Although General Motors has suspended production operations in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the first units of the Cadillac CT5-V performance sedan still made it to dealers earlier this year. That means there are just a few examples available for purchase right now, and even media drive events have been put on hold. Nevertheless, we went to investigate what the new sports sedan has to offer, tracking one down at a local in South Florida.
While practicing social distancing, we discovered that the Cadillac CT5-V has a nice, throaty snarl when giving it some revs.
Just behind those quad tips, the Cadillac CT5-V gets a specially tuned exhaust system with a unique dual-mode functionality that uses a set of “flaps” inside the exhaust pipes to change the exhaust sound, either opening or closing depending on the drive mode selected. For example, in Snow/Ice or Tour mode, the flaps close, making for a less aggressive noise, while in Track and Sport mode, the flaps open, allowing for a louder exhaust note.
This is the first time we’ve heard the Cadillac CT5-V’s dual-mode exhaust system, and confirmed with Cadillac that the feature is indeed equipped on the sedan.
Dual-mode exhaust is a good fit for the Cadillac CT5-V, complementing the sedan’s dual luxury/sporty personality. We also liked the pops and bangs it made when changing gears.
To note, the Cadillac CT5-V is equipped with the twin-turbocharged 3.0L LGY V6, which makes 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic is on hand for cog swaps, connecting to either RWD or AWD. The sport sedan also features unique tuning for the chassis and suspension, plus Performance Traction Management, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, and an electronic limited-slip differential.
Even more performance will be offered with the upcoming Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, which will replace the turbo V6 with the supercharged 6.2L LT4 V8, throwing down about 600 ponies in the process. To note, the CT5-V Blackwing rollout has been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stay tuned, because we’ll have plenty more on the Caddy sports sedan coming soon. In the meantime, subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac CT5 news, Cadillac news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
This post was written in collaboration with our sister publication, Cadillac Society.
A special thanks to Sheehan Cadillac in Pompano Beach, Florida for letting us spend some time with their Black Raven CT5-V, which is available for sale as of this writing.
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Comments
Hello, Does anyone know if the Cadillac CT5-V can be equipped with All Wheel Drive AND Magnetic Ride Control together and also, does this model offer Rear Side (torso) Airbags, either standard or optional?
Confirmed – MRC is standard equipment on CT5-V, whether RWD or AWD
Option code Y43 – Performance Package, includes (G96) Electronic limited slip differential, (F55) Magnetic Ride Control and (FE3) Performance suspension
Interestingly, Performance Traction Management is standard with both drivetrains, as well.
Sorry, no rear side airbags…all CT5s get the same:
Option code AYG – Airbags, dual-stage frontal, seat-mounted side-impact for driver and front passenger; knee for driver and front passenger; head-curtain for all outboard seating positions with rollover protection
Yeah, saw it in Motor Trend. Sounds like a hell of a car according to the article.
AWD is a $2,000.00 premium and MRC is standard on the V
Niceeee.
Nothing compared to a V8……. it’s a V-Sport!
Is this news to you?
The hammer CT5-V blackwing is coming as I have read so many times here on GMA.
Seriously…. of course I know. BTW: if they call the CT5-V a Blackwing without the actual hand made Blackwing V8… they’re idiots. Its already been announced, if I’m not mistaken, that the previous LS mill from the CTS-V is going in the CT5-V+ . The new model CT5-V+ Should be called
CT5-VR as a nod to Cadillac Racing. However they’ll probably call it the CT5-VCR which would also be stupid…
There was an article about a week ago of how the Cadillac CT5 has the smallest trunk in it’s class of cars; but the snarl you hear from the exhaust is a reminder that if cargo space was important to the buyer, they have options like the Cadillac XT5 as the CT5 was designed for something other than lugging a lot of luggage.
Wow, I’m generally not a fan of 6 cylinder exhausts, especially V6’s, but this 3.0 sounds damn good! I’m actually surprised, its got a nice low, snarly tone to it, not a super raspy, tinny noise you get with a lot of other V6’s. The 3.6 Camaro with the dual-mode also sounds really good.
Every review I’ve read about this car has been GLOWING praise, handling, sound, power, etc. It’s a pure, balanced sports sedan, which Cadillac does better than anyone else. Some even said that they were stunned it was their favorite V ever released, that’s how well it drove! If this is any indication, the V8-powered CT5-V (with a manual!) is going to be a monster.
IMO an N/A V8 sedan needs to be a Chevy, Caddy can have all the glam stuff.
Exhaust note blows! literally. Next.
The only thing that blows here is you.
Next!