2020 Cadillac CT5 Details

Cadillac has been having a terrible time lately with sedan sales (a challenge not unique in the industry as customers gravitate towards crossovers and SUVs). As a result, ATS, CTS, XTS, and CT6 sales have often been lower than the XT5…combined.

This has led Cadillac to the car they unveiled at the New York Auto Show in April, the CT5. Obviously the CT5 slots below the CT6 in the lineup…but it’s role will be to replace more than just the CTS that is dropping from the lineup at about the same time. This new sedan (which we will post a comparison of to other Cadillac models in the lineup to help clarify where it slots in) is based on GM’s Alpha platform which underpins the ATS and the CTS (in Alpha-plus form). This makes the CT5 a rear-drive sedan (thank goodness) at its core. All-wheel drive is available on all trims.

Styling is heavily influenced by the Cadillac Escala concept which means this carries the slim horizontal lighting front and rear, but this car also brings to production the Escala’s fastback roofline. Time will tell if this design appeals to Cadillac shoppers.

Cadillac CT5 Platinum trim

Powertrains feature a 10-speed automatic transmission (gears 8-10 are all overdrive). Base engine is a 2.0l turbo 4-cylinder. Upmarket trims pack a twin-turbo 3.0l V-6.

Inside, the CT5 packs Cadillac’s latest infotainment system and a 10” screen. Cadillac has abandoned the CUE branding, but only by spelling it out fully by calling it the “Cadillac User Experience”. Safety systems include the first implementation of the Super Cruise self-driving technology outside the CT6. This system has high-resolution maps of 130000 miles of divided/limited-access highways.

Additional safety gear includes safety alert seat as well as the following standard and optional technologies:

Standard:
Forward Collision Alert
Low Speed Forward
Automatic Emergency Braking
Front Pedestrian Braking

Optional:
Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control
Enhanced Forward Automatic Emergency Braking
Automatic Parking Assist with Braking
HD Surround Vision with Recorder
Rear Pedestrian Detection and Alert
Reverse Automatic Braking

Cadillac CT5 Sport

From a sporty driving point of view, the appropriately named “Sport” trim bring with it Brembo brakes, but seems to largely be an appearance package, at least at this early stage and looking at the information released as part of the cars unveiling.

Read the press release below:


Cadillac recasts the concept of American Luxury with the global debut of the unrivaled 2020 CT5 sedan.

This all-new compact sedan advances the brand’s award-winning legacy with a distinctive fusion of design, performance and comfort, supported by Cadillac’s latest technologies — including Super Cruise, the world’s first true hands-free driver assistance feature for limited-access freeways.

“The first-ever Cadillac CT5 showcases Cadillac’s unique expertise in crafting American luxury sedans,” said Steve Carlisle, Cadillac president. “Its details elevate every drive and reward the senses.”

An all-new fastback design underscores the CT5’s refined ride, complemented with a driver-centric interior that blends high technology and high-touch elements. Luxury and Sport models allow customers to tailor the car to their style preferences with unique design and trim.

“Cadillac is dedicated to building the world’s most exhilarating luxury sedans,” said Carlisle. “Every element of the CT5 is focused on delivering an unrivaled experience, from the 10-speed transmission to Cadillac’s Super Cruise technology. The expansion of Super Cruise to CT5 reinforces our commitment to bringing the most innovative technologies to our customers.”

Cadillac CT5’s Super Cruise technology will be available in calendar year 2020 on select models.

CT5 highlights:

  • At launch, the model range will include Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport, with a Platinum package available on Premium Luxury and Sport models.

  • A 2.0L Twin-Scroll Turbo engine is standard and Cadillac’s 3.0L Twin-Turbo V-6 is available on Premium Luxury and Sport models. Unique sound calibrations are tuned with the engines and each is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

  • The driving dynamics build on Cadillac’s award-winning RWD architecture and include standard Driver Mode Control. AWD is available.

