The non-V Cadillac CT4 will still have 309 horsepower available

Following the 325-horsepower CT4-V is the regular CT4 for 2020, which at its core is still a heavily re-designed ATS sedan. Cadillac packed the new entry-level sedan with what it hopes is enough new tech to grab your attention.

For a base engine, you get the 2.0-liter with the twin-scroll turbo and the three-step “sliding camshaft.” Basically, instead of a single lobe for every valve, Cadillac’s camshaft has three. The first extra one is for high lift when you’re on it, while the second—absent on cylinders two and four—is for cylinder deactivation only. The result is 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, with an improvement in fuel economy. This base engine comes with GM’s eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Upgrade to the Premium Luxury trim, and Cadillac’s 2.7-liter “Dual-Volute” turbo becomes an option. This engine is standard in the CT4-V, but in the CT4 Premium Luxury, it produces 309 horsepower and 348 lb-ft, instead of the V’s 325 hp and 380 lb-ft. The bigger engine is paired with the newer, fly-by-wire 10-speed automatic.

Cadillac says “near-perfect weight distribution [contributes] to one of the segment’s nimblest, most responsive driving experiences.” What’s for sure is that if you liked how the ATS felt, the CT4 shouldn’t disappoint with its upgraded double-pivot MacPherson-type front suspension, and multi-valve passive dampers. All-wheel drive is optional, and four-piston Brembo brakes are available at the front, equipment that’s standard on the Sport and V-Series cars. The rear-wheel drive CT4-V also gets Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and a limited-slip rear differential, just like how the ATS Premium Performance model does now. Driving modes on the CT4 include Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice and Track, joined by the configurable My Mode, and V Mode on the CT4-V.

Launched with optional Super Cruise, CT4s will be built at GM’s upgraded Lansing Grand River plant in Michigan, next to CT5s and Chevrolet Camaros that are based on the same Alpha platform. Pricing will be announced before ordering begins later this year. Until then, let’s just appreciate Cadillac’s commitment to rear-wheel-drive sedans.