2020 Cadillac CT5-V gets twin-turbocharged V6

Cadillac hinted a true high-performance CT5 is on its way.

Cadillac introduced the 2020 CT5-V during an event held in its home town of Detroit. It's a hotter evolution of the 2020 CT5 -- which replaces the CTS -- that was introduced during the 2019 New York auto show.

The V badge on its trunk lid signals the presence of a twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter V6 engine under the hood. The six sends 355 horsepower to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission, though all-wheel drive is offered at an extra cost. Cadillac noted the CT5-V also benefits from an electronic limited-slip differential, and front brakes supplied by Brembo.

Visually, the V stands out from the regular CT5 with mesh inserts in the front bumper, darker trim pieces, a model-specific rear diffuser, and quad exhaust tips. It rides on 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped by summer-only performance tires.

Cadillac noted the CT5-V gets a unique instrument cluster, though it hasn't released interior photos. Super Cruise technology, which is the only true hands-off, semi-autonomous system available in the United States, is offered at an extra cost.

Made in Michigan, the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V will join the regular CT5 in showrooms in early 2020. Look for a pricing announcement in the weeks leading up to its on-sale date.

What's next?

While the CT5 replaces the CTS, the CT5-V is not a direct replacement for the CTS-V. Remember, the flagship of the CTS range received an evolution of the supercharged, 6.2-liter V8 found in the Chevrolet Corvette. It was tuned to deliver a mighty 640 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. The CT5-V is weak in comparison, even in the era of rampant downsizing, but Cadillac strongly hinted that a true high-performance flagship will arrive later in the production run.