Following the debut of the “standard” 2020 Cadillac CT4-V in May, we reported that GM plans to offer a next-level CT4 capable of filling the shoes of the discontinued ATS-V, which the CT4-V indirectly replaced. This next-level Cadillac CT4-V made a surprise showing at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix earlier this month, draped in camouflage and boasting a few notable exterior differences from the “regular” CT4-V. And now, we’re getting another look at this next-level CT4-V thanks to new spy pictures captured at the GM Milford Proving Grounds in Michigan.
The new spy shots show the next-level Cadillac CT4-V in standard white-and-black checkered camo, with a large, white sheet masking the front fascia. By the looks of the outline behind the camo, it appears as though the next-level CT4-V offers a reshaped lower bumper, with an intake that’s larger than that of the standard CT4-V. This prototype is also equipped with the long metal pole and weather vane attached to the front bumper, which allows GM to develop a digital driver assist system that will help to cancel out the effects of crosswinds.
The split-five-spoke design of the wheels is similar to that of the standard Cadillac CT4-V. However, it’s actually identical to that of the outgoing ATS-V. And for good measure: this next-level tester looks to be riding on significantly wider rubber. What’s more, the wheels seen here are in a silver finish, which is a break from the black wheels equipped on the testers shown by GM at Belle Isle earlier this month. The final next-level Cadillac CT4-V will likely offer both silver and black wheel choices.
Our spies tell us that the prototype was not driven at ten-tenths, making it difficult to identify what’s under the hood. However, we believe that the next-level Cadillac CT4-V will come equipped with the twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 LGW engine, the same one found in the 2016-2019 Cadillac CT6. In that application, the boosted six made around 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. That’s a significant upgrade over the standard Cadillac CT4-V, which offers 320 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque from the turbocharged 2.7L L3B inline four-cylinder.
Besides bigger wheels and tires, and a more powerful engine, we expect the next-level Cadillac CT4-V to feature other mechanical upgrades like a more robust suspension system and bigger brakes. In fact, those are some large rotors peering out from behind the wheels of this here tester.
When it’s released in a year or two, GM will likely call this next-level model the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing.
Stay tuned, as we’ll have more info on Cadillac’s next-level V-Series vehicles soon. In the meantime, subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac CT4 news, Cadillac news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
- Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Prototype
Comments
If Cadillac is going to name the V+ models Blackwing, they had better be using the Blackwing V8. It literally makes no sense to use Blackwing suffix on a vehicle that doesn’t have the engine installed. It would be nice if they did though, it would be a nice homage to the original CTS V. It also just occurred to me that this Two tier V models didn’t start with this model or the CT5, but with the CT6 which makes me think that there’s another V in the making for it as well. One can only hope though.
I totally agree. Using Blackwing as a trim level and V8 engine name doesn’t make sense unless the inclusion of the engine is what defines the difference between the two V-series cars.
I wonder how it will stack up to the segment leader, BMW.
The real segment leader is Mercedes.
Exactly. The segment is Audi RS3 and Mercedes A45/CLA45 AMG. BMW will have nothing in this space by the time this launches, in less it makes an M2 grand tourer.
I guess you are from US. Everywhere around the world they have M135i.
4all GermanCarFan:
Fact in Germany!
100% of Audi Sport, BMW M and AMG Power are leased to corporate customers and OEM employees in Germany. Here in Regensburg (Germany) drives not a single private power car / SUV around.
In addition, there are the customers you do not want to have, but bring the money! Got it? For sure!
USA cars / SUVs here in Regensburg (Germany) are bought by fans of US brands. Only there are very few dealers.
So we look forward to the next generation of USA cars / SUV / pickups from 2020 for the market in Europe.
Bimmerman: The M135i was there. We only know the M140i and M240i of the Regensburg BMW employees.
All with the plate start with “R ZX 123” or similar. So nothing private at BMW.
Cadillac’s CT4-V will be powered by a 355 hp twin-turbo 3.0L V6; but unless you need the rear passenger seating, the car to buy would be the CT4’s cousin.. the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 that is equipped with the 650 hp LT4 supercharged 6.2L V8.
An eyebrow was raised when I read ‘…GM will likely call this next-level model the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing’. It seemed more like speculation otherwise it doesn’t make any sense as Black Wing refers to the Cadillac exclusive V8.
It’ll be interesting to find out what the higher output versions above the upcoming Vs will actually be called.
GMA is actually right about this. They’re the first that have reported this correctly.
Blackwing will become a brand… not just the name of an engine.
I fail to see why gm continues to wast money on a project like this car. Thia will not sell to the Cadillac customer.
It is another proof that Cadillac does not know their market or their customers.
The ATS was a multi million dollar flop, trying it again is stupid.
Cadillac customers want room and comfort.
Let Chevy be Chevy, they will grow up to be Cadillac customers.
mark my words so to speak, this car will be a sales disaster after the initial introduction.