CT5

Make
Cadillac
Segment
Sedan

Last week, Cadillac unveiled its new CT4-V and CT5-V and neither were as powerful as we expected. What about a V8, such as the Blackwing? Nope. Fortunately, however, the CT4-V and CT5-V are described as the new "mid-level" performance offerings and higher-performance variants for each are on their way. No specific date was given but today Cadillac has surprised us by showing a pair of prototypes of these new models. They were shown on Saturday at the 2019 Detroit Grand Prix and both took to the track for a performance demonstration in between race events, driven by president of GM Mark Reuss and Ken Morris, vice president of product.

The CT4 is wearing the blue camouflaged while the CT5 is covered in red camo. Both have a tarp covering the front ends so it's fair to assume the front fascias will differ from the designs of the CT4-V and CT5-V with a far more aggressive look.

We also noticed both prototypes feature large black wheels, quad exhaust tips, and black mirror caps. Despite the camo, it appears both also incorporate more extreme aerodynamic components as well. What's powering these prototypes, however, remains a mystery. But chances are both high-performance sedans have far more power than the 320-hp CT4-V and 355-hp CT5-V. We can understand why many enthusiasts are not impressed with those figures.

Hopefully, at least one of these prototypes has the engine we all really desire: the Cadillac-only twin-turbo Blackwing V8. We'd be willing to bet the CT5 you're looking at is the winner. We'll see. Cadillac did not offer any details about either car, only stating that both "represent the next step in Cadillac's V-Series performance legacy."

The new Cadillac CT4-V comes powered by GM's turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four while the CT5-V features a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. Both are connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. All-wheel drive is optional. Cadillac did not say when either vehicle will be unveiled but we suspect both will come early next year just after the CT4-V and CT5-V go on sale.