Fox News Autos Test Drive: 2021 Cadillac Escalade
The all-new Cadillac Escalade SUV is more like a luxury car than ever before, says Fox News Autos Editor Gary Gastelu.
Cadillac may be on the verge of transforming into an all-electric brand, but it’s not done with piston-power just yet.
The luxury automaker has unveiled new high-performance versions of its CT4 and CT5 sedans.
Released under the Blackwing name and designed to compete with the likes of the BMW M3 and M5, the cars are the successors to the ATS-V and CTS-V that were discontinued in 2018 and 2019.
The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing competes against the BMW M3 (Cadillac)
The compact CT4-V Blackwing features a 472 hp 3.6-liter turbocharged V6 while the midsize CT5-V Blackwing gets a 668 hp 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that is the most powerful engine ever stuffed under a Cadillac hood.
The Cadilac CT5-V Blackwing is similar in size to the BMW M5 (Cadillac)
Cadillac said the CT4 should be able to accelerate to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 189 mph, while the CT5 can do that sprint in 3.7 seconds on its way to a maximum velocity over 200 mph.
CADILLAC UNVEILS FLYING VEHICLE
Those figures apply to cars equipped with the available 10-speed automatic transmission, but both come standard with a six-speed manual. They also get GM’s Magnetic Ride Control active suspension and uniquely-designed high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4s tires.
The CT4-V Blackwing comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission. (Cadillac)
FOX NEWS AUTOS TEST DRIVE: 2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE
Cadillac's Super Cruise hands-off driver aid system will not be offered, despite its availability in other CT4 and CT5 models. A brand spokesman said that is because it doesn't fit the Blackwing ethos.
A six-speed manual transmission is available on the CT5-Blackwing. (Cadillac)
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The order books are open now for delivery this summer at prices of $59,990 for the CT4-V Blackwing and $84,990 for the CT5-V Blackwing.