It’s no secret that GM’s luxury brand, Cadillac, is currently devoid of performance-oriented crossovers. Indeed, the current, performance variants were never planned for the XT5 nor the XT6. Similarly, the engine bay of the smaller XT4 – for the time being – will not get anything more powerful than the 237-horsepower turbo-four LSY engine. That is a rather unfortunate turn of events, especially for a brand that has invested so much in proving that it can be the standard of the world when it comes to performance luxury vehicles. But there is at least a little solace for Cadillac fans who want sporting flair from their Cadillac crossovers – and it will come in the form of painted brake calipers.
According to GM Authority sources familiar with product plans, Cadillac crossovers should soon be offered with painted brake calipers. The move would be a welcome addition, since not a single Cadillac utility currently offers painted calipers, even as an option.
2020 Cadillac CT5 Sport with red-painted brake caliper
Sources further tell us that the painted caliper options will likely show up for the 2021 model year, and will be offered as an option exclusively on Sport models. In other words, the painted calipers will not be available on Luxury or Premium Luxury trims, at least not from the factory.
Such a setup would closely follow the setup in Cadillac’s two new sedans – the CT4 and CT5, where the Sport trim levels of both models include black-painted calipers as standard, while red and blue calipers are available as a $595 option.
The outside portion of the front calipers feature the Cadillac script, while the rear calipers are painted to match the fronts, but are unbranded. Similarly, the CT4-V and CT5-V also offer the same caliper colors options, but swap the Cadillac script with the V-Series logo.
Unpainted caliper of the Cadillac XT4
Sure, a painted caliper is no replacement for high performance Cadillac crossovers with more power, more robust handling, and more aggressive looks. However, it does bring some differentiation for the Sport trim over the Luxury and Premium Luxury models.
We’ll have more on all things Cadillac soon, and invite you to subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac news as well as ongoing GM news coverage.
This report was produced in collaboration with our sister publication, Cadillac Society.
Comments
This is a nice addition. Side note: We all need to remove “standard of the world” from our vernacular when speaking about Cadillac. I think we’ll be less unsatisfied with what Cadillac currently is if we do. They are nowhere close to being the standard nor are they trying to be.
“Standard of the world” was last used officially by Cadillac in 1974.
Why is GM so afraid to make crossovers based off the alpha chassis? It’s like GM is a slave to their same old FWD setups. An alpha chassised crossover would compete against the stelvio for instance.
The FWD’s are cheap because GM builds them in such mass quantities, w/minor variations. Alpha based would cost GM more so they don’t go there… they’re friggin cheap and their products are not world class. Their market share, their retreating from global markets and vehicle segments and the pathetic stock price over the last 10 years is an indicator of marginal product acceptance in the market. GM is losing because they make nothing that is compelling. Vette is the exception and one might wonder, do they not see how this special vehicle has such excitement which translates to sales?
One thing that is unfortunate is Alpha is still a good platform but GM will discontinue it probably in 4-5 years. Is there nothing that could not be built off the platform going into the future, it will be well paid for. That goes for Omega too, but I suspect that is more costly due to its complexity.
Ultimately their EV Platform will underpin likely ALL new GM vehicles with flexibility of size and range. So one platform probably 90% of their lineup which is why they say it’ll be profitable on day one….
This reminds me of the malaise era of the 1970s when a “performance” vehicle was one that had fancy stripes, decals, and wheels, and perhaps a heavy duty suspension. All show and no go!
Tigger, hit on the head with no go, all show! Paint does not a performance factor! On top of it all will probably charge $600 for some paint!
How about some alternate interior colors for a premium?
Cadillac builds vehicles they want you to buy,but it should be the other way around
This is just as laughable as Porsche putting the turbo name on an electric vehicle.
Wow is all I can say…..
Painted brake calipers? I can do that on my present vehicles with one can of spray paint. No need to buy a Cadillac!
Much to do about nothing as Cadillac featured Brembo brake calibers that were painted a decade ago and stopping a Cadillac crossover shouldn’t be difficult given that none of Cadillac’s line of crossovers feature high performance engines.
Malaise is a great word to describe Cadillac current condition.
Painted brake calipers? Really? Do they affix the Blackwing name to the back if you opt for the paint?
To go from the promise of Johan de Nysschen’s future for Cadillac to this level of embarrassment in such a short period of time is a new low for even GM.
I’d like to see the fine people at GM Authority research what happened, how did things at Cadillac go so terribly wrong so fast? I’m sure nobody at GM will talk about it but I’d love to read the saga of bad decisions and second guessing that lead Cadillac to this perilous place. I’d love to hear Mr. de Nysschen’s take.