We’ve already shown you all kinds of Cadillac CT4 spy photos last year. But today, our eagle-eyed spy photographer has caught a potential CT4 V-Sport variant.
While most other Cadillac CT4 prototypes we’ve seen in the past have worn a shiny set of multi-spoke wheels and a dual exhaust treatment, the unit seen here features quad exhaust tips and a darker set of 18-inch wheels wrapped in 235/40 R18 Continental SportContact 6 SSR tires. This is high-performance rubber, as the SSR designation denotes Self Supporting Run-Flat tires. Notably, we have seen this exhaust treatment on a prior CT4 prototype, but that model wasn’t using these wheels.
Notably, these wheels appear to be exactly the units from the Carbon Black Package introduced on the 2017 Cadillac ATS. Assigned RPO code PXG, the wheels were 18 inches in diameter and the finish was called Midnight Dark alloy.
The exterior of this particular tester doesn’t tell us much else about its positioning in the CT4 lineup, leading us to conclude that it could either be one of these two models:
- CT4 V-Sport – which would deliver higher performance than the regular model thanks to a higher-output engine and suspension components, or
- CT4 Sport – which would simply be a regular CT4 but with different content (like black trim pieces instead of chrome ones), in line with Cadillac’s new Y trim level strategy
Whichever one of the above options we’re looking at here, we should note that this is definitely not the full-on CT4 V high-performance model, which the CT4 is expected to get during its lifecycle. As far as we know, development of the CT4-V has not yet begun.
About Cadillac CT4
The CT4 is an upcoming small luxury sedan from GM's Cadillac luxury car division. The vehicle will indirectly replace the ATS Sedan as Cadillac's smallest sedan, slotting in the luxury C-segment against the likes of the Audi A3 range, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class family and the BMW 1 Series Sedan (which is currently available only in China).
The CT4 will be based on the second iteration of the highly-acclaimed GM Alpha platform known as Alpha 2. In first-generation guise, the architecture underpinned the ATS and CTS lines. Rear-wheel-drive will be standard, while all-wheel-drive will be optional. High-performance CT4 V-Sport is planned. It's unclear whether a CT4-V is planned.
Power should come from the standard 2.0L Turbo LSY four-cylinder engine. The naturally-aspirated 3.6L V6 LGX could be offered as an option, but that might not take place. A CT4 V-Sport model will likely be powered by 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 LGW engine. If a high-performance CT4-V is produced, then it will likely be powered by a higher-output version of the LGW engine. It's unlikely that the CT4 will ever cradle the new Cadillac 4.2L V8 DOHC LTA engine, otherwise known as Blackwing.
Trim levels will follow the new Cadillac new Y trim level structure, commencing with the base Luxury, followed by mid-level Premium Luxury and Sport trims, and the range-topping Platinum and V-Series trims. Pricing should start in the low $30,000 range.
The CT4 will be built at the following plants:
- GM Lansing Grand River plant in Michigan, USA for North America, South Korea, and the Middle East
- Jinqiao Cadillac plant in China for China
The Cadillac CT4 is expected to be introduced in the end of the 2019 calendar year and go on sale in early 2020 as a 2020 model year vehicle.
Related News & Info
- GM news
- GM forums
- Cadillac CT4 information
- Running GM sales results
- Running Cadillac sales results
- Running Cadillac CT4 sales results
- Running Cadillac sales results
Comments
It’s probably the Sport or Platinum.
Since ATS never got a V-Sport, it would be surprising that CT4 gets a V-Sport in it’s first year.
The ATS never got a V-Sport because it was planned and conceived incorrectly from the onset from a trim level standpoint. In fact, I would argue that all Cadillac models developed in the pre-JdN era had horrible trim level structures.
Only now does Cadillac have the trim structure figured out with the Y structure that includes:
– base Luxury
— Premium Luxury
—- Platinum
— Sport
—- V-Sport
So what the ATS had or didn’t have isn’t a very good indicator of what a product being developed 8 years later and under completely different leadership will have. In fact, I would be surprised if the CT4 gets Platinum at the onset… much like the XT4 didn’t get one.
