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Forget everything you know about Cadillac V

Cadillac rolled out the CT4-V and CT5-V performance sedans to a rather confused group of journalists last night. What are these cars? Only 355 horsepower in the CTS-V replacement? And just 320 horsepower for the ATS-V successor? Surely, there's something out of place — you can get up to speed with all the details here. Cadillac understood our confusion and explained what was going on rather quickly. The explanation means you have to forget everything you know about what "V" means for a Cadillac, though. Any Cadillac with the singular "V" badge on it previously has denoted the absolute top-tier of performance for that particular model. The CTS-V had the Corvette Z06 engine in it and made 640 horsepower. The ATS-V had a boosted 3.6-liter V6 good for a raucous 464 horsepower. They were equivalent to BMW M, Mercedes-AMG or an Audi RS. We're not talking about the lesser M or AMG models, either. No, the last Cadillac Vs were meant to compete with cars like the C63 or M3, the top-tier of performance in those brands' lineups. This is where you're going to have to start re-learning, because that's no longer the case for a Cadillac with a V badge gracing the rear end. What Cadillac has essentially done is demote what V means, with the intention of offering "something else" above it. With this new strategy, we'd equate a Cadillac V to something like an AMG 43, M340i, or Audi with an S badge on it. Cadillac has even come out with a car similar to this strategy before in the V-Sport. That didn't confuse everybody, though, because the name was different, and the strategy was clear. Now, Cadillac V is just a small stepping stone to these mysterious high performance cars still to come. We asked for any information concerning these future track-ready, fire-breathing monsters, but mum is the word for now. The naming strategy for something above a V is uncharted territory, and it'll also force everyone to learn what the top of the Cadillac lineup is all over again. Cadillac CT5-V View 6 Photos Why confuse folks like this? Cadillac wants to take advantage of the V brand cache in more of its lineup than just two super sedans. Think future vehicles like an XT5-V, XT4-V and others like that. Now that V doesn't mean a Nurburgring-conquering 500+ horsepower luxury muscle car, it makes it far easier for Cadillac to get V badges on everything. Obviously, GM isn't the first to think of this strategy.

Hotter Cadillac ATS-V+ could use LS7 power

Rumor has it Cadillac is working on an even hotter version of the ATS-V, possibly called ATS-V+. And the latest intel from Motor Trend suggests this new model might have a great, big V8 under the hood. The V8 in question is the high-revving, naturally aspirated 7.0-liter LS7 from the Camaro Z/28. The hand-built engine makes 505 horsepower and 481 pound-feet of torque in the Z/28 – a nice increase over the 464 hp and 445 lb-ft in the standard ATS-V, which uses a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6. Motor Trend says the ATS-V+ will come to market with an eight-speed automatic transmission, as well as the seven-speed manual 'box from the Corvette. A dual-clutch transmission will come to market later. Of course, we'll believe it when we see it. But an LS7-powered ATS-V sure sounds like a great package to us. Here's hoping.

2022 Cadillac CT5 Review | An athlete in a fine suit

The Cadillac CT5‘s mission is to compete on equal footing with the sport sedans built by the German trio of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz along with Japanese brands Acura, Infiniti and Lexus. But the times, they are a-changing. The sedan no longer represents the pinnacle of automotive luxury and internal-combustion powertrains are nearing their sunset. The 2022 Cadillac CT5 (along with its smaller sibling, the CT4) represents the end of the line for CadillacÂ’s gas-burning four-doors. Fortunately, itÂ’s a compelling ambassador for the segment (especially when at its most invigorating: the 2022 CT5-V Blackwing). The CT5 is larger than its price point suggests. For the money, youÂ’d be looking at a BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but itÂ’s closer in size to the 5 Series and E-Class , albeit with less interior room (especially for cargo). The CT5 drives quite well and is stylish and well equipped. Its price-to-size ratio also gives it a unique proposition to attract buyers away from the Europeans – not to mention the availability of an all-American, supercharged V8. Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Features   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2022? The big news for 2022 is the introduction of the CT5-V Blackwing, CadillacÂ’s new replacement for its former top dog, the CTS-V. With 668 horsepower and an available manual transmission, the Blackwing is pretty much the final word in American internal-combustion sport sedans. Finding one will be difficult, however, as they are virtually unavailable for test drives and some reports indicate that all of CadillacÂ’s 2022 model year allocations may already be spoken for. Elsewhere, Cadillac made some adjustments to the CT5Â’s color palette (sorry, green fans, you missed your chance, but orange is now an option) and available equipment, largely to compensate for supply shortages on the manufacturing side. Super Cruise packages will be available later in the model year. What are the CT5's interior and technology like? The Cadillac CT5 interior can best be described as “nice enough.” Unfortunately, "nice enough" isnÂ’t quite good enough to compare favorably with Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Volvo. We'd say it's not good enough to compare with cross-town rival Lincoln, either, but they don't sell sedans any more.