Cadillac’s celebrated sport sedans, the CT4 and CT5, are nearing the end of their production run. After years of holding their ground as benchmarks in the luxury performance space, both models will officially be discontinued following the 2026 model year. The good news? The CT5 nameplate isn’t going away for good. Cadillac has confirmed that a next-generation internal combustion version of the CT5 will return.
A Chapter Closes on Cadillac’s Modern Sport Sedans
The news surfaced through the Cadillac V-Series Club, which published a letter from John Roth, Vice President of Global Cadillac. Cadillac later confirmed the letter’s authenticity, outlining clear timelines for the end of production. The CT4 will roll off the line for the last time in June 2026, while the CT5 will continue until late that year.
Both sedans, especially their high-performance Blackwing variants, have earned critical acclaim. The CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing have been regular fixtures on Car and Driver’s 10Best list for four consecutive years, a testament to their balance of raw power, precision handling, and everyday livability.
Still, the market is shifting. With Cadillac pushing aggressively toward an electric future, the lifespan of its gasoline-powered models was always on borrowed time.
The CT5’s Legacy Will Continue
While the CT4 will bow out entirely, Cadillac has confirmed that “the legacy of the CT5 will continue with a next-generation ICE vehicle.” Details remain scarce, including whether the upcoming model will retain the CT5 name or adopt an all-new moniker. Even its design format, whether it sticks with the traditional sedan profile or transitions into something more crossover-inspired, is still up in the air.
However, what’s clear is that Cadillac isn’t fully abandoning internal combustion just yet. The next iteration of the CT5 will continue to be built at the Lansing Grand River Assembly plant in Michigan, where the current CT4 and CT5 are produced.
The Fate of the V-8: Still Roaring
A key question surrounds Cadillac’s engine lineup moving forward. The CT5-V Blackwing’s supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 has become a cult favorite, praised for its visceral power and old-school charm in a market increasingly dominated by hybrids and EVs.
Earlier this year, General Motors announced an $888 million investment in its Tonawanda Propulsion Plant in New York to build a next-generation V-8 engine. Officially, the project is aimed at future full-size trucks and SUVs, but enthusiasts hope that some of that muscle will make its way into Cadillac’s future performance sedans.
Given Cadillac’s long-standing association with the V-8 and the success of the Blackwing line, the brand will likely want to preserve that spirit in some form.
What Comes Next for Cadillac
Cadillac’s long-term strategy remains centered around electrification, with models like the Lyriq and the ultra-luxury Celestiq leading the charge. Yet, by keeping the CT5’s ICE lineage alive, Cadillac seems intent on maintaining a bridge between its performance heritage and its electric ambitions.
For now, fans of the CT4 and CT5 have a couple more years to savor what many consider the last of the great analog sport sedans, fast, loud, and unapologetically mechanical.
As Cadillac moves forward, the CT5’s continuation signals something reassuring: even in a world turning electric, there’s still room for gasoline-powered passion.
