Cadillac introduces the latest addition to its lineup, the ’20 CT4 sport sedan, another step in the restructuring of its car lineup in a bid to give models more wiggle room in terms of size and pricing.
The compact-size CT4 will slot beneath the CT5 midsize sport sedan, introduced earlier this year, and range-topping CT6 large sedan. Built off a new General Motors rear-wheel-drive platform with available all-wheel-drive, the CT4 follows Cadillac’s new trim walk with Luxury models at the entry point, followed by tonier Premium Luxury and performance-oriented Sport editions. A high-performance CT4-V also will be made available.
Available for orders later this year, the CT4 will receive GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving as available equipment in 2020. Super Cruise, a key Cadillac technology, currently is available only on the CT6.
Motivation for the CT4 will come though a pair of turbocharged engines, starting with a 2.0L turbocharged gasoline direct injection 4-cyl. making a peak 237 hp and 258 lb.-ft. (350 Nm) and mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can step to a 2.7L turbo GDI 4-cyl. with peak output of 309 hp and 348 lb.-ft. (472 Nm) of torque and mated to a 10-speed automatic. Both engines receive fuel-saving cylinder deactivation and electronic manual-shift modes.
The exterior design of the of CT4 is distinguished by long dash-to-axle proportions thanks to the RWD platform and a wide stance.
“We developed CT4 to appeal to youthful buyers in the luxury market who may be new to the Cadillac brand,” says Andrew Smith, executive director-global Cadillac design.
“The vehicle was intended to draw attention, using a combination of great proportions, taut surfacing and Cadillac family details that hint at the athletic driving experience this vehicle offers,” Smith says in a statement ahead of the CT4’s introduction through its Instagram social media channel, where its target audience of 25- to 35-year-old customers is active.
Highlights of the CT4 exterior include bright accents known to the Cadillac brand, as well as unique grilles and fascia for Luxury and Premium Luxury models compared with Sport and V-Series lines. Sport and V-Series models also receive unique rocker extensions, rear spoilers and wheels. All models receive LED lighting, including signature Cadillac vertical lights at the corners.
CT4 Premium Luxury.
Additional suspension highlights include a Bosch-supplied premium electric, rack-mounted power steering system; premium brakes, including standard Brembo front brakes on Sport and V-Series models; ZF-sourced passive dampers; and GM’s fourth-generation magnetorheological dampers will appear on RWD models of the CT4 V-Series.
GM says the CT4 features a drive-centric cockpit ergonomically optimized with intuitive controls. Metal accents suggest technological prowess, while an 8-in. (20-cm) touchscreen mounted to the center of the instrument panel serves as the car’s focal point for connectivity, the automaker says.
Other key interior elements include a leather-wrapped steering with a heated option; a full-color, dual display driver information center; keyless entry and push-button start; a high-definiation rear-vision camera; LED interior lighting with so-called stealth mode where all but essential gauges are dimmed; dual-zone automatic climate control with a humidity sensor and dust and particulate filter and rear-seat vents; and a premium audio system with noise-cancellation technology.
The CT4 will be the second Cadillac model after the CT5 to leverage GM’s all-new digital architecture. The platform will enable GM to install future technologies, such as potentially the Google assistant and maps coming to the automaker’s vehicles beginning in 2021, faster signal transmissions and over-the-air updates to keep vehicle features fresh and enhance cyber security.
The Instagram story introducing the CT4 will be followed by multiple video clips on YouTube, Twitter and Instagram and will be sensory in nature.
“Because the CT4 is equal parts technology and performance, we wanted to reveal it in a way that would stimulate the senses and evoke emotions our customers might feel when behind the wheel,” says Melissa Grady, chief marketing officer-Cadillac.
The CT4 reveal comes on the heels of the Frankfurt auto show, the sort of venue once coveted for new-car reveals. But in recent years automakers have moved away from such big-ticket events. Smaller, more intimate or online introductions give automakers more bang for the buck because media coverage is more exclusive, and they can connect more directly with potential buyers.
CT4 Sport (left), Premium Luxury models.
