2016-19 Cadillac CTS-V DRY Carbon Fiber Rear Deck Lid Center Applique Trunk Insert

Product Overview

Upgrade the refined rear styling of your 2014–2019 Cadillac CTS and 2016–2019 CTS-V with this GM Factory Style Dry Carbon Fiber Rear Trunk Insert, engineered exclusively for vehicles equipped with the dual-lens rectangular reverse camera system. This replacement panel enhances the rear deck’s visual depth and luxury presence while reducing weight and maintaining Cadillac’s OEM-grade precision fitment.

Crafted from 100% pre-preg dry carbon fiber, this trunk insert delivers superior rigidity, reduced mass, and a high-gloss 3K twill weave finish. Unlike traditional wet-carbon overlays, dry carbon parts are autoclave-cured for maximum structural integrity, consistent weave alignment, and long-term resistance to heat and UV exposure.

The factory-inspired design ensures seamless integration with existing trim lines, preserving Cadillac’s premium aesthetic while adding a motorsport-inspired carbon fiber accent. Perfect for enthusiasts seeking to complement other carbon components—such as diffuser lips, mirror caps, or spoilers—this trunk insert represents the ideal balance of luxury styling and functional performance.

Whether for restoration, customization, or performance enhancement, this carbon fiber upgrade provides your CTS or CTS-V with a distinctive and upscale finish that embodies both craftsmanship and innovation.

Key Features

• Precision OEM Fitment: Compatible with 2014–2019 Cadillac CTS Sedan and 2016–2019 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan equipped with dual-lens rectangular rear cameras.

• Authentic GM Factory Design: Modeled after OEM geometry for perfect alignment and smooth bodyline continuity.

• Premium Dry Carbon Fiber Construction: Made from aerospace-grade pre-preg carbon fiber, autoclave-cured for ultra-lightweight strength and temperature stability.

• High-Gloss 3K Twill Finish: UV-resistant clear coat preserves the carbon weave’s deep luster while preventing yellowing or fading.

• Lightweight Performance Enhancement: Reduces trunk lid weight without sacrificing structural integrity or camera housing support.

• Direct Replacement Installation: Uses OEM mounting points—no drilling, trimming, or modification required.

• Heat & Weather Resistant: Engineered to endure extreme temperatures, humidity, and daily driving conditions.

• Enhanced Luxury Appearance: Complements other carbon fiber exterior pieces for a cohesive performance aesthetic.

• Long-Term Durability: Designed to outlast conventional plastic or fiberglass alternatives.

• Professional Quality Finish: Each piece is quality-inspected for weave alignment, fitment precision, and surface clarity.

Installation

• Installation manual not included.

• Direct bolt-on / clip-on design for easy replacement.

• No modification or drilling required.

• Re-use your OEM factory hardware for installation.

• Ensure the mounting area is clean before installation to prevent debris interference.

• Professional installation is recommended to achieve a secure fit and showroom-grade finish.

Vehicle Compatibility

(Fits models equipped with the Dual-Lens Rectangle Rear Camera System only.) 

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.