Cadillac established its V-Series Performance sub-brand in March 2004 with the debut of the CTS-V.R. during that year’s first SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge GT race. That successful race car served as the inspiration for the road-going CTS-V that arrived shortly after. It combined a 5.7-liter V8 developing 400 horsepower, a six-speed manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive.
Cadillac later gave the same treatment to its larger STS and Corvette-based XLR, rounding out the first trio of V-Performance production models. Since then, the American carmaker’s production and race car offerings have expanded significantly. Today, its flagship road cars are the CT4-V Blackwing, CT5-V Blackwing, and Escalade-V.
To celebrate 20 years of its V-Series, the carmaker announced it would embark on a year-long celebration leading up to the 20th anniversary. Although it hasn’t released specifics, Cadillac stated it plans to unveil new products and features for the occasion.
Cadillac plans to return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans later this year for the first time in over 20 years with three cars. The carmaker also competes in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship with its Cadillac V-Series.R prototype.
The brand had this to say about its upcoming celebration, “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.”
While we’ll have to wait and see what those significant moments are, it seems plausible the carmaker could release unique variants of its most important V Series production cars. The brand has already been spotted testing an updated CT5 V-Blackwing with a new aggressive front bumper and updated interior.
Sources: Cadillac