My FH5 Log: An American Welcome

Forza Horizon 5's Horizon Holiday series update brought back four American-made machines in the stable; three classic muscle cars and a limousine. Let's get to know about these four American oddballs while we're at it.

Obtained from the Wet Season playlist is the AMC Javelin AMX. The variant is known to be "the closest thing you can buy to a Trans-Am champion". It's got a 401 cu in (6.6L) V8 engine producing 335HP of power while mated to a four-speed manual, which is not much by modern standards but in the era of muscle cars, it's downright glorious to get tempted at.

Obtained from the Storm Season playlist is the Plymouth Fury, the infamous car as seen in the Stephen King masterpiece, Christine. First launched in 1956, the Fury is a sub-series of the Belvedere and when improved for the 1958 model year, it sports a 350 cu in (5.7L) Golden Commando engine with two four-barrel carburetors producing 305hp of power with ten more for the fuel injection option, which was sadly recalled. There are various Plymouth models at that time aside from the Fury to use the Golden Commando engine.

Obtained from the Dry Season playlist is a Cadillac XTS that was converted into a limousine by Royale. Based on the XTS flagship sedan, the folks from Royale, a Cadillac Master Coachbuilder, spent countless hours converting it into a limousine fit for high-profile personalities. It comes in two different versions such as the normal 70-inch version and the five-door 70-inch version.

Lastly, it's the AMC Rebel "The Machine" that was obtained from the Hot Season Playlist. This car was originally introduced as a sub-model of the Rambler but AMC went ahead and call it The Machine. Built for the road and for the drag strip, The Machine is powered by a 6.4L V8 engine producing 340hp of power while mated to a 4-speed Borg-Warner manual gearbox and AMC Twin-Grip differential. 

Having obtained those four returning machines in the game, it's time to give these Horizon Holiday prize cars an American welcome. Roll the tapes.

This is what you call "an American welcome".

Enjoy your new rides, boys and girls, because as 2023 kicks in, be ready for January's FORDZATHON series update featuring Ford-related challenges, returning Renaults, and the arrival of an MG6 that Britain didn't get.

Until then, have a happy new year, and keep on driving.

Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing

The arrival of the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and the CT5-V Blackwing gave speedo boys what the regular V saloons have been missing from the start; muscle car performance and track-honed dynamics that can scare the Germans straight, not to mention the fact that it comes with proper 6-speed MT no German high-performance monsters dared to have.

2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

We begin with the CT4-V Blackwing, Cadillac's answer to the already hideous-looking BMW M3 G80. Priced at a super-expensive 58,995 US Dollars plus additional costs, the CT4-V Blackwing picks up where the normal CT4-V failed to deliver. By adding some steroids to the normal CT4-V, the Blackwing is a different kind of beast that loves to tackle through the hollow mountain roads before setting off for another day at the track and you'll be going to love the way it looks and feels when you take it for a joyride.

2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

Under the hood, the ordinary CT4-V's 2.7L turbocharged engine has been replaced with the 3.6L Twin-Turbo engine derived from its predecessor, the ATS-V, but it's been upgraded to produce 472HP of power and 445lb-ft of torque, which is darn less than what the M3 Competition had but no matter because the CT4-V Blackwing is offered with the choice of a speedo boy favorite 6-speed manual gearbox and a bulkier 10-speed automatic gearbox that propels this CT4-V on steroids to a 0-60mph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 189mph. That's an improvement compared to the old ATS-V but when compared to the ugly-looking M3, it's too close to call.

In terms of dynamics, the CT4-V Blackwing behaves like a muscle car. Dynamic and dangerous in every way. Despite its M3 sizing, this is a highly-advanced, high-performance sports sedan made for the experts and pros on the track, and it takes a serious amount of skill to understand how its eLSD, advanced suspension refinements, Launch Control, Performance Traction Management, and MRC 4.0 works. Once settled, the CT4-V Blackwing is as enjoyable as a loose-cannon cowboy in the Wild West.

2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

After you had fun with the CT4-V Blackwing, you should try out the CT5-V Blackwing, the ultimate Cadillac sports saloon ever built. Priced at 83,995 US Dollars plus additional costs, it's the most expensive four-door Cadillac ever sold, and when fully kitted with extras, its six-figure price tag will leave your bank account in shreds and tears. No, not the watery stuff coming out of your eyes.

2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing interior

By turning an ordinary CT5-V into a monster machine, the Blackwing is the ultimate expression of the V-Series mantra, delivering motorsport-level performance on the road and track. Don't let its executive looks fool you because this is an American Blend muscle car that smokes more than a carton of American Blend cigarettes. This is flavor country on wheels and it's highly addictive to drive than the Germans.

Just like its little brother, the normal CT5-V's 3.0L Twin Turbo V6 engine was swapped to a 6.2L Supercharged V8 engine derived from the old CTS-V and the Corvette C7 Z06 but it has been upgraded to produce 668HP of power and 659lb-ft of torque while mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed AT that propels this car from a 0-100kph time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of over 200mph. It may be slower than the world's most powerful four-door saloon, the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye. but it will eat the Germans for breakfast, lunch, and tea, even midnight snacks.

