There was a time when luxury performance sedans were all the rage. A time when cars such as the Cadillac ATS-V and CTS-V were synonymous with guaranteed success for their respective manufacturers. However, while that notion still applies to some other carmakers within the genre to this day, the same can't be said about Cadillac. On the contrary, the American luxury marque has had to deal with dwindling sales of its two performance sedan models, the aforementioned ATS-V and CTS-V. Therefore, in order to remedy its bleak situation and focus on the company's growth, Cadillac recently unveiled the brand-new 2020 CT4-V and CT5-V.
Just like their predecessors, the new CT4-V and CT5-V are also built around the highly-capable Alpha platform. However, unlike their hardcore, track-focussed precursors, the new sedans are saddled with less potent powertrains and as a result, will be slower, too. For example, under the bonnet of the smaller CT4-V is a 2.7-litre turbocharged four-popper which features direct injection, dual-overhead cams and variable valve timing. The end result of all this is 320hp that's produced at 5,600 rpm and 500Nm from just 1,800 rpm. In comparison, the outgoing ATS-V makes 464 horses and over 600Nm of torque. However, the new CT4-V does feature a 10-speed automatic transmission and an optional all-wheel drive system.
As for the engine on the new CT5-V, Cadillac has plonked in a twin-turbocharged, 3.0-litre V6 that's good for 355hp and 542Nm of maximum torque. It also comes mated to a 10-speed automatic, and can be had with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. And while the new turbocharged motor and automatic transmission are punchy and efficient, they're simply no match for the outgoing CTS-V's brutal powertrain. Its 6.2-litre supercharged V8 effortlessly pushes out an incredible 640hp and 855Nm of torque - easily surpassing the figures of the new CT5-V. However, Cadillac did reveal that its two new models will be joined by more souped-up, sportier versions at a later date.
“The new V-Series sedan lineup defines modern sophistication by combining luxury appointments with thoughtful technology and athletic refinement for the discerning enthusiast. We are inviting even more customers into the V-Series family by adding a new level of elevated performance between our Sport models and the ultimate, high-performance track capability that the V-Series has grown to represent,” quoted Brandon Vivian, Executive Chief Engineer, Cadillac.
The 2020 CT4-V and CT5-V may not be as powerful or fast as the cars they are replacing, but the newbies are undeniably more up-to-date with their on-board technology suite. The design is distinguishably contemporary and stylish in appearance than their predecessors, while at the same time, incorporates some of the latest technologies along with high quality interiors. Moreover, you now also get an updated version of Cadillac's Magnetic Ride Control system, along with an electronic limited-slip differential, high-performance Brembo brakes, customisable V-Mode, a new 10-speed automatic transmission, and the Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance system.
In the United Arab Emirates, the outgoing Cadillac ATS-V costs from between AED 285,000 to AED 310,000. And for that, you can go from nought to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and onward to a top speed of 300 km/h. At AED 375,000, the CTS-V pushes even harder - making it to the tonne-mark in just 3.7 seconds. Its top speed of 322 km/h is pretty insane as well, even more so for a heavy, four-door sedan with a useable boot.
However, in spite of their tremendous capabilities, neither of the two could turn much profit for the company. But, with the arrival of the 2020 CT4-V and CT5-V, both of which are poised to hit showrooms next year, Cadillac is confident that it will establish record footfalls this time around.