Cadillac starting with Luxury now makes good sense, even if it is optioned like the
previous Base/Standard.
CT4 may not need Platinum if packages can be added to be the same.
Have the spys gotten close enough to measure or estimate the length of CT4/CT5?
Or hear the engine sound if that tester had a 3.0TT in it?
In the 80’s and 90’s, the sporty versions were distinct models, and the uber-plush interior was available as an option that didn’t (always) require every other option. It could not have been clearer. Something similar, with an extra level of sport (or 2) and a sport/plush combo, would offer more choices without overtaxing manufacturing.
But then IMO, every Cadillac starts at too sporty and just gets more so. Adjustable suspensions allow them to be both fast and comfortable, but for over 20 years they’ve refused to take full advantage. Instead, they combine them with rubber band tires that ruin the ride from the get go.
Calling the base Luxury when it obviously isn’t is a bad idea, but no company has wanted to call their base Base since they started putting names on models.
Hope they still keep their RWD car lineup and promise us for sure still available for America.
I just hope the interior will be better.
Wish that I could get excited. The design is generic–fails to stand out like Benz or excite like Alfa. Couldn’t Cadillac have v stolen the Buick Avista concept and built it as a 4 door?
With CT6 dead so soon you gotta wonder how this one will do.
Don’t count on a Buick version of CT4, it would be a waste of time as a sedan. IMO An Cascada replacement coupe/convertible based on Camaro would make sense and a Chevy Nova (with 2.5 to 5.3 power) would make sense as a CT4 sedan counterpart for a cost-to-scale standpoint and a wonderful Cruze replacement.
The car here is sizing up to be interesting. The details will be what make and breaks it as the platform will be a updated Alpha that will address the needs there like RHD etc.
The news of the new full Electric car will be interesting to see its details. Taking on the S now that is is long in the tooth will be fun. Also with the Taycan coming from Porsche the S is in real trouble and that is where most of Tesla’s money is coming from as it is the profit car.
GM should on the Cadillac EV turn a profit at the price point they will have unlike the other lower priced models. This should help them get this one right as they can afford to do it right.
The luster is off on Tesla in many areas as they cut free charging and the over the air updates begin to go away. The cost of each were unsustainable.
It is starting to look like it is making sense that Cadillac held back and is hitting Tesla on the down swing of the S vs the up swing.
I hope I am correct that this thing looks BMW 3 Series size to me.
I really do hope that everyone is wrong about this whole In-between size for Cadillac. That strategy makes zero sense.
It’s become rather difficult for me to get excited about this and the upcoming CT5! I have no doubt the performance will be stellar, as they are building off the ATS and CTS strengths. But with the current SUV/CUV rage and GM slashing sedan models, I don’t see these being on the market too long….
J,
I agree. I have serious doubts that these cars, the CT4 and CT5, will ever launch. Even if they do, it’s doubtful they’ll be able to generate the sales volume GM will demand to keep them around. Further, the original plan of sedans in small, medium, and large was a good one but with the large car already gone, they’ll be a hole in the lineup from day one that will hamper the success of the entire range,
I don’t care about either the CT4, or CT5. I want to know what is going to be in a Cadillac showroom this time next year. I don’t buy SUV’s, I want LARGE Luxury Sedans, or Coupes. Currently own a 2018 CT6 Platinum, 2017 CTS V, and 2017 Escalade Platinum, which we bought to haul my sisters 20 suitcases when she comes to visit. Otherwise it sits most of the time
Who will be the recipient of the new Cadillac V8 after the defunct CT6 V ?
When will the Escala land?
Don’y care for a PHEV unless it can go at least 500 miles before recharging.
Really want to know what is going to be for sale a year from now. Nothing larger than a CT5 ?
This is Cadillac going backwards..Do they not understand what this does for their image…..
You drive 500 Miles per Day?
