With the CTS and ATS being replaced by the new CT4 and CT5, many wondered how long it would take for Cadillac to announce their high-performance V model variants.
Turns out it wasn’t a long wait at all, though many may be disappointed by the results.
The most recent ATS-V and CTS-V were verifiable powerhouses, good for a respective 464HP and 640HP. Better yet, the CTS-V was available in an absolutely preposterous wagon form, which is about as gloriously stupid as a car can get. That it was a Cadillac made it all the more impressively dumb.
The replacement models will offer better balance as well as lighter weights, which are welcome changes. Hopefully, having less mass will make the significantly less-powerful motors as exciting as the previous versions.
The CT4-V is the M3 competitor, though not as clearly as the ATS-V was.
It receives a significant downgrade compared to the ATS-V’s 3.6L V6. The new 2.7L turbo-four produces 320HP, which seems more in line with what the base model offers, not the performance version.
The CT5-V houses a 3L V6 with a twin-turbo that manages a relatively mild 355HP and 400LB-FT of torque. That may seem adequate when viewed in isolation but seems anemic next to the monstrous 6.2L LSA V8 from the CTS-V.
The CT4-V is the M3 competitor
Worse yet is that both cars come with a 10-speed auto, cause constantly changing gears is fun, I guess. The previous models came with manual options. Even in the wagon.
Rear-wheel-drive is standard, though both will have available AWD. The newest version of Magnetic Ride, Caddy’s truly remarkable suspension, will keep things running smoothly.
Why the decrease in power output? GM President Mark Reuss claims that the ATS-V and CTS-W were, in fact, too powerful, and left owners feeling intimidated. That, of course, doesn’t emasculate the perception of Caddy-owners at all.
It’s also a preposterous statement when you consider that no other manufacturer seems to deal with this problem.
Anyway, there are hints that Cadillac may yet offer more powerful variants down the road since a lack of options seems to be the cause of Cadillac sedans’ slow sales?
Goofs.