Cory Wolfe

I'd test it out, but apparently Novi isn't in close enough proximity to Detroit.

Thanks, guys. Having my first full week to myself since starting the job has made me realize just how little time I've had away from it.

It's been a while since I've last checked in so here's a short update since my last post. After a little over 2 years with Car and Driver, I am now back on the hunt for employment/trying to get back into the grind as a freelancer. Unfortunately, my position (and a dozen others) was cut two weeks ago due to a restructuring effort. It was sudden and completely unexpected for those who were let go and those who weren't. While I'm sad to leave the company, I'm remaining positive with the hope that better opportunities lie ahead and wish everyone there well. I couldn't have asked for better coworkers. That said, I'm still in Michigan—For now. Josh and I have been mulling over a move to Charleston, SC. The job prospects for automotive digital media there are slim, but I'm willing to try something new if need be. Luckily for us, if we do decide to move, we have a good amount of positive equity in our house after remodeling it. While we love the house and the Detroit metro, the cost of living is absurdly high here. On the automotive front, I still have the ATS (I never did post a complete gallery) as well as the Miata. Josh still has his Murano. The Cadillac, now at 17k miles, has had its share of minor quality issues since purchasing it. Most notably is a rough idle that the local Cadillac dealer insists is normal. I'd like to disagree, but to be fair, the loaner ATS they gave with only 30 miles on the odometer had a similar, but less-pronounced, idle issue. Beyond that, I've had multiple noises in the suspension checked out, the adaptive headlights sometimes aim themselves too high/low and I have to take issue with the interior fit and finish after the plastic cover for the windshield sensors fell off on my way to work one day. Finally, CUE is also as frustrating as everyone has said it is. Sometimes the system is so slow to boot up that I'll be a mile down the road before the navigation loads. On the whole, it's required less warranty repairs than the GTI thus far so I'd consider these fairly minor annoyances. The car is still a joy to drive (I wish I bought one with a manual, however) and attracts attention everywhere except metro Detroit. The Miata, on the other hand, has been phenomenally reliable for its age and mileage. This is especially true after 2 years of solid commuting year-round, including two winter seasons. Since purchasing the car, it's only needed maintenance items (brakes, fluid, filters, spark plugs) up to now. Last month, the catalytic converter finally needed to be replaced and with it, I installed a used cat-back exhaust. It should also be noted that it is due for a new valve cover gasket as it has started leaking, at just under 150k miles. This might be the first car I willingly hold on to for more than a couple years—It's just that much of a joy to own. Finally, I am now the father of two Chihuahuas instead of just one. At the beginning of the year we picked up a brother for Chloe, naming him Enzo. He's a holy terror. So, what's new with y'all?

Thanks! So far the only aspect of the car that I'd consider a downgrade is the transmission, but it's hard to top a DSG. Otherwise, it feels like it has pretty similar performance to the GTI without its harshness. When I initially test drove an ATS, I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. I didn't expect to like this color combination, either, but it seems to fit the car well.

Thanks! Here's another quick garage pic since today doesn't look any better.

Thanks! I guess it has been a while since I've been on here. Time sure does fly... I've had the Miata for a little over a year now. Anyhow, I traded my GTI in on that ATS yesterday. It's a very lightly used '15 2.0t with 9k miles on it.

Also, long time no see! More pictures to come once the weather cooperates.

I can't wait to actually see this. It looks great, even if it's a bit of a mish-mash of styling cues.

The design is exactly what they needed to do with this model. It actually looks a class above the Equinox for once. The push-button transmission on the other hand... Who actually wants that? It seems like a huge miscalculation with its unergonomic design. Seriously... there are plus and minus buttons for gear selection. WTF.

Any driver of any jacked up truck ever.

Very good looking car. I can't wait to see this wearing Buick badges. I want that wagon in the spy shots.

Thanks, y'all. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was being berated by the elder forum masters for my young foolishness.

I think the problem with the CT6 is its lack of commitment to any one segment. It's not quite a flagship, not quite an executive in size, price, and features. It's almost like the original CTS in that its size is more similar to the class above its pricing. This has its advantages and disadvantages, as such. As far as CUE, obviously the more you use it and become accustomed to it, it's not going to be an issue for you. I, personally, can't speak on any of the newly released models with the supposedly updated software, myself. I've only had experience with 2016 and prior systems. Those, however, were truly awful. There is no way around that. Were they unusable? No, of course, not. If you bought the car, you'd likely get used to it just as many have gotten used to MFT over the years. That doesn't make it better than competitors systems. If you want to truly judge the system, don't do so without spending equal time with Mercedes', BMW's, Audi's, and especially Volvo's infotainment systems. Take away the bias, and you'll probably find they are much more sorted and intuitive systems. Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura, on the other hand are just as irritating as CUE, if not more so. With that said, I hope that CUE has been sorted out well enough with the most recent updates. Again, I haven't had a chance to use the system in a CT6 or XT5 yet so it could very well be. I've seen a few reviews that noted various improvements, so there is hope to be had.

Here's another comparison with a similar verdict: Autoguide: Genesis G90 vs. Cadillac CT6

Cadillac design is starting to get stale, in my opinion. The switch to the wreath-less crest brought with it new grills that do nothing to help this problem. The ATS, from the head-on, looks absolutely dopey. The rest of the line-up doesn't suffer from that issue, but as a whole, they're rather staid. The V-cars manage to still stir the soul to some degree, but the overall design hasn't really been fresh. With Cadillac's Escala concept, I think they acknowledge that there is a need to at least tweak the design moving forward.