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Cadillac's Resilient Roar: Gasoline-Powered Legacy Continues Amidst Electrification Shift

The Evolving Landscape of Cadillac's Sedan Lineup: A Look at the Upcoming Changes for the CT4 and CT5

Recent disclosures from Cadillac have clarified the trajectory of its CT4 and CT5 internal combustion engine sedans. Contrary to prior speculation that predicted a complete transition to electric powertrains for these models, the manufacturer has outlined a different path. While the CT4 is slated for cessation, a new gasoline-fueled iteration of the CT5 is surprisingly confirmed to be in development.

Discontinuing Models: The End of an Era for Cadillac's CT4, But Not for the CT5

General Motors' Vice President, Global Cadillac, John Roth, conveyed the company's refined strategy. Production of the CT4 will conclude by June 2026, with the current CT5 model following suit by the end of the same year. Roth highlighted the consistent success of these vehicles, acknowledging their exemplary performance, advanced technology, and superior craftsmanship, which have garnered widespread acclaim and robust demand. Importantly, the CT5 is set to receive a gasoline-powered successor, which will be assembled at GM's Lansing Grand River facility. The exact timeline for this new CT5's debut, however, is yet to be announced, suggesting a potential interim period without a CT5 offering.

The Fate of High-Performance Divisions: Uncertainty Surrounds the Future of CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing Models

The phasing out of the CT4 and CT5 also signifies a crossroads for their high-performance counterparts: the CT4-V, CT4-V Blackwing, CT5-V, and CT5-V Blackwing. These rear-wheel-drive sports sedans, especially those with manual transmissions, are becoming increasingly rare. The CT4-V Blackwing, powered by a 472-horsepower twin-turbo V6, and the formidable CT5-V Blackwing, boasting a 668-hp supercharged V8 (and notably, the last V8 sports sedan with a manual option), are celebrated for their exceptional handling and immersive driving experience, despite perhaps not matching their German rivals in all aspects of refinement or technology.

Reflections on Cadillac's Commitment to Internal Combustion Sedans: A Stand Against Industry Trends

The prospect of a new gasoline-powered CT5 brings renewed hope for a future Blackwing model, although whether it will retain a manual transmission remains an open question. Cadillac's decision to continue offering gas-powered sedans, even as its electric crossover segment expands significantly and many competitors abandon the category, is noteworthy. With few manual sports sedans left (such as BMW's M3 and the rumored return of Infiniti's Q50 with a manual and RWD twin-turbo V6, or Acura's Integra with a manual, albeit in a different performance bracket), the message is clear: enthusiasts should savor Cadillac's existing sports sedan offerings while they are still available.