Product Overview
Upgrade the look and performance of your 2016–2019 Cadillac CTS-V with this Factory Style Dry Carbon Fiber Front Grille Insert Set, engineered to enhance the aggressive character of Cadillac’s supercharged V-Series flagship. Designed to replace the original factory grille inserts, this premium carbon fiber upgrade delivers both superior aesthetics and functional airflow enhancement — a perfect blend of style and performance for your CTS-V.
Crafted from 100% pre-preg dry carbon fiber, each grille insert is autoclave-cured for maximum structural integrity, lightweight performance, and a flawless weave finish. Unlike wet carbon overlays, dry carbon provides a cleaner surface texture, deeper weave definition, and higher resistance to heat and UV exposure — ensuring the material stays looking new for years.
The factory-style design maintains Cadillac’s bold and luxurious front-end identity while reducing unnecessary weight. Whether you’re refreshing your CTS-V’s exterior or building a performance show car, these inserts offer an OEM-level fitment and a premium motorsport finish. Compatible with all 2016–2019 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan models, this grille set provides the ultimate balance of luxury and performance.
Key Features
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Perfect Fit for 2016–2019 Cadillac CTS-V: Designed specifically for the V-Series sedan; not compatible with standard CTS trims.
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Factory Style OEM Design: Retains the original look and proportions of Cadillac’s factory front fascia while adding a carbon fiber performance finish.
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Premium Dry Carbon Fiber Construction: Made from high-grade pre-preg dry carbon fiber, cured in an autoclave for exceptional strength, low weight, and superior durability.
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Lightweight Performance Advantage: Significantly lighter than OEM plastic or metal inserts, reducing overall vehicle weight while maintaining rigidity.
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High-Gloss 3K Twill Weave Finish: Clear-coated for UV protection and long-lasting shine, ensuring fade resistance even under harsh conditions.
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Heat and Weather Resistant: Built to withstand high temperatures near the radiator grille area without warping or deformation.
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Direct Clip-On Installation: Easy fitment using OEM mounting points — no cutting, drilling, or modification required.
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Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a track-inspired, high-end visual enhancement that complements other carbon fiber components on your CTS-V.
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Long-Lasting Durability: Engineered to maintain its structure and finish over time, ideal for both street and performance applications.
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Professional-Grade Finish: Matches other Cadillac carbon accessories for a consistent and cohesive appearance.
Installation
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Installation manual not included.
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Direct clip-on installation with factory mounting points — no modification or cutting required.
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Hardware not included — reuse OEM bolts, clips, or fasteners for mounting.
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Clean all contact surfaces before installation to ensure proper fitment and adhesion.
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Professional installation is highly recommended for the best alignment and secure attachment.
Vehicle Compatibility
| Year | Make | Model | Trim |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Cadillac | CTS | V Sedan 4-Door |
| 2018 | Cadillac | CTS | V Sedan 4-Door |
| 2017 | Cadillac | CTS | V Sedan 4-Door |
| 2016 | Cadillac | CTS | V Sedan 4-Door |
About Dry Carbon Fiber
Dry Carbon Fiber vs Wet Carbon Fiber — What’s the Difference?
Not all carbon fiber parts are made the same. The biggest distinction comes down to how the carbon is processed — commonly known as dry carbon and wet carbon. Both use genuine carbon fiber weave, but the production method, finish, and performance are completely different.
Manufacturing Process
Dry carbon fiber parts are produced using a pre-preg (pre-impregnated) carbon cloth, where the exact amount of resin is pre-applied by the manufacturer. These sheets are then vacuum-sealed and cured under high pressure and temperature in an autoclave, removing excess air and resin.
The result is a light, extremely strong, and precisely formed component — the same process used in motorsport and aerospace applications.
Wet carbon fiber, on the other hand, uses a hand-lay or wet-lay method. The carbon cloth is laid into a mold and liquid resin is manually brushed or poured over it before curing. Because it’s not vacuum-bagged or autoclave-cured, there’s usually more trapped resin and air pockets, leading to a heavier part and a less uniform finish.
Weight & Strength
Dry carbon fiber is roughly 30–50% lighter than wet carbon. This is due to the controlled resin ratio — just enough to bind the fibers without unnecessary weight.
By comparison, wet carbon or carbon-over-fiberglass parts can be up to 70% heavier, since excess resin and fiberglass layers add mass without increasing stiffness.
For reference:
- Carbon Fiber Density: ~1.55 g/cm³
- Fiberglass Density: ~2.6 g/cm³
Dry carbon also offers a much higher modulus of elasticity (~125 GPa), giving it outstanding rigidity under stress — ideal for aerodynamic and high-load components.
Visual & Structural Differences
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Backside: A true dry carbon piece will look identical front and back — you can see the same woven pattern throughout.
Wet carbon or fiberglass-backed parts often have a dull, uneven underside with visible fiberglass texture or color variation. -
Edges: Solid dry carbon has clean, uniform black edges.
Wet carbon or overlay parts may show a white or grey line along the edge, revealing the fiberglass underneath — sometimes hidden with black paint trim. -
Finish: Dry carbon typically has a consistent matte or satin finish, while wet carbon can appear glossy but uneven due to hand-applied resin.
