Excitement! 

Two things come to mind, one is you could buy the platinum with the detuned twin turbo V8 and then update the programming I am wondering and when will they roll out the V-Series for the CUV / SUV product line?

These cars will be kickass but their names will be terrible. They do not flow whatsoever.

CT5-V   CT4-V

1 hour ago, ccap41 said:

These cars will be kickass but their names will be terrible. They do not flow whatsoever.

CT5-V   CT4-V

Totally agree, we need to bring back the rich historical names and then have the V still.

🤔 Imagine an Elmiraji V

1 hour ago, ccap41 said:

These cars will be kickass but their names will be terrible. They do not flow whatsoever.

CT5-V   CT4-V

My expectation (purely my own hypothesis) is that it will be officially branded CT5 V-Series/Sport rather than just V. 

Otherwise, you're right.

I like C3PO myself

43 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Totally agree, we need to bring back the rich historical names and then have the V still.

🤔 Imagine an Elmiraji V

Cadillac has so many kickass concept names too bad they don't use them.

Honestly too, I still like STS, CTS, XLR, DTS, etc its just that the offerings became twisted.  The CTS got larger.  The STS became underwhelming.  

So this signals that the 550 hp CT6 will be the top of that line which I assume means the CT5-V will get the same 550 hp engine.  

I think Cadillac’s low sales volume on sedans/coupes hurts their ability to do a lot of performance cars or high performance cars.   The CT6 is a car that might sell 20,000 globally per year, and the V-series might be 1,000 per year, so how much time and effort are they going to put into that.  

I guess when Americans have a love for sedans like back in the 1980s and 1990s, then Cadillac will sell more than a few thousand V-series sedans.

Maybe an XT4-V with a 350 hp version of the new 2.0t and some aggressive bodywork?

2 hours ago, ocnblu said:

Maybe an XT4-V with a 350 hp version of the new 2.0t and some aggressive bodywork?

that would be a cool ride.  I would even go for just 30-40 more hp and torque vs what is listed, but the XT4 actually has pretty good combined mpg for a 2.0 litre and a crossover and word is it uses 87 octane just fine.  Evidently the NVH is much better on the new 2.0.  I want to see how the CT5 turns out now.

I have a feeling that they’re pivoting V towards their crossovers and part of that is dumbing down V performance, and calling their VSports their full on V Series.

which actually may be the smartest thing done to V brand in a long time. 

They need it to sell, not be some exclusivity factor that is non-existent outside the U.S.

If Cadillac had put these crossovers on a rear drive chassis then you could have the 550 hp V8 in the XT5 and even XT4.  Now I think demand for a V8 XT4 would be tiny, so I would understand making that a front drive crossover for the sheeple that buy $40k small crossovers.  XT5 and up should be rear drive all the way so they can put a V8 in there.  

10 hours ago, smk4565 said:

If Cadillac had put these crossovers on a rear drive chassis then you could have the 550 hp V8 in the XT5 and even XT4.  Now I think demand for a V8 XT4 would be tiny, so I would understand making that a front drive crossover for the sheeple that buy $40k small crossovers.  XT5 and up should be rear drive all the way so they can put a V8 in there.  

Why isn't MB held to this same standard for the CLA/GLA AMG? Or Audi for the RS3?

26 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Why isn't MB held to this same standard for the CLA/GLA AMG?  

Because those are just entry level novelties?  M-Bs serious SUVs (GLE, GLS, and G) aren't based on transverse engine FWD platforms...

(Of course, that is a distinction lost on the indifferent consumers that lease these things, only enthusiasts care if something is transverse FWD or RWD). 

2 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

Because those are just entry level novelties?  M-Bs serious SUVs (GLE, GLS, and G) aren't based on transverse engine FWD platforms...

The XT4 is the competitor to the GLA.   Both transverse engines. 

1 minute ago, Drew Dowdell said:

The XT4 is the competitor to the GLA.   Both transverse engines. 

Yes, just lease appliances....

2 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Why isn't MB held to this same standard for the CLA/GLA AMG? Or Audi for the RS3?

