The 2021 Cadillac CT5-V is currently the most powerful model in the Cadillac CT5 range, and will remain so until the arrival of the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing this summer. In the closing months of its reign, we’re happy to present a live photo gallery of the high-performance luxury sedan with Rift Metallic paintwork.
Rift Metallic is a new color for the 2021 model year. In fact, the optional color is only available on the CT5-V (and CT4-V), where it carries an additional charge of $625. Six other colors also carry a similar up-charge, while another option, Infrared Tintcoat, is almost double the price, at $1,225. The standard colors for the 2021 CT5-V are Summit White and Black Raven.
In a few words, Rift Metallic is a white color with tinges of silver and ceramic. To the untrained eye, it’s simply white. But those who look close will appreciate its complexity.
Viewed directly from the front, the CT5-V is distinguished from most other current vehicles in the CT5 range by its mesh grille and an almost unique treatment of the front bumper. These elements are shared only with the CT5 Sport.
Like Summit White, the Rift Metallic paintwork provides a strong contrast with the black mesh grille and various other air intakes, which are similarly finished in black.
The large Cadillac emblem, displayed prominently on the grille, has the traditional color scheme, which includes red, yellow and blue elements. The monochrome emblem available as an option on other Cadillacs is not offered on this one.
The vehicle shown here rides on the standard 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels with Pearl Nickel finish (RPO code Q83) wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. Two other wheel options of the same size and design but in a different finish (Satin Graphite or Diamond Cut/Android Satin), are available for $600. Two types of 20-inch, twin 10-spoke wheels are also offered for the Cadillac CT5-V, each costing $2,350.
As standard, the brake calipers are painted black, with the V-Series logo clearly visible in white. Red and blue calipers are available as options, both priced at $595.
Other than the wheels, most of CT5-V-specific elements visible from the side can also be seen in front and rear views. The exceptions are the elements at the bottom of the sills, which are Gloss Black. Depending on lighting conditions, these may either provide a further contrast to the Rift Metallic paintwork, or give an almost chrome-like effect.
This view also provides a great overview of the performance sedan’s profile, including the flat face, healthy dash-to-axle ratio, fastback design with rearward cabin proportions, and unique C-pillar treatment.
From a rear three-quarter view, other unique styling features of the Cadillac CT5-V become apparent. A spoiler, intended to provide downforce or at least reduce aerodynamic lift, is mounted on the trunk lid.
Further down, the Cadillac CT5-V features four exhaust outlets and a body-color insert/diffuser, which contrasts with the black of the material which immediately surrounds it.
Once again, the Cadillac emblem shows the traditional colors, though the one at the rear is significantly smaller than the one attached to the front grille. Also worth noting is the black trim piece below the logo (it’s exclusive to the V-Series) as well as the vertical tail lights with a horizontal element, as per Cadillac’s current design language.
Like the Cadillac emblem, the V-Series logo placed on the front fenders has red, yellow and blue elements. However, the quadrilaterals are all inclined toward the right. This V-Series badge replaces the monochrome Cadillac crest logo present on Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport models.
The CT5-V tail lights feature clear (neutral density) lenses – the same as the CT5 Sport models. By comparison, the CT5 Luxury and Premium Luxury models feature red tail light lenses.
The Cadillac CT5-V is built at the GM Lansing Grand River assembly p;lant in Michigan. It is powered by the turbocharged 3.0L V6 LGY gasoline engine, which produces 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through GM’s 10-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive is optional.
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Comments
I saw one in this color at the dealer a few months ago (also with SuperCruise). It was in a dim indoor showroom so the ceramic tint definitely showed. I like my Crystal White car but it’s a pain during pollen season (I guess this is pollen’s revenge for my lack of allergies). I think Rift Metallic would hide that and light dirt really well.
I still prefer the older version of this newcomer,this just doesn’t have the same visual appeal or effect on me as the outgoing duo! The styling on the older versions (Cts-V & Ats-V) were much better applied & more aggressive/racer like! Don’t get me wrong the added power is bonkers & worthy of a high 5 but other than that the styling isn’t art & science themed enough for me to salivate! The CT4 looks better than the CT5 especially that weird kink in the rear window which reminds me of Honda & Infiniti. C’mon Cadillac “Dare Greatly”!!
You do know that the CT5-V is not a replacement for the last-gen V-Series cars right? That duty falls on the V-Blackwing models:
https://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/cadillac/blackwing/
@Justmy2c I have to agree with you.
I visited Texas and saw a ton of CT5s on the street and while the front and side profile are attractive enough, the rear end is horrible and looks too much like a Kia model IMO.
The previous CTS and ATS were very distinct and you wouldn’t mistake it for anything else on the road.
This car is just very generic looking when compared to previous versions of Art & Science, which, I guess is dead now???
From the front and rear view beautiful styled. Then from the side the rear door to the trunk remind me to much of Chevy Cruse and or Saturn L, just odd looking on a Cadillac.