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While the CT5 replaces both the ATS and CTS sedans, the CT4 will handle the smaller side of things. Specifically, it should be positioned to battle the sub-compact segment and tackle the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A3. It could make the CT4 Cadillac’s least expensive offering and gateway vehicle to the brand. It too should ride on the Alpha 2 platform and offer both rear- and all-wheel drive.

For power, we expect the CT4 will arrive with Cadillac’s 2.0-liter turbocharged LSY four-cylinder engine. The 3.6-liter LGX V6 engine may show up as an optional engine. The CT5 will not offer the engine, and instead, come with the 2.0-liter turbo-four or a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. While we can expect a CT5-V to show up and replace the beloved CTS-V, it’s unclear if a CT4-V is planned. There will, however, be a CT4 V-Sport.

kevm14 wrote:The only hope for interesting engines is the CT4 V-sport. And I would expect the 3.0L TT V6 for that. But then there are no interesting engines for cheap BMWs and Audis so who really cares.

This is our first look at Cadillac's smallest sedan, the 2020 CT4, and it breaks cover in the best way possible: by wearing a V-Series badge. That is because its power comes from a 2.7-liter turbo-four engine that generates 320 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

The high-output engine, which is likely related to the four-cylinder option in the Chevrolet Silverado, features a unique three-step sliding camshaft that helps optimize performance at all speeds. It is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. No manual option, but you do get paddle shifters.

And there will also be a track version of the CT4-V with details to come soon. This will be a V-Series strategy going forward, an affordable V and a track V. The first two vehicles to adopt this strategy are the CT5-V and CT4-V. The CT6-V has only one level, but it's a doozy with the new 550-hp, 627-lb-ft Blackwing V-8 engine.

Pricing has not been announced, but it will have a $6,000-$7,000 premium over a CT4 Sport model. This is a buyer's most affordable entry into the V-Series family.

The underpinnings are the next generation of GM's Alpha rear-drive architecture—same bones as the CT5—but the CT4-V is designed to be more nimble than the CT5-V, being shorter and lighter. The rear-drive version has standard Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, while sedans with all-wheel drive get ZF MVS passive dampers. All have a limited-slip rear differential.

While the CT5 goes after the BMW 3 Series, the CT4 takes on the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3 sedans.

The car has 18-inch wheels and summer-only performance tires; all-season tires are available with AWD.

Cadillac introduced the V-Series in 2004 with the 400-hp CTS-V with a V-8 stuffed under the hood. Over the years the family has included V variants of the STS, XLR, ATS, and CT6, which ups its game with the limited run of cars with the new 550-hp, 627-lb-ft Blackwing 4.2-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine.

CT4 takes on the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3 sedans.

The CT4-V takes on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLA and has the advantage of being a rear-driver in a pool of front-drive vehicles.

The CT4-V boasts a tempting 325 hp from its 2.7-liter turbo-four, but not all small sedan buyers will need, or want, that much power. The regular CT4 comes standard with an eight-speed automatic and a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Hey, at least that's more hp than a base 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA or Audi A3. The Premium Luxury trim offers a detuned 2.7-liter with an estimated 309 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. Models with the 2.7-liter are paired to a 10-speed automatic.

The CT4 is available with rear- or all-wheel drive, and in Luxury, Sport, and Premium Luxury trims. Brembo performance front brakes are standard kit on the Sport model, as well as cosmetic upgrades such as dark exterior accents and a body-color rear spoiler. Premium Luxury CT4 models get their own unique exterior cues, including brightwork on the door handles.