Remembering The Cadillac V-Sport Badge: History Alley

For those customers eager to give their Cadillac a splash of performance, a V-shaped badge on the trunk is the thing to look for. These days, the Cadillac V-Series lineup is the way to go, but prior to 2019, Caddy also offered the V-Sport lineup. Now, GM Authority is taking a look back at the Cadillac V-Sport badge in the following History Alley.

For those readers who may be unaware, the V-Sport sub-brand was introduced with the XTS and third-generation CTS as a sort of V-Series “lite,” filling the gap between the standard spec models and the more performance-oriented V-Series models by incorporating a selection of sporty upgrades. The CT6 V-Sport was set to become the third addition to the V-Sport sub-brand, but Caddy later announced that it would instead rename the CT6 V-Sport as the CT6-V, signaling the death of the V-Sport sub-brand.

This change coincided with a new Y trim level strategy, with Caddy dividing its trim level offerings into two distinct branches. One side of the Y included its more luxurious offerings, while the other included its sportier options.

“We’re evolving the Y trim level structure,” Cadillac CT5 chief engineer, Mike Bride, told GM Authority during our interview at the 2019 New York International Auto Show. “We are simplifying the lineup, there will be a Sport and a V-Series.”

V-Sport badging

Naturally, the V-Sport sub-brand included its own unique badging, with the iconic V shape complemented by a slanted red line extending the right half of the V. By contrast, the V-Series badging includes a V followed by a multi-colored checkered design, giving a nod to the luxury marque’s motorsport efforts. The V-Series badge colors include red, gold, blue, silver, and black, the same colors as the Cadillac crest. Meanwhile, the V in both badges give a nod to the V-shaped hood ornaments equipped by post-World War II Cadillac models.

V-Series badge

Fast forward to today, and the CT5-V Blackwing sits at the head of the Cadillac performance lineup, boasting the supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 gasoline engine for motivation, throwing down with 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque. And of course, the trunk lid includes that iconic V-Series badge, as well.