2021 Cadillac CT5 Gets New V Performance Pack

The 2021 Cadillac CT5-V is currently the most potent sedan that General Motors makes, with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 delivering a healthy 360 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. This is more than the 335 hp produced by the standard CT5 with the V6 engine, but it will soon yield to a more powerful CT5-V Blackwing model with a supercharged V8. While we eagerly await for the Blackwing to arrive, it looks like Cadillac feels there is room between the base CT5 and the CT5-V.

According to GM Authority, the 2021 CT5 will soon be available with a V Performance Package. This option package will borrow a few features from the CT5-V and offer them on the CT5 Sport for a lower price.

The V Performance Package carries the internal RPO code Y43 and includes Magnetic Ride Control adaptive dampers, a performance suspension, and a mechanical limited-slip differential. Though not included in the price, the V Performance Package also requires the addition of Brembo V Performance brakes. According to the internal codes, customers can only order this package on a CT5 with rear-wheel-drive.

All of these features come as standard on the CT5-V, but will now come as an option on the CT5 Sport. As a reminder, the CT5 Sport is only available with the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This should appeal to buyers who want a car with sporty handling but without the added performance of the V6.

Frankly, we aren't sure why anyone would opt for the V Performance Package instead of just stepping up to the CT5-V, which was already seen as a dilution of the V brand following the old CTS-V. The CT5 Sport at least carries a reasonable starting MSRP of $42,690, which is $6,000 less than the CT5-V. Even if the V Performance Package only costs around $2,000, it still puts the CT5 Sport too close for comfort to the CT5-V.