  • The latest Cadillac user experience with a large 10-inch-diagonal screen, as well as intuitive controls, including a rotary controller.

  • A host of comfort and convenience features such as standard Adaptive Remote Start, cabin air purification ionizer and available front-seat lumbar massage.

  • Driver awareness technologies include standard Safety Alert Seat and Cadillac’s latest generation available Rear Camera Mirror with zoom and tilt adjustment.

  • Standard driver assistance technologies include Forward Collision Alert, Low Speed Forward Automatic Emergency Braking3 and Front Pedestrian Braking.

  • Available driver assistance technologies including Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, Enhanced Forward Automatic Emergency Braking, Automatic Parking Assist with Braking, HD Surround Vision with Recorder, Rear Pedestrian Detection and Alert, Reverse Automatic Braking and more.

A New Design Profile

With a fastback profile inspired by the Escala concept, the first-ever CT5 charts a new direction for Cadillac sedan design that leverages the natural proportional advantage of the vehicle’s rear-drive platform to communicate power, presence and performance.

“From every angle, the CT5 exudes athleticism, sophistication and confidence,” said Andrew Smith, executive director of global Cadillac design. “Cadillac’s signature hard-edge cues have evolved to a more sculptural and fluid expression of the brand’s design language.”

A long, 116-inch wheelbase (2,947 mm) and lengthened side glass accentuate the car’s long, low proportion and sweeping fastback profile. Body sculpturing, including taut character lines, contributes to the car’s strong stance and speaks to Cadillac’s legacy of craftsmanship and technology.

An all-LED exterior lighting strategy features signature vertical lights at all four corners of the vehicle.

Bright exterior accents and unique grilles and fascias distinguish the CT5 Luxury and Premium Luxury models, while the Sport model is differentiated by darker accents and performance-inspired details, including unique grilles, fascias, rocker extensions, spoiler and standard 19-inch wheels4.

High-Tech and High-Touch Interior

CT5’s interior features elegant, wide surface lines and simple interfaces, focusing on quality, attention to detail, authenticity of materials and impeccable craftsmanship.

Everything from the instrument panel to the center display is focused on the driver and essential touch points, emphasizing control. That includes a prominent, 1080dp high-definition full-color 10-inch-diagonal touchscreen mounted high within the instrument panel for visibility.

FEATURE FOCUS: PLATINUM PACKAGE
The Premium Luxury and Sport models are available with a Platinum Package featuring an exclusive Sedona/Jet Black motif with Opus semi-aniline leather seating surfaces in Sedona Sauvage. These surfaces are distinguished with a custom, layered fading perforation pattern, fine contrasting seat piping and decorative chevron accents. Both front, heated, ventilated and lumbar massage seats feature additional bolstering and 18-way adjustability. The package complements the seats with upgraded leather-trimmed armrests and center console, unique carbon fiber decorative trim and a thicker-rimmed steering wheel with authentic magnesium paddle shifters and alloy pedals.

Intuitive Technology and Connectivity

CT5 delivers thoughtful technology integration by offering an intuitive in-vehicle experience with a heightened sense of control. This is provided in everything from vehicle controls that conform to the driver’s driving style to the latest, more personal Cadillac user experience, which provides more intuitive ways to interface with the system, including phone pairing via Near Field Communication and a new rotary controller.

CT5 also features standard Adaptive Remote Start and an available hands-free power-release decklid to further customers’ convenience and comfort. Adaptive Remote Start automatically activates features such as the available adaptive heated/ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel and other climate systems, depending on the temperature. The hands-free decklid uses a motion sensor with Cadillac crest target projection that allows customers to activate the trunk release with their foot, supporting easy access.

FEATURE FOCUS: SUPER CRUISE
Cadillac demonstrates its commitment to technology by bringing the Super Cruise driver assistance feature to the CT5. Cadillac’s Super Cruise driver assistance feature enables customers to drive hands-free on more than 130,000 miles of limited-access freeways in the U.S. and Canada, using LiDAR map data, high-precision GPS, a state-of-the-art driver attention system and a network of camera and radar sensors. The driver attention system helps keep drivers engaged by detecting and signaling when drivers need to pay more attention to the road.