Performance aside, the CT5-V Blackwing comes with eLSD, advanced suspension refinements, Launch Control, Performance Traction Management, and MRC 4.0, among many others. When you take it to the track, you can really experience its muscle car vibes from within. It's surprisingly dynamic but challenging in every way and it's about as challenging as, let's say, studying IELTS nonsense all day long until your brain melts. This is what the CT5-V Blackwing is all about, delivering a gut-wrenching performance that will put the German opposition on notice.

By the time the normal CT4-V and CT5-V arrived, they were not what speedo boys hoped for but they were built for balance on the road and track. With the Blackwing variants, these saloons are bursting with mayhem and with such dynamic and challenging performance, these are what the speedo boys finally want. They really made Cadillac great again.

Photo: General Motors

Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V

The Cadillac CT4 and CT5 sedans have gained the letter V but this is not the V that speedo boys are expecting because...well, let's find out what went wrong with the V-word.

The newest V-series machines from Cadillac, the CT4-V (priced at $44,495 plus additional costs) and the CT5-V (priced at $47,695 plus additional costs) are the sporty additions of the new Cadillac sedan range but unlike past V cars, these new additions went to the wrong side of the performance ladder. The reason? They've repositioned the V-series to compete against semi-high performance Euro imports, say an S4 or an S6 or the 53 AMG models.

Whatever the reason, these two new V sedans are looking for fun in all the wrong barrels because of what lies ahead under the hood. On the CT4-V, the engine that powers it is a 2.7L turbocharged engine producing over 320hp of power. On the CT5-V, it's a 3.0L Twin Turbo V6 producing over 355HP of power. Compared to its predecessors such as the ATS-V and the CTS-V, that's a big loss of power and speedo boys might think they're a bunch of C-list performers on the road.

While speed and power are out of their agenda, both the CT4-V and the CT5-V are well-balanced sports sedans that blend the right balance of performance and dynamics. Running on the Alpha architecture like its normal equivalents and coupled with cool features such as e-LSD, V-series Performance Chassis with MRC, Brembo brakes, and Vehicle Control Mode, these saloons are nearly perfect on the bends, which is not bad for rear-wheel drives. Couple that with the available all-wheel-drive drivetrain and they're as balanced as a magnum revolver. Bulky but packs a lot of punch from the get-go.

One word of alarming for speedo boys everywhere is that both models do come with the optional Super Cruise which goes autonomously in the name of safety.

These new V-models are not what speedo boys hoped for but they're built for balance on the road and track.

Photo: General Motors

Cadillac CT4

As General Motors are shying away from saloons due to poor sales in favor of crossovers, its luxury brand Cadillac isn't shying away from its poor performers because to them, they need them in the fight against expensive German imports. One such example is their latest sedan that joined alongside its big brother CT5. It's called the CT4.

Priced at $32,995 plus additional costs, the Cadillac CT4 may be the most admirable alternative against the competition in its class but it can be somewhat underrated because while the exterior design may be admirable by Cadillac standards, it looks somewhat conservative and serious, reflecting the kind of customers this car's targeting at; stern executives.

On the inside, the CT4 is all about functional and usable at the same time. Because Cadillac doesn't believe in the minimalist trend that caught speedo boys running away from it, the CT4 has all the dials that function every single gizmo loaded into it as well as the touch screen sat-nav you can toy with. At the passenger side, meanwhile, the CT4 is about as accommodating as the competition as well as having decent boot space.

Under the hood, the CT4 is powered by a choice of a 2.0L turbo and a more powerful 2.7L turbocharged engine that produces 310hp of power and 350lb-ft of torque while mated to an optional 10-speed automatic gearbox. Aside from that, the CT4 feels as sporty as its European competition because of its clever sport-tuned dynamics underneath. In its rear-wheel drive guise, the CT4 is as lively to drive as the competition but when given the four-wheel drive option, it's all balanced and mild at all kinds of roads, be it tarmac, gravel, and snow. Whichever drivetrain its on, the CT4 is worth a gamble against the competition but sometimes, it's a bit of a letdown compared to them.

In terms of safety, the CT4 features a wide range of safety tech, including Forward Collision Alert, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Automatic Emergency Braking, among many others.

While the CT4 may not be as attractive and enjoyable as the competition, it's worth the shot taking them on and Cadillac sure knows how to do the right thing not to abandon the already diminishing sedan trend because looks like they're the only guys around here if you know what I'm saying.

Photo: General Motors

Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe/GMC Yukon/Cadillac Escalade (GM T1XX)

The largest SUVs on the face of the planet, the Chevrolet Suburban and its shorter Tahoe twin, as well as its more professional sibling, the GMC Yukon, and its luxurious one, the Cