Typically, automakers go to great lengths to disguise their camouflage-clad prototype vehicles before sending them out into the public for testing. Automotive camo prints themselves have been the subject of continued improvement over recent years, and today, they make use of a number of proven optical illusions to obscure as much of each model’s sculpture as possible. Typically, identifying badges are covered or removed, grilles are obscured, and headlights and taillights are even masked to prevent giving away their design.
So what, then, do we make of the Cadillac crest-shaped bit of camouflage we recently saw on a prototype of the forthcoming 2020 Cadillac CT4? Is that the result of GM’s engineers tightly wrapping the crest to cover as little of the grille as possible, ensuring adequate cooling airflow for testing? Or is it a bit of an inside joke – a quasi-identifying feature deliberately placed just where the badge would be to poke fun at the very concept of trying to anonymize prototype vehicles?
We’re going to go with B) the engineers decided to have a bit of fun.
It’s hard to imagine a scenario in which an automaker had no recourse but to wrap a badge rather than simply removing it from the car, and consider: another Cadillac CT4 prototype spied more recently had the crest on the grille blocked off in an entirely different, less shape-conforming way. Even if the earlier CT4 prototype had a badge with integrated radar for the Adaptive Cruise Control, and thus one that couldn’t practically be removed from the car, there are plenty of other ways to obscure it.
So well-played, Cadillac engineers. There’s no escaping the all-seeing lens of the automotive spy photographer; you might as well embrace that, and have a laugh when you can.
About The 2020 Cadillac CT4
The forthcoming Cadillac CT4 is believed to be GM’s indirect replacement for the soon-to-be-discontinued Cadillac ATS. It will compete in the same luxury C-segment space, riding on the second generation of GM’s Alpha platform, with RWD as standard and an optional AWD system. We anticipate GM’s 2.0-liter turbo I4 LSY and 3.6-liter V6 LGX engines being available on regular models, with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 LGW, and possibly the new 4.2-liter twin-turbo V8 LTA “Blackwing”, being offered on high-performance models.
Stay tuned for all the latest Cadillac CT4 news.
Comments
BS.
The XT4 is here moving on Cadillac….
BMW 3, 8, X5, X7, Z4
Audi A6, 7, 8, Q8, Etron
MB A, GLE, CLS, G, AMG GT, EQC
Cadillac xt4, xt4, xt4, xt4, xt4, xt4…..2019 xt4 ,xt4, xt4,
Cadillac ever six months until 2020? its almost 2019. What’s coming?
By the time it gets here with GM’s average performing 4 cylinder and anything else management can scrounge up from the not used GM parts bin, it will be so far from being competitive, no one will even notice. Typical GM, too little, too late.
How is this a story when some rando comment weeks when these pics were first posted made this point…running out of material???
Maybe it is a Flo Crest?
I have been waiting for that one show up here lol!
I think the bigger story is that the headlights and ductwork below them appears to be a slight evolution of today’s design, rather than a full adaptation of the Escala’s look. (You’ll have to look at other pics to see what I’m talking about.)
Maybe it’s a hint that Cadillac will be getting it’s wreath back……kind of like buick got the colored crests back. Just a thought. Though it is probably a little early for Cadillac to be redeemed.
All I know is if this is the CT4, then it is for sure a 3 Series competitor and not an A3 one. The wheelbase looks too long for the A3 and new Mercedes A Class.
So hopefully I am correct and Cadillac will have proper 3/5 series rivals. As far as the CT6 is concerned, maybe they will surprise us with a long wheelbase version to compete with the 7 Series.
Wait, Wait, Wait for another GM blah. Smaller CT6 with a 2.0T yippee. I was really hoping for a 350 HP Escala looking Cadillac. And yes STANDARD 350HP Escala looking Cadillac. Come on do something GREAT, or at least better. We will see we always do.
I strongly do feel as though Cadillac is doomed. Allow me to please explain. I was watching a retro episode of MotorWeek. This particular episode was testing the 1984 Cadillac Eldorado. I remember the host talking about how Cadillac was trying to keep up with the Germans and defined its space in the luxury world. Here we are in 2018 and they are still in the same predicament. Nothing much has changed. It’s sad to see a brand this old and with this much potential still struggling to Define itself out. Unfortunately I feel like it’s going to be this way until the end. I have a good feeling that the industry is going to make a dramatic change very soon and those challenger brands are going to be left in the dust. I pray I’m wrong because I do believe Cadillac deserves a Fighting Chance.. but I don’t believe General Motors will ever give it a true shot.
Sadly, I think you’re right. Cadillac has been trying to reinvent themselves since the mid-80s or for over 30 years. They never succeed. They haven’t had a real home-run product in that entire period. They’ve lived off of past glory the entire time; essentially they’ve lived off their reputation rather living up to it since the middle of the Reagan era. Johan de Nysschen was their last hope I fear but in typical GM fashion, the bean counters sent him back to South Africa and the rest of Cadillac’s folks back to Warren where they could undoubtedly be reigned in.
Supposedly XT4 would herald a new standard for Cadillac, usher in a new design, and be the start of a long-awaited rebirth that would yeild a new product every six months. It was a massive disappointment. The exterior design is more-of-the-same, derivative of everything else in the segment, and there was no new level of quality or craftsmanship inside. It launched in April. Six months thereafter is October and there’s no other new Cadillac showing its face. What happened? It’s like the brand and its new president went into hiding. Radio silence.
Another Lamba FWD crossover is coming, this time badged as a Cadillac as if the world really needs a new iteration of Lambda. Another blinged-out Tahoe is on the way but the competition is already way ahead of that. Strapping chrome on a Tahoe isn’t going to cut it anymore in that market with BMW and M-B now competing in the segment. CT4 is looking evolutionary rather than revolutionary and with the 3.6 from the parts bin and GM’s 2.0 T, it’s hard to imagine it being competitive, much less class leading. The 4.2 Blackwing is a bright spot but given that it’ll be hand-built, it’s seeming more like a boutique engine that’ll have limited availability when Cadillac really needs new exclusive engines to replace, not augment the parts-bin stuff.
I’m just not seeing the bright future we were lead to believe Cadillac would be in the midst of by now. Cadillac is looking like Oldsmobile circa 1999. Lots of money spent but the situation is still dire. I just don’t understand why after over 30 years Cadillac is still right where they started, still trying to be relevant and reinvent themselves. I have no hope left that they will ever be The Standard of the World again.
“Cadillac is looking like Oldsmobile circa 1999”
It’s isn’t just the money and effort largely wasted, but just like Olds, they’ve alienated their existing customer base (that wants comfortable, roomy, stylish, fast, and reliable cars) before they established a new one (which they won’t wrench away from imported cars because they’re not imported).
The writer completely flubbed that it’s the OPENING for the grille that’s in the crest shape, not the badge cover.
all the reviews for the XT4 show a great vehicle. So don’t go by any pictures until you see it in person.