Latest news with #CT5
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
EPA head stirs controversy after announcing roll-back on automakers' fuel-saving tech: 'I wasn't the biggest fan of this at first...'
Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin has once again ignited controversy after announcing a plan to scrap the automatic start/stop technology in vehicles. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Zeldin described the feature as "where your car dies at every red light so companies get a climate participation trophy," and said that the EPA is "fixing it." The statement has struck a nerve, and not just among environmental advocates. Start/stop systems — which automatically shut off and restart engines when vehicles come to a full stop — have grown to become an industry standard feature in over 65% of new cars sold in 2023. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that idling personal vehicles waste nearly 6 billion gallons of gasoline annually when added altogether, and while it can provide a strange driving experience to get used to, this tech has helped cut both fuel use and heat-trapping pollution while saving Americans money in gas savings in the process. Zeldin's move comes despite the fact that the EPA has never mandated automakers to include the feature. The agency created incentive structures to encourage its adoption. Over the years, the technology has evolved significantly — early systems were clunky and worthy of all the criticism and backlash they received. But most modern vehicles now integrate it seamlessly, especially hybrids and EVs. Many models even come with an opt-out button for drivers who prefer not to use it. Critics see this potential rollback not as a fix, but as a favor to the fossil fuel industry, which has long supported Zeldin's political career through campaign donations — something that was a controversy when he was being considered for the EPA role, given the apparent conflict of interest. Others worry that undoing this small but meaningful advancement might undermine years of progress toward cleaner transportation. "When this was first coming out I ended up with some rentals that I would say had this poorly implemented. My 2022 CT5 [that has] this feature is not really noticeable, so not sure what a fix is," one commenter responded to the development. "I'll admit I wasn't the biggest fan of this at first," author Craig Rozniecki also posted in response to Zeldin's tweet. "But then I read more about it; got used to the feature; and quickly learned it saved gas, and with that, money. If you hate it so much, guess what? There's a disable feature as well. Problem solved." Some others commented to say they were happy about the change, noting a concern that the car may not restart, though it's unclear if they had the same type of unintrusive experience as the commenters who said they found it to be worthwhile or were aware of the ability to disable the feature. It's possible those opposed had only experienced older iterations of the tech. Do you think governments should ban gas stoves? Heck yes! Only in new buildings Only in restaurants Heck no! Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Other feedback included commenters suggesting the best outcome may be for the EPA to merely ensure that all vehicles with this technology have a clear way to switch it off without it coming back on unless the driver reactivates it — or at least an ability to increase the number of seconds at a full stop before it activates — and that it would be helpful if the car could track the estimated gas savings in gallons when enabled. This announcement from the EPA signals a potential shift in the agency's approach to emissions-reducing technologies. As the conversation continues, drivers, automakers, and policymakers alike will be watching closely to see how — or if — this change affects vehicle design, fuel efficiency, and environmental impact going forward. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Cadillac Blackwings Help U.S. Secret Service Learn How to Drive Stick
General Motors donated 10 new cars to the United States Secret Service training facility. The new fleet includes two , two , an , two , a , a with a police package, and a . Of the Cadillac sedans, two are equipped with manual transmissions to help agents hone their three-pedal driving skills. Training for United States Secret Service agents just got a lot more fun. Earlier this week, General Motors dropped off a shipment of 10 new cars to the Secret Service's James J. Rowley Training Center (RTC) in Laurel, Maryland. The video above features some overly dramatic music and mind-bending camera angles, but it also details why the agency wants a diverse testing fleet. The fleet of 10 consists of two Cadillac CT4 sedans, two CT5 sedans, an Escalade, two Chevy Corvettes (including a hybrid all-wheel-drive E-Ray), a Colorado ZR2, a Tahoe with a police package, and a Suburban. According to RTC driving instructor Mark Armstrong, two of the Caddy sedans are equipped with manual transmissions, which means both are the range-topping Blackwing models. The CT4-V Blackwing features a 472-hp twin-turbo V-6, while the mightier CT5-V Blackwing packs a 668-hp supercharged V-8. "Not everyone is able to operate a manual shift," Armstrong said. "Having that platform here will enable us to give instruction on how to drive manual vehicles for overseas trips." The other bonus is the different types of cars included in the fleet. Constantine Gerukos, another instructor at the facility, pointed out that advanced driving is a perishable skill, like a muscle that needs to be worked out, so having a variety of cars can keep trainees and instructors alike fresh. What's not clear is if training agents on manual transmission cars is a new focus awarded by having these Blackwing models in the fleet or if three-pedal driving is a long-standing prerequisite for Secret Service trainees. Car and Driver reached out to the Department of Homeland Security to inquire about the training, and we'll update this story if we hear back. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