Turbocharged Performance

CT5 is powered by a 2.0L Twin-Scroll Turbo engine and 10-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Precision Shift. This standard propulsion combination offers responsive off-the-line performance with excellent low-end torque. The twin-scroll turbocharger and a unique three-step sliding camshaft help the engine optimize performance across the rpm band for a greater feeling of on-demand power at all speeds.

Cadillac’s powerful 3.0L Twin Turbo V-6 is available on Premium Luxury and Sport models, rated at an estimated 335 hp (250 kw) and 400 lb-ft of torque (542 Nm)5. Low-inertia turbochargers and a manifold-integrated liquid-to-air intercooling system help the engine produce exceptional power with virtually no lag and sustain it across most of the rpm band. Like the 2.0L Turbo, it is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Precision Shift.

Both engines employ technologies such as direct injection, camshaft phasing, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and automatic stop/start to balance performance, refinement and efficiency. Sound tuning via mechanical and electronic sources contributes to CT5’s optimized effect on the senses, with engine sounds tuned to augment the driving experience in a refined manner, while helping to minimize unwanted noise in the cabin.

Evolved Driving Dynamics

Building on the strengths of the superb RWD architecture that underpins Cadillac’s award-winning rear-wheel-drive sedans, the first-ever CT5 is designed to deliver an exhilarating driving experience while maintaining the brand’s signature blend of performance, comfort and refinement.

Evolutionary enhancements of the front and rear suspensions, including Cadillac’s signature double-pivot MacPherson-type front suspension, are designed to improve road isolation and driver feedback. At the rear, a five-link independent suspension contributes to the car’s excellent feeling of control.

Additional chassis and driving dynamics features:

  • Standard Bosch premium electric, rack-mounted power steering system.

  • Capable, confident and precise eBoost brakes.

  • Brembo front brakes are standard on the Sport model.

  • Standard ZF MVS passive dampers.

  • All-wheel drive is available on all models.

Standard customer-selectable drive modes allow CT5 to adapt even better to driver preferences and changing road conditions. The modes — Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice and new My Mode — can alter the calibrations for transmission shifting, steering and brake feel, front/rear torque split (with the available AWD system) and vehicle sound character to customize the driving experience.

CT5 can handle a variety of road conditions no matter the climate, thanks to all-wheel drive available on every model along with a diverse range of tire choices, including 19-inch all-season run-flat tires and 18-inch Michelin self-seal tires. All tire options allow drivers to continue driving during most punctures that would sideline conventional tires, for immediate replacement/repair.

Coming Soon

The 2020 CT5 makes its public debut at the New York International Auto Show April 19-28 and will be available for ordering this fall. It will be manufactured at GM’s Lansing Grand River facility, which previously received a $211 million investment to build the next-generation Cadillac sedans. Pricing and additional information will be announced closer to the start of production.

2020 CADILLAC CT5 SPECIFICATIONS (NORTH AMERICA)

FUEL TANK CAPACITY

17.4 gal. / 66 liters (RWD and AWD)


ENGINES

Type: 2.0L Twin-Scroll Turbocharged I-4 DOHC with Active Fuel Management, direct injection and auto. Stop/start

Bore & Stroke (in. / mm): 3.26 x 3.63 / 83 x 92.3

Block Material: Cast aluminum

Cylinder Head Material: Cast aluminum

Valvetrain: Dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder with tripower system

Fuel Delivery: Direct injection with electronic throttle control

Compression Ratio: 10:1

Horsepower
(hp / kW @ rpm): 237 / 177 @ 5000 (GM est..)

