Manoli Katakis 
When we heard that the 2020 Cadillac CT4-V would be the most affordable Cadillac V-Series ever, it was hard to make sense of it at the time. The original CTS-V sold at over $51,000, and that was in 2004 money. How would it be that these modern Cadillac V-Series sedans, in modern money, would cut in below that?
Well, for better or worse, we now understand. Because unlike the 464-horsepower Cadillac ATS-V that we expected it to replace, the 2020 Cadillac CT4-V down a pair of cylinders and 144 horsepower. What we’re saying is the CT4-V features a 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder first seen in the Chevrolet Silverado that produces 320 horsepower in this application, with 369 lb-ft of torque, boosting at 33 psi. The 2020 CT5-V sees greater difference in expectations, coming in with 355 horsepower, versus the 640 horsepower of the outgoing CTS-V.
If we can, just maybe, get over the naming strategy for a moment, there’s good news. The 2020 Cadillac CT4-V might easily be the most affordable, smallest RWD-based premium sedan for sale in America when it launches early in 2020. Supposedly it carries 50/50 weight distribution, but doesn’t come with a clutch pedal. A 10-speed 10L60 Hydra-Matic transmission is the exclusive offering here.
A mechanical limited slip differential and magnetic ride control 4.0 is featured on RWD versions of the 2020 Cadillac CT4-V, while the all-wheel-drive variant gets ZF MVS passive dampers. The front suspension setup is a MacPherson with dual lower ball joints and direct-acting stabilizer bar. The rear is a five-link independent setup with a stabilizer bar. Its curb weight is 3,616 pounds, while overall length is 187.2 inches. While we expect the CT4-V to cost somewhere around the BMW 2 Series, its proportions are virtually identical to the 3 Series, while weighing over 100 lbs less.
Both RWD and AWD variants of the 2020 Cadillac CT4-V will have a customizable V-Mode driving configuration, activated by a button on the steering wheel, and both will have Michelin Pilot Sport 4S run-flat tires. Also available is Super Cruise, Cadillac’s killer app.
No, a 320 horsepower passenger sedan is not what we expected to wear a V-Series badge. But life’s full of surprises.