Business Insider
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Insider
I drove a $65,000 Cadillac CT5 to see how it stacks up against rivals from BMW and Mercedes
The Michigan-made CT5-V starts at $56,995 The base four-cylinder CT5 starts at $47,595 while the fire-breathing, supercharged V8 CT5-V Blackwing ups the asking price to $95,595. My mid-tier CT5-V starts at $56,995, about $3,000 less than the comparable BMW M340i and $5,000 less than the Mercedes-AMG C43. With fees, the addition of all-wheel drive, and a host of premium upgrades, the as-tested price rose to $65,160. The CT5-V's refreshed styling is headlined by a new front end The new front fascia, which includes a redesigned mesh grille and new stacked LED headlights framed by vertical waterfall running lights, gives the CT5-V a lower, wider, and more athletic front profile. At 195 inches long, the Caddy is about six inches longer than the Mercedes C-Class and nearly a foot longer than the BMW 3-Series At just under 4,000 lbs, the base CT5-V is about 100 lbs heavier than the comparable M340i and 100 lbs lighter than AMG's C63 which comes standard with AWD. Under the hood lurks a powerful twin-turbo V6 The CT5-V is powered by a 3.0, twin-turbocharged, all-aluminum V6 producing 360 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. It's paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. However, my test car came with all-wheel drive, a $2000 option. The turbo six fits between the 237 horsepower turbo-four-cylinder and 335 horsepower V6 that power the regular CT5, and the 668 supercharged V8 that lives under the Blackwing's hood. The CT5-V boasts EPA fuel economy ratings of 17 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined, two and nine mpg below the more powerful offerings from Mercedes and BMW, respectively. The Caddy handles beautifully Cadillac spent a lot of time and money on the CT5-V's suspension, and it shows. Through the corners, the Caddy feels remarkably surefooted, even for a sports sedan. The car feels balanced and neutral with only minor hints of oversteer, helped greatly by its standard limited-slip differential that moderates power delivery to the rear wheels to optimize traction, and its magnetic dampers that make constant adjustments based on road conditions. Stomp on the gas and the CT5-V launches without hesitation. The twin-turbo V6 delivers plenty of oomph while the 10-speed automatic shifts quickly and crisply. The engine and quad-exhaust also team up to produce a very pleasant rumble. According to Cadillac, the rear-wheel-drive CT5-V can do 0-60 mph in a solid 4.6 seconds, on par with the comparable BMW and AMG's respective 4.4-second and 4.3-second manufacturer-claimed times. My only real complaint is that the CT5-V could use some more power to fully take advantage of its excellence handling, without upgrading to the Blackwing and its six-figure price tag. For a sports sedan, that's a good problem to have. My test car came with GM's Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance system The CT5-V functioned perfectly on the highway as a quiet and relaxed luxury cruiser. That experience was certainly helped by its hands-free driving capabilities. Super Cruise proved incredibly easy and intuitive to use while cruising and in stop-and-go traffic. It operated like a normal adaptive cruise control system until it detected a stretch of highway suitable for hands-free driving. At that point, it gave me the green light to take my hands off the steering wheel. The CT5-V's cabin boasts classy design and easy-to-navigate controls. The cabin's black soft-touch surfaces and gray carbon fiber accents give off a very business-like feel. There aren't many design flourishes; the only pops of color come from the massive 33-inch digital screen on the front dash. However, as monotone as the interior may be, it's very well designed with a good mix of logically placed digital controls and easy-to-use physical controls. Build and material quality are both solid. The centerpiece of Caddy's tech suite is a massive 33-inch screen mounted atop its front dash. The screen is home to Cadillac's Google-based infotainment system, which allows for integration of helpful features like Google Maps on the instrument display in front of the driver. The system, found on many recently updated GM products, is very sorted. It's highly responsive, easy to navigate, and packed with features. The massaging black leather front seats were comfortable with aggressive side bolstering to hold you firmly in place while cornering. My test car's heated and ventilated seats looked elegant but a bit plain. Fortunately, Cadillac does offer different colors and designs, including a lovely quilted leather option. The CT5-V's rear seats are pretty standard issue for a sports sedan of its stature, with contoured leather seats and dedicated charging sockets. Behind the driver is a moderately sized 11.9 cubic foot trunk that's on par with the Mercedes C-Class, but trails the BMW's 16.9 cubic foot compartment. My verdict: The Cadillac CT5-V is a fun, high-tech, American alternative to the German status quo. The Cadillac CT5-V is a true sleeper. It doesn't get nearly the attention of its Teutonic rivals nor does it garner the praise of its pricier, fire-breathing Blackwing sibling. But make no mistake, the CT5-V is a fine sports sedan that handles like it's riding on rails and is packed with industry-leading tech. All that for thousands less than the Mercedes. Count me in.
