive feat – Cadillac says this is possible thanks to a new 3-step camshaft – and 400 lb-ft really early in the band for the 3,0-liter V6, these figures are on the low side. With the outgoing CTS-V’s 640 horsepower, we can’t help but wonder where all the horses in the “V-Stable” went…

Of course, pricing has yet to be revealed at this point, and this factor will help decide if these Vs will make good rivals in their respective segments. And for the purists, GM says there will be more track-focused V models to come.