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Autoblog Podcast #326

Easter Jeep Safari concepts, Shelby 1000, 2014 Cadillac CTS and Mercedes CLA45 AMG leaks
Episode #326 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth and Zach Bowman talk about this year's Easter Jeep Safari concepts, the 1,200-horsepower Shelby 1000 and leaked images of the 2014 Cadillac CTS and Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG. We wrap with your questions and emails, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #326:

Cadillac gives enthusiasts an early look at its next high-performance sedans

Cadillac will introduce a pair of sport sedans named CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing, respectively, at 7 p.m. Eastern today (February 1). While car companies routinely drum up excitement for new models by releasing tightly-cropped or blacked-out images, Cadillac surprised us with a photo, and a TV spot that aired during the Rolex 24 at Daytona, that shows both cars in their entirety. Somewhat confusingly, the CT4-V and the CT5-V are not direct replacements for the ATS-V and the CTS-V; they're mid-range models, and they're powered, equipped, and priced accordingly. It's these flagship Blackwing variants that will pick up where the last-generation Vs left off with a significant bump in power, numerous chassis tweaks, and a more aggressive-looking design. They'll arrive in showrooms in time for the 2022 model year. Blackwing drivers won't draw unnecessary attention to themselves, because the visual changes are relatively subtle. Riding on model-specific wheels, the CT4-V Blackwing gains bigger air intakes on the front end, vents punched into the fenders, and a low-key body kit that adds a front splitter, front winglets, and a trunk-mounted spoiler. Cadillac gave the CT5-V a similar treatment, and it mounted the rear wheels on surprisingly wide tires. Cadillac pointed out the Blackwing sedans benefit from the world's fastest-reacting suspension system. It's likely the fourth evolution of its magnetic ride control technology, which it detailed in October 2020.  While full specifications remain under wraps until the duo's unveiling, we know that both sedans will be available with a six-speed manual transmission. It's reasonable to assume that an automatic (likely the familiar 10-speed) will be offered as well. As for what's under the hood, our crystal ball tells us that the CT5-V will land with a V8 engine, though it won't be the short-lived twin-turbocharged Blackwing unit that gave both cars their name. Enginers might have selected an evolution of the CTS-V's 6.2-liter. As for the CT4-V, it will receive the ATS-V's 3.6-liter turbocharged V6. Both models will be exclusively available with rear-wheel-drive. Enthusiasts who want to secure an early built slot will have the chance to reserve a 2022 CT4-V Blackwing or a 2022 CT5-V Blackwing by visiting Cadillac's website shortly after the sedans are unveiled on February 1. As we previously reported, the first 250 units of each car will wear a numbered plaque on the steering wheel.

Cadillac planning its own engines, halo cars

Cadillac is in the midst of some big changes. It's got a new chief executive. It's taking some distance from parent company General Motors and moving to a new headquarters in New York. And it's instituting a new naming scheme that will allow not only for a more clear progression in its lineup, but also for more models. But that's not the end of the story. Not by a long shot.
Speaking with Automobile magazine, Cadillac's new president Johan de Nysschen revealed his intention to develop several new models and powertrains. For starters, he does not want Cadillac to continue borrowing engines from the GM parts bin, but intends to develop a new range of engines specifically for the luxury automaker. The program will likely start with smaller-capacity engines but eventually lead to new V8s as well, taking the place of the long-serving Northstar engine that finally ended its lifespan a few years ago after some two decades of production. Along with other technologies, de Nysschen envisions possibly sharing these powertrains with other GM divisions, but developing them first and foremost for Cadillac.
The bigger question, however, is where those engines would go, and de Nysschen had some thoughts to share on that front as well. For starters, the former Infiniti and Audi exec sees room for an even bigger sedan above the upcoming new CT6 that will cap the current range. Maybe even two of them. But that's not all. Johan wants to see Cadillac get (back) into the sports car game with a new halo model or two - something it hasn't really done since the Corvette-based XLR roadster. A pair of new crossovers are also said to be in the works, flanking the SRX on both sides with smaller and larger models.