Because a GLA is a size class smaller than the XT4.  Mercedes puts a 503 hp V8 in their SUV most closely sized to an XT4.  If Cadillac makes an XT3 I would have no problem with it being fwd. 

And I even said I get why the XT4 is front drive, they are going after Lincoln, Lexus, Acura buyers, or people trading up from a Terrain or Equinox and are Daimler with GM fwd handling crossovers.

My problem is really more with the XT5 and XT6/7 that are front drive and can’t take a V8.  Why is the Grand Cherokee the performance standard for an American SUV?  Cadillac should hold that title.

11 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

Because a GLA is a size class smaller than the XT4.  Mercedes puts a 503 hp V8 in their SUV most closely sized to an XT4.  If Cadillac makes an XT3 I would have no problem with it being fwd. 

And I even said I get why the XT4 is front drive, they are going after Lincoln, Lexus, Acura buyers, or people trading up from a Terrain or Equinox and are Daimler with GM fwd handling crossovers.

My problem is really more with the XT5 and XT6/7 that are front drive and can’t take a V8.  Why is the Grand Cherokee the performance standard for an American SUV?  Cadillac should hold that title.

 

Mercedes doesn't make a size class equivalent to the XT4.  If you've got $35k to spend on a crossover, your choice is GLA or XT4... not GLC or XT4.   And in that regard, the XT4 wins with a roomier interior.  The GLA is really just a CLA hatchback on stilts, that's why its so tiny and a poor value. 

So they are making the V brand have less powerful versions of their V capable models. This is not really a good sign. A drop from 640HP in the CTS V to 550HP in the CT6 V is a massive drop! Will there be something above V in the future? V+ perhaps?

14 hours ago, smk4565 said:

If Cadillac had put these crossovers on a rear drive chassis then you could have the 550 hp V8 in the XT5 and even XT4.  Now I think demand for a V8 XT4 would be tiny, so I would understand making that a front drive crossover for the sheeple that buy $40k small crossovers.  XT5 and up should be rear drive all the way so they can put a V8 in there.  

Agreed! I could see a nice 500HP Turbo 3.6L V6 in a RWD based XT4 if they had had the BALLS to do that model on a version of Alpha! Oh well. :(

3 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Mercedes doesn't make a size class equivalent to the XT4.  If you've got $35k to spend on a crossover, your choice is GLA or XT4... not GLC or XT4.   And in that regard, the XT4 wins with a roomier interior.  The GLA is really just a CLA hatchback on stilts, that's why its so tiny and a poor value. 

You want another Mercedes SUV, they give you another SUV and Nurburgring tested to boot.

3 hours ago, Carguy said:

So they are making the V brand have less powerful versions of their V capable models. This is not really a good sign. A drop from 640HP in the CTS V to 550HP in the CT6 V is a massive drop! Will there be something above V in the future? V+ perhaps?

Agreed! I could see a nice 500HP Turbo 3.6L V6 in a RWD based XT4 if they had had the BALLS to do that model on a version of Alpha! Oh well.

They are taking 90 hp out of the top end V model, but if you put all wheel drive on the acceleration might not be that different.  But really Cadillac isn't the performance brand of GM, Chevrolet is.  This is the biggest mistake GM management has made with Cadillac.  The Corvette should be the "everyman's sports car" and be priced at $50-75,000 with a V6 base and V8 option and I could see a 600 hp Z06 at like $90k as the absolute limit.

Cadillac should have the $100k sports cars, the Camaro for example should stop at the 450 hp SS that loaded up is $50,000.  If you want more power than that, buy a Cadillac sports coupe.  But Cadillac doesn't make a sports coupe with over 450 hp because GM wants you to buy Chevrolets not Cadillacs.  Makes ZERO sense.

8 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

You want another Mercedes SUV, they give you another SUV and Nurburgring tested to boot.

NO. FREAKING. WAY.

They're going to give soccer moms all across the United States a SUV that's been 'Ring tested. That is going to be a got damn GAME CHANGER! 

