2020 CADILLAC CT5 V TEST DRIVE BY CAR CRITIC STEVE HAMMES. Cadillac’s car lineup has been reduced to 2 all-new models, the compact-sized CT4 and this; the midsize CT5, both available in mid-performance models Cadillac refers to as V-Series.  
 With a twin-turbo V6, MagneRide suspension, Brembo front brakes, an electronic limited slip differential, V Drive Mode, Launch Control and Performance Traction Management, this V-Series injects enough raciness into the CT5 to satisfy all but the most demanding drivers.  And for them, the Blackwing variant arrives next summer.

Cadillac’s car lineup is undergoing a major restructuring. 

The small ATS sedan and Coupe have already exited the.  The midsized CTS ostensibly becomes the all-new CT5 compact sedan when it arrives early next year joined by an even smaller 4-door called the CT4. And at the larger end of the spectrum the XTS is slowly being phased out while the CT6 has been given a reprieve from GM’s big car chopping block. 

In summary, Caddy’s sedan lineup is being reduced to 3 core models, each available in new V-Series livery that also is taking a new path.  Adopting the same formula as their German rivals, the new 2020 CT4-V and CT5-V will be faster and performance oriented but not to the level we’ve become accustomed to. 

The new strategy will be to offer 2 V-Series versions per car – one with more go and the other with all-out, track-readiness. 

These are the mid-performance cars:  the CT4-V offers 320 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque from its 2.7-liter turbo-4 while the CT5-V runs with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 going to 355 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.  Both share Magnetic Ride Control shocks and V-Series drive modes, available in rear- or all-wheel drive with a 10-speed automatic transmission, Brembo front brakes, mild electrification and limited slip differentials. 

And moving down from the flagship CT6 is Cadillac’s awesome, hands-free driving Super Cruise technology. 

Previously announced and already sold out, the CT6-V is the first to arrive this summer with the heralded Blackwing twin-turbo V8 with true V-Series performance of 550 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque.