It's hard to believe that Cadillac's V-Series performance division (with V standing for Victory) has already been with us for nearly two decades. What feels like only yesterday when Cadillac's first V-Series model called the CTS-V was launched has now spawned into a series of sports sedans that could actually take on the Germans in terms of driving fun, as well as even a hulking full-size SUV in the form of the first-ever Escalade-V. To celebrate this milestone, Cadillac is kicking off a year-long celebration for its V-Series sub-brand as it officially celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024.
Motorsport Continues To Run In Cadillac's Blood
While Cadillac's V-Series may not have the long and rich history of storied brands like BMW's M division--which concluded its 50th-anniversary celebrations last year--they both share the same basic motivating factor: Motorsports. Cadillac's V-Series story begins in March 2004, when the American luxury brand from General Motors debuted at the SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge GT with the CTS-V.R race car. Since then, all the lessons learned from the development of their race car have been implemented in the design of their production road cars.
“Nearly 20 years ago, Cadillac made a bold move with V-Series that continues to resonate,” said Global Vice President of Cadillac Rory Harvey. “From the racetrack to the road, V-Series has transformed Cadillac and helped redefine performance luxury for thousands of enthusiasts. Over the next 12 months we will celebrate V-Series with a number of significant moments.”
Cadillac considers its current lineup of V-Series cars and motorsports initiatives as its fourth generation. With the new, hybridized V-Series. R race car, this will kick off the fifth generation of the V-Series. The Cadillac V-Series. R is competing at the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the FIA World Endurance Championship.
The latter also includes the race series' main highlight--the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in which three V-Series. R racecars will compete in the historic endurance race. Cadillac's entry into the 24 Hours of Le Mans is the brand's first in more than 20 years.
New Models Are In The Pipeline
A range of "new products and features commemorating the 20th anniversary of V-Series" will also be released in the next 12 months, according to Cadillac's official statement. Right now, details are scarce, but with Cadillac's electrification push, we wouldn't be surprised if this will include either a hybrid or even a fully electric V-Series model.
Currently, the fourth-generation V-Series range consists of the CT4-V and CT4-V Blackwing; CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing; and the Escalade-V. Cadillac is particularly proud that the Escalade-V is also their most powerful vehicle ever with 682 horsepower on tap. None of these cars currently have a degree of electrification, but what the sports sedan range has that is a rarity nowadays is an honest-to-goodness manual transmission. Because apart from the BMW M3, only Cadillac is offering the pleasure of three pedals in the luxury sports sedan segment.
Cadillac's 20th-anniversary celebration of its V-Series will conclude next year at Sebring in March 2024--exactly 20 years after the first CTS-V won on the track.