Of course not! But since I don’t fly any more, unless abroad, I like to drive, or take the train. I don’t want to need to stop every 3 hours to charge a car. The Tesla is way to bland and overpriced, I don’t buy foreign……
Totally onboard with you about Cadillac’s actions of late and how it affects the brand image. I’m one or was one of the brand’s biggest fans and had high hopes especially since the CT6 came to market. But with the announcement of it being discontinued, it was like a kick to the gut that knocked out all enthusiasm for the brand.
At this juncture, Cadillac could come out with a car that flies and I’d be like ‘Meh!, probably won’t stay on the market long enough so why be excited or interested?’
In the end, the brand needs to managed and owned by an entity other than GM for it to truly see the light of day and return to days of being a real luxury marque. GM is all about chasing profits and short term gratification instead of laying the groundwork and staying the course to see the marque eventually flourish and be considered a true luxury brand. Either GM knows something we don’t and figures the CT5/CT4 will distract and be good enough to carry the brand. But a true luxury brand leads with well engineered vehicles and low volume halo models for market impression and perception.
Totally agree with Gary. Land Rover and Jaguar as well as Volvo are flourishing again under new ownership. GM needs to sell off Cadillac. They obviously have no clue how to run it anymore. It’s been one scheme after another with revolving door management. They embark upon a renaissance plan but ultimately cancel it and change direction when it doesn’t start to pay off after the first six months. Trying to make Cadillac a Tesla clone will be no more successful than Cadillac’s years of trying to become BMW. That never worked; this won’t either.
Given that Mary Barra obviously wants short term profits to boost her personal fortunes, she needs to cut Cadillac lose, enrich herself, and end the pain for Cadillac fans everywhere. She’s effectively shut down Holden, sold off Opel and Vauxhall already so it’s time to sell Cadillac. I think just about any automaker out there would run it better than GM has so I wouldn’t be worried about where Cadillac lands. Look at what BMW has done for Rolls Royce. That could happen for Cadillac too.
….and who the hell are they going to sell it to…..the japs, germans, koreans,….and what is that going to do for Cadillac’s image. All the above are growing their own luxury brands and doing very well. Look what happened when we sold Chrysler to Fiat…..Chrysler and Dodge will be gone in a couple years, all that will remain will be Ram and Jeep. The Ram will become a Jeep pickup. Todays Chrysler /Dodge/Ram dealership will be a Fiat/ Alfa Romeo/Maserati/Jeep and possibly Lancia dealership tomorrow…..
Exactly!
With the introduction of the XT6 at the Detroit auto show later this month it appears Cadillac is in no hurry to debut either a CT4 or a CT5 model sedan even if they do based on the 6 months+ rollout schedule you are probably looking at late 2019. JMO
I am convinced that Cadillac could develop the best car on the market and people will pick it apart and invent things to complain about!
Cadillac just build the best car you can so guys like myself can enjoy it!
What I dont understand is if you dont like Cadillac cars then why are you on this site? Go somewhere else and leave this form to the people who love Cadillac!
It’s the mindset of a very potential contender that doesn’t totally step up and forward so it becomes a target for criticism.
Hey I am a huge Cadillac guy. I am pulling for them badly as I would love to see in my lifetime Cadillac reach True Tier One Luxury status. Would be amazing.
Having said this, which car does Cadillac sell right now that is best in class?
Do they have a best in class interior?
Best in class engine?
Best in class Sedan interior volume?
Best in class Infotainment system?
Why can’t we GM fans call them out? I never understood that at all. GM/Cadillac can and must do better or they will die a slow death. Todays Luxury market is totally brutal and just good enough will not work. A fully loaded 3 Series is over 60K now. That doesn’t even include the M3. So again why should we Cadillac fans be ok with just good enough? That might be ok for some but not to us that want Cadillac back as the Standard of The World.
…..and in the meantime they are going to loose that segment of Cadillac buyers who come in every day and buy the CT6, CTS, ATS, XTS, and V’s to the others in the segment. When the CT4, and CT5 land, where will the customers be. A Cadillac dealership with 4 SUV’s and no cars…….reeally!
Cadillac expertly did that camo to look like a Lincoln mule.