Cadillac to expand V-series performance subbrand

Editor's note: The V-series was first launched in 2004. An earlier version of this story gave the incorrect year for the launch. 

Cadillac is expanding its V-series performance subbrand starting with the arrival of the CT6-V in the spring.

General Motors product chief Mark Reuss made the announcement Wednesday at Cadillac's dealer business conference in Las Vegas.

Reuss, in a statement, said the decision to expand the V series was a "result of the overwhelming response the CT6 V-Sport received" when it debuted in March at the New York auto show.

The CT6 V-Sport, which GM has decided to badge as a V-series model, is powered by a Cadillac-exclusive 4.2-liter Blackwing twin-turbo V-8 engine that generates 550 hp and 627 pound-feet of torque.

Cadillac said future V-series models will follow suit and include enhanced propulsion systems, chassis and brake systems.

A Cadillac spokesman declined to elaborate on what future vehicles will feature V-series variants. The V series debuted on the CTS sedan in 2004. Cadillac offers V-series versions of the ATS and CTS, which are expected to be replaced with new cars. The ATS sedan was dropped after the 2018 model year but the ATS coupe carries over for 2019.

The V-series expansion comes as Cadillac prepares to introduce a new or redesigned vehicle every six months through 2021 -- beginning with the XT4 compact crossover arriving in dealerships.

The next product, Cadillac President Steve Carlisle said last week, will debut at the Detroit auto show. It is expected to be a three-row crossover to slot between the XT5 midsize crossover and the flagship Escalade SUV.

After the large crossover, a small sedan will be introduced to replace the ATS compact sedan; followed by a smaller sedan and the next-generation Escalade in 2020; then, a redesign of the XT5 and possibly a performance EV and/or sports car based on the Chevrolet Corvette.

While the V series does not account for a significant portion of Cadillac's sales, the subbrand generates higher profit margins and, officials say, produces a halo effect for the brand.

"Three generations later, V series is recognized and coveted by many as a symbol of Cadillac Performance engineering," Carlisle said in a statement.