2020 Cadillac CT5-V First Look

New midsize Cadillac replaces the CTS-V
Twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 makes 360 horsepower
10-speed automatic transmission
Rear- or all-wheel drive
Magnetic Ride Control 4.0
Arrives in early 2020
Pricing starts at $48,690
More powerful model called Blackwing added

As the midsize sport sedan replacing the hallowed CTS-V, the new 2020 Cadillac CT5-V has big shoes to fill as it goes on sale early next year. There will be two levels of trim, a standard CT5-V and a more powerful variant called the CT5-V Blackwing

The CT5-V recipe

As a V, the CT5-V must offer elevated performance and a more engaging driver experience compared to a standard CT5. To that end, the CT5-V utilizes a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 that puts out 360 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 400 lb-ft of torque from 2,400 to 4,400 rpm. That output—well below the 556 horsepower of the CTS-V—reaches the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission and an electronic limited slip differential. An all-wheel drive (AWD) or rear-drive version of the CT5-V will be available. High-performance summer tires, Michelin Pilot Sports, are available.

Unlike its smaller sibling, the 2020 Cadillac CT4-V, which has 18-inch alloy wheels, the 2020 CT5-V wears 19-inch alloys, and its 13.6-inch front Brembo brakes are an inch larger than those of the compact CT4-V. Moreover, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 –with magnetorheological shock absorbers that automatically adjust for the given conditions—is standard on the CT5-V, along with a unique instrument cluster and customizable V-Mode chassis setting for aggressive driving. No manual transmission is available. Yet.

Blackwing added to the mix

That is until Blackwing comes along.

“The Blackwing name has come to represent the very best of Cadillac performance engineering, craftsmanship and technology,” said Brandon Vivian, Cadillac executive chief engineer. “The new CT5-V Blackwing builds on the brand’s respected legacy of ultimate-performance driving experiences and elevate them even further.”

The V-Series Blackwing model boasts specially-tuned chassis, vehicle control technologies and engines. Blackwing model availability includes the option of a manual transmission – a feature most luxury brands no longer offer but continues to be a strong desire for many performance driving enthusiasts.

Cadillac’s development program for the CT5-V Blackwing includes tuning sessions at CT5-V Blackwing at tracks and road courses around the country. Earlier this year, at Virginia International Raceway, The CT5-V Blackwing outperformed the CTS-V in lap times.

Based on the Alpha platform

Because the new CT5-V is built on the GM’s latest Alpha platform, it has the company’s newest electrical architecture, which supports Super Cruise. This driver-assist technology, optional on the CT5-V, allows autonomous hands-off driving on more than 130,000 miles of supported limited-access highways in Canada and the U.S. But only if the driver remains alert and facing forward. If not, Super Cruise will shut off automatically or bring the CT5-V to a complete stop if needed.

As for its chassis, the CT5-V rides on specially tuned MacPherson struts in front and a multilink rear, with overall vehicle stability enhanced by GM’s effective Performance Traction Management stability control. Inside the Cadillac’s 5-seat cabin, a special V-Mode steering wheel and unique instrument cluster are giveaways that this is not a standard Cadillac CT5. Back seat room is good, with significantly more legroom than in the CT4-V. On the outside of the car, the CT5-V differs, using dark exterior accents, quad exhaust tips and V-Series mesh grilles, along with an aerodynamic rear diffuser.

Where is the CT5-V built?

Like the CT4-V, the new Cadillac CT5-V is built in Lansing Michigan. The new Blackwing versions answers criticism for not being anywhere near as powerful as the car it’s replacing (the CTS-V).

Which engine will power the upcoming top version of the CT5-V?

We suspect the most potent version of the new CT5-V, whatever it’s called, will not necessarily be powered by Cadillac’s Blackwing twin-turbo 4.2-liter V8 from the CT6-V. That engine makes 550 horsepower. A more likely scenario sees the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 from the previous CTS-V wedged beneath the hood. The output hits 640 horses.

How does the Cadillac CT5-V compare in size to the outgoing Cadillac CTS-V?

The new CT5-V is about a half-foot shorter than the CTS-V, but it’s wider and rides on a longer wheelbase. Specifics: The 2020 Cadillac CT5-V is 6.6 inches shorter than the CTS-V, but its wheelbase is longer by 1.4 inches. At 74.1 inches wide, the CT5-V also is 1.9 inches wider than the CTS-V. In overall weight, the CT5-V, at 3,975-pounds, is 166 pounds lighter than the outgoing 4,141-pound CTS-V.