Torque
(lb.-ft. / Nm): 258 / 350 @ 1500-4000 (GM est.) SAE numbers n/a

ENGINES

Type: 3.0L Turbocharged V-6 DOHC with Active Fuel Management, direct injection and auto. Stop/start

Bore & Stroke (in. / mm): 3.39 x 3.38 / 86 x 85.8

Block Material: Cast aluminum

Cylinder Head Material: Cast aluminum

Valvetrain: Dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder

Fuel Delivery: Direct injection with electronic throttle control

Compression Ratio: 9.8:1

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 335 / 250 @ 5600 (GM est.)

Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm): 400 / 542 @ 2400-4400 (GM est.) SAE numbers n/a

TRANSMISSION & AXLE

Type: Ten-speed automatic with Electronic Precision Shift (with 2.0L Turbo and 3.0L Twin Turbo)

Gear Ratios (:1):

      First 4.70
Second 2.99
Third 2.15
Fourth 1.80
Fifth 1.52
Sixth 1.28
Seventh 1.00
Eighth 0.85
Nine 0.69
Tenth 0.64

Reverse. 4.87

Final Drive Ratio:

2.85 (2.0L)
2.85 (3.0L)


CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

Front Suspension: MacPherson-type with dual lower ball joints, twin-tube struts and direct-acting stabilizer bar

Rear Suspension: Five-link independent; coil springs with stabilizer bar

Steering Type: Electric, rack-mounted variable-effort premium power steering

Turning Circle (ft. / m):

39 / 11.9 (RWD)
40.7 / 12.4 (AWD)

Brake Type: Four-wheel-disc with ABS; Duralife brake rotors and low-drag brake calipers

Brake Rotor Size (in / mm):

Standard:
Front: Front 12.6x1.1 / 321x28, Rear: 12.4x.0.9 / 315x23
Available:
Front: 13.6x1.2 / 345x30, Rear: 12.4x.0.9 / 315x23

Wheel Size:

18-in. aluminum (Luxury and Premium Luxury)
19-in. aluminum (Sport and avail. on Premium Luxury)

Tire Size:

245/45 R18 (All-Season Self-Sealant)
245/45 R18 (All-Season Run-Flat)245/40R19 (All-Season Run-Flat)


EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase (in. / mm): 116 / 2947

Overall Length (in. / mm): 193.8 / 4924

Overall Width (in. / mm): 74.1/ 1883 (w/ mirrors)

Overall Height (in. / mm): 57.2 / 1452

Track (in. mm):

62.8 / 1594 (front)
63.9 / 1624 (rear)


INTERIOR DIMENSIONS

Headroom (in / mm):

Front: 39 / 990
Rear: 36.6 / 930

Legroom (in. / mm):

Front: 42.4 / 1078
Rear: 37.9 / 963

Shoulder Room (in. / mm):

Front: 56.7 / 1440
Rear: 55.7 / 1416

Hip Room (in. / mm):

Front: 53.7 / 1365
Rear: 53.7 / 1365


CURB WEIGHT & CARGO VOLUME

Curb Weight (lb. / kg):

3660 / 1660 (Luxury RWD)

Cargo Volume (cu. ft. / L):

11.9 / 337

Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution. ±Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual.

ADDITIONAL AVAILABLE DRIVER SUPPORT & CONNECTIVITY TECHNOLOGIES*

Cadillac user experience with Personalization
Cadillac user experience with Personalization and embedded Navigation
10-inch-diagonal 1080dp color touchscreen
Dual-microphone, cloud-based natural voice recognition
Dual-display driver information center
8-inch-diagonal driver information center display (replaces dual-display cluster)
Latest-generation, 15-watt wireless charging4
Center console rotary controller
Three USB ports, SD card reader and 2 auxiliary power outlets
Teen Driver
“Phone shrine”
Two years of OnStar Safety & Security coverage1 and limited Cadillac connected services trial1, plus 3 months or 3GB of 4G LTE data (whichever comes first)6.
Apple CarPlay7 and Android Auto8 for compatible smartphones

CT5Scott Kissinger