End of the Road: Why Cadillac’s Brilliant CT4 Sedan Is Driving Into the Sunset

Another One Bites the Dust

There’s a familiar sting that comes with news like this. GM has confirmed that the Cadillac CT4 sedan will end its production run after the 2026 model year, and it won't be coming back. For car lovers, especially those with a soft spot for American performance, it feels like yet another loss. The consolation prize is that the larger CT5 will live on with internal combustion, but the demise of the smaller, arguably more agile CT4—and specifically its fire-breathing Blackwing variant—is a tough pill to swallow.

The CT4-V Blackwing was, by all accounts, a masterpiece. It was a love letter to driving, a compact sports sedan with the heart of a track star, packing a twin-turbo V6, rear-wheel drive, and, most importantly, the option of a six-speed manual. Reviewers fell over themselves praising its sublime handling and driver-focused experience.

It was the kind of car people claim they want automakers to build. So, why are we writing its obituary?

The Elephant in the Room: Where’s the V8?

Dig into any conversation about the CT4, and you'll hit the same wall: the engine. The 3.6L twin-turbo V6 is a potent and technically impressive motor, but for many, it lacked the soul of a proper American muscle sedan. The refrain is almost universal: "It should have had a V8."

There's an emotional, guttural appeal to a V8 that a turbo V6 just can't replicate, no matter how fast it is.

It’s a powerful argument. Think about the beloved Chevy SS, a car that would have been a forgotten fleet sedan without its glorious LS3 V8. Or look at the Lexus IS 500, a car that stands out in a crowded field almost solely because it stubbornly offers a naturally aspirated V8. Some speculate GM intentionally withheld the V8 to prevent the CT4 from cannibalizing sales from the pricier, supercharged CT5-V Blackwing. A logical business decision, perhaps, but one that may have robbed the CT4 of its X-factor.

A Case of Mistaken Identity

Was the CT4 even wearing the right badge? For decades, car enthusiasts have yearned for a spiritual successor to the legendary Buick Grand National. Here was GM, with a rear-wheel-drive platform and a potent twin-turbo V6—the perfect recipe for a modern GNX. But instead, they badged it a Cadillac. This led to an identity crisis. Is Cadillac a cushy luxury brand for your grandpa, or a hardcore performance brand meant to take on BMW's M division?

The answer, it seems, is an awkward "both," and that confused buyers.

The base-model CT4s were criticized for not feeling competitive enough against the Germans, while the brand name itself lacked the sporty cachet that drives M3 and M4 sales. This confusion was reflected in the interior debate. Some called it outdated, a "Chevy with lipstick," and not worthy of a $60,000+ price tag. Others defended it as a proper driver's cockpit, complete with real buttons instead of frustrating touchscreens. But at the end of the day, buyers in this segment want badge prestige and flashy tech, and many felt the CT4 came up a bit short.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Let’s be real, the writing has been on the wall for a while. A quick look at the sales figures tells the story. In 2024, Cadillac sold just over 6,000 CT4s in the U.S. By comparison, the larger CT5 sold nearly 15,000 units. Now, let's look at the competition. BMW moved over 31,000 3 Series sedans. The message is clear: the CT4 was struggling.

This isn't just a CT4 problem; it's a sedan problem. Automakers are pouring their resources into crossovers and SUVs because that's where the money is.

GM sold more XT4 and XT5 crossovers than both of its sedans combined. When you're competing for development dollars, a low-volume sedan, no matter how great it is to drive, is always going to be on the chopping block.

A Future Classic or a Footnote?

With its impending demise, the inevitable question arises: should you snap up a 2026 CT4-V Blackwing as an investment? Is it the next future classic?

There are two schools of thought here. On one hand, you have a phenomenal, last-of-its-kind American sports sedan with a manual transmission. That combination alone screams "collectible." Proponents argue it will hold its value remarkably well, much like its predecessor, the ATS-V, which has seen surprisingly strong residuals.

On the other hand, the skeptics point back to the engine. They argue that the TTV6 will forever keep it in the shadow of its big brother, the supercharged V8 CT5-V Blackwing. In the world of collectibles, engine charisma is king. They believe that while it might not depreciate like a rock, dreams of appreciation are probably wishful thinking. The market demand, even for lightly used examples, just isn't as strong as it is for its German rivals, suggesting it will remain a niche enthusiast car rather than a blue-chip investment.

A Bittersweet Farewell

Ultimately, the CT4's story is a classic tale of a fantastic car that was a victim of its circumstances. It was a brilliant piece of engineering hobbled by market trends, a muddled brand identity, and an engine that, while powerful, couldn't capture hearts the way a V8 could. We can play the "what if" game all day, but it won't change the outcome.

For now, we can be thankful that GM is keeping the flame alive with the CT5. It's a sign that they haven't given up on the gas-powered sports sedan entirely. But as for the CT4, it’s a bittersweet farewell. If you’re a fan of driving, and you have the means, maybe it’s time to find out what all the critics were raving about before it's too late. They don't make them like this anymore, and soon, they won't make this one at all.