Miami Herald
26-03-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Cadillac's Future: Say Goodbye to Gas-Powered CT4 and CT5
Cadillac's push into electrification is gaining momentum, and it looks like two of its sportiest sedans, the CT4 and CT5, are on the chopping block. According to a report from GM Authority, the brand has no plans to replace these models with internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Instead, Cadillac will roll out fully electric successors, likely on a new "BEV Prime" platform that promises more premium underpinnings than GM's standard BEV3 architecture. The CT4 and CT5 have been bright spots in Cadillac's lineup, offering sharp handling, powerful engines, and in the case of the Blackwing variants, manual transmissions - an increasing rarity in the modern automotive landscape. However, sales figures in 2024 weren't encouraging. The CT4 saw a 27% drop, moving only 1,398 units, while the CT5 fared slightly better, selling 4,128 units but still seeing a decline of 6% year-over-year. Despite a refresh for the 2025 model year, Cadillac appears ready to move away from these models entirely. The replacements, expected to arrive after 2026, will reportedly be electric only, a decision that underscores GM's commitment to an EV future even as demand for battery-powered vehicles shows signs of slowing. While details are scarce, the new electric sedans will reportedly be similar in size to the outgoing CT5 and the discontinued CT6. However, they won't be direct replacements. Instead, they are expected to adopt a sportback-style design influenced by Cadillac's Celestiq ultra-luxury sedan and the Escala concept. This move would align Cadillac's sedan styling with the rest of its expanding EV lineup, which includes the Lyriq, Escalade IQ, Vistiq, and Optiq. One big question remains: Will Cadillac retain the CT4 and CT5 nameplates? The brand's recent EVs have moved away from alphanumeric names, and it's possible the new sedans will follow suit. That could signal a significant rebranding effort for Cadillac's performance-oriented offerings. For enthusiasts, the loss of the high-performance CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing models is particularly disappointing. The CT5-V Blackwing's supercharged V8 and the CT4-V Blackwing's twin-turbo V6 helped these cars stand out in a shrinking sports sedan market. While future electric replacements will likely be faster, they won't have the visceral engagement of their gas-powered predecessors - especially with the likely absence of a manual transmission. Still, Cadillac is betting big on an electric future, predicting that EVs will account for 30-35% of its sales by 2025. Whether that gamble pays off remains to be seen, especially as the overall market for EVs faces challenges like affordability, charging infrastructure, and buyer hesitation. For now, it appears the days of Cadillac's internal combustion sports sedans are numbered. Fans of the CT4 and CT5 - especially in their Blackwing forms - might want to grab one while they still can. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Cadillac's Future: Say Goodbye to Gas-Powered CT4 and CT5
Cadillac's push into electrification is gaining momentum, and it looks like two of its sportiest sedans, the CT4 and CT5, are on the chopping block. According to a report from GM Authority, the brand has no plans to replace these models with internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Instead, Cadillac will roll out fully electric successors, likely on a new 'BEV Prime' platform that promises more premium underpinnings than GM's standard BEV3 architecture. The CT4 and CT5 have been bright spots in Cadillac's lineup, offering sharp handling, powerful engines, and in the case of the Blackwing variants, manual transmissions — an increasing rarity in the modern automotive landscape. However, sales figures in 2024 weren't encouraging. The CT4 saw a 27% drop, moving only 1,398 units, while the CT5 fared slightly better, selling 4,128 units but still seeing a decline of 6% year-over-year. Despite a refresh for the 2025 model year, Cadillac appears ready to move away from these models entirely. The replacements, expected to arrive after 2026, will reportedly be electric only, a decision that underscores GM's commitment to an EV future even as demand for battery-powered vehicles shows signs of slowing. While details are scarce, the new electric sedans will reportedly be similar in size to the outgoing CT5 and the discontinued CT6. However, they won't be direct replacements. Instead, they are expected to adopt a sportback-style design influenced by Cadillac's Celestiq ultra-luxury sedan and the Escala concept. This move would align Cadillac's sedan styling with the rest of its expanding EV lineup, which includes the Lyriq, Escalade IQ, Vistiq, and Optiq. One big question remains: Will Cadillac retain the CT4 and CT5 nameplates? The brand's recent EVs have moved away from alphanumeric names, and it's possible the new sedans will follow suit. That could signal a significant rebranding effort for Cadillac's performance-oriented offerings. For enthusiasts, the loss of the high-performance CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing models is particularly disappointing. The CT5-V Blackwing's supercharged V8 and the CT4-V Blackwing's twin-turbo V6 helped these cars stand out in a shrinking sports sedan market. While future electric replacements will likely be faster, they won't have the visceral engagement of their gas-powered predecessors — especially with the likely absence of a manual transmission. Still, Cadillac is betting big on an electric future, predicting that EVs will account for 30-35% of its sales by 2025. Whether that gamble pays off remains to be seen, especially as the overall market for EVs faces challenges like affordability, charging infrastructure, and buyer hesitation. For now, it appears the days of Cadillac's internal combustion sports sedans are numbered. Fans of the CT4 and CT5 — especially in their Blackwing forms — might want to grab one while they still can.
