Product Overview

Enhance the bold, aggressive look of your 2016–2019 Cadillac CTS-V with this GM Factory Replacement Style Dry Carbon Fiber Front Grille Surrounding Insert. Specifically designed for the third-generation CTS-V, this precision-crafted grille insert brings the perfect balance of OEM sophistication and high-performance styling.

Constructed from 100% pre-preg dry carbon fiber, this replacement grille surround is lightweight, durable, and heat-resistant — built to withstand the extreme temperatures generated by the CTS-V’s 6.2L supercharged V8 engine. The V-shaped weave pattern offers a distinctive and authentic motorsport aesthetic that complements Cadillac’s signature design language, giving your front end an unmistakably premium appearance.

The GM factory-style design ensures a seamless fit that integrates flawlessly with existing body lines and factory mounting points. Whether you’re replacing a worn-out OEM piece or upgrading your vehicle’s exterior with a genuine carbon fiber component, this grille surround delivers unmatched quality, precision, and performance appeal.

Perfect for enthusiasts looking to elevate their CTS-V’s visual impact, this dry carbon upgrade not only enhances the car’s appearance but also maintains Cadillac’s refined aerodynamic balance — a true OEM-level performance enhancement.

Key Features

• Exclusive Fitment: Designed for 2016–2019 Cadillac CTS-V models (does not fit base CTS trims).

• Factory-Inspired Styling: Faithfully replicates the OEM grille surround design for a clean, factory-correct upgrade.

• Premium Dry Carbon Fiber Construction: Made from aerospace-grade pre-preg carbon fiber and autoclave-cured for exceptional rigidity, lightweight strength, and superior weave consistency.

• Unique V-Shaped Carbon Pattern: Features a distinctive V-weave finish that highlights Cadillac’s “V-Series” performance heritage.

• UV-Resistant Clear Coat Finish: Protects against sun damage, oxidation, and fading for long-lasting durability.

• Lightweight Performance Upgrade: Reduces front-end weight compared to factory materials, improving balance and handling.

• Direct OEM Replacement: Perfectly matches factory mounting points for hassle-free installation.

• No Modification Required: Fully compatible with factory grille assembly — clips directly into place.

• Refined Aesthetic Upgrade: Adds a sleek, aggressive, and high-performance appearance to the front fascia.

• Built for Longevity: Resistant to high temperatures, road debris, and weather conditions — ideal for both daily use and track applications.

Installation

• Installation manual not included.

• Direct clip-on installation — no cutting or modification required.

• Hardware is not included; re-use OEM mounting clips and fasteners for installation.

• Ensure the mounting area is clean and debris-free before installation.

• Professional installation is recommended for best alignment and finish quality.

Vehicle Compatibility

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

• 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.