I don't know how they're going to keep them stocked. 

Well the GLB should have up to 400 hp in AMG trim, much more than you can get in a Cadillac crossover.   That part is for the few enthusiasts that are left out there.  Where are the V-series SUV's?

The 3-pointed star is all you need to sell to the soccer moms.

The First Generation SRX WAS a rear-drive CUV and few people bought it.  Once Cadillac switched to FWD, the SRX exploded in sales.  The XT5 continues in that trajectory.  Few buyers want a RWD CUV; not that many buyers want a RWD BOF SUV. 

If you believe that an V-series Escalade will sell, somebody will have to make that case.  I do not believe the sales will be there to justify that trim level.

On 9/20/2018 at 5:13 PM, smk4565 said:

So this signals that the 550 hp CT6 will be the top of that line which I assume means the CT5-V will get the same 550 hp engine.  

I think Cadillac’s low sales volume on sedans/coupes hurts their ability to do a lot of performance cars or high performance cars.   The CT6 is a car that might sell 20,000 globally per year, and the V-series might be 1,000 per year, so how much time and effort are they going to put into that.  

ACTUALLY.. this is not correct. I have actually talked to a client who works over at GM's plant over in White Marsh who told me that the engine is already being shown to have variants that are in the 700HP range. Strong possibility that due to the CT6 being essentially the 7series of Cadillac, and the CTS(5) being the 5Series of Cadillac.. that the formula will stand as the Mid-Sizer continuing to be the true large performance option while the larger vehicle (CT6) while powerful, will get a tuned down engine more geared for bragging rights within luxury. Furthermore... Cadillac bench-marked the S63 AMG's performance.. and despite.. chose not to go above it in HP (603) /Torque.. simply because it doesn't have to. The S-Class's FAT ASS is heavy.. about 700lbs heavier than the CT6 AWD Platinum. Similar thing can be said about the heavy 760i and B7 Alpina.. both boasting 600 HP but less torque than the BlackWing

anyway... 

I am 100% behind this name change.. and in fact questioned WHY they were calling the 550HP/627lb Torque version a Vsport while still having a 500HP version under it.. and a 400HP 3.0L.. and a probable 2.0L or 3.6L under those.. in the first place.

With that much torque.. and that much power.. PLUS AWD.. and a curb weight that is 55lbs less (CT6 3.0L vs CTS-V) than the my ’16 Vseries.. I am completely confident that this car will actually beat me in a drag race.. despite the loss of HP/Torque simply because of grip. I don’t know if U’ve ever tried to launch a 640HP VSeries and not spin a little bit, but its not easily done… same goes for my Z06 with the same RWD/LT4 setup. AWD system adds the needed traction that has enabled the German cars in this class to post lower acceleration numbers lately. With Track or Sport mode allowing for 40/60 front/rear in Tour mode to 20/80 in Sport and 50/50 in Snow/Ice. My assumption is that there will be a Track mode in for the Vseries… as the numbers I posted are from the current CT6 AWD system available.

CT6V = 550HP
CT6 Platinum Should be 500HP
CT6 VSport should be 400+HP

CT6-E Hybrid
CT6 everything below

11 minutes ago, riviera74 said:

The First Generation SRX WAS a rear-drive CUV and few people bought it.  Once Cadillac switched to FWD, the SRX exploded in sales.  The XT5 continues in that trajectory.  Few buyers want a RWD CUV; not that many buyers want a RWD BOF SUV. 

If you believe that an V-series Escalade will sell, somebody will have to make that case.  I do not believe the sales will be there to justify that trim level.

The thing  is that with the new AWD system they don't even need RWD anymore as a stand alone for performance. The XT5, Acadia, and from what I've read, XT4, all perform well in terms of handling with the new AWD system. All they all lack is a hi-po engine to legitimize their performance and a necessary VSport model. And I might be one of the few who says that their is absolutely no real need for a VSERIES SUV unless its a coupe style version of the XT6/7. I have no issue with a TTV8 under the hood of an XT5, but would be just as content with the 3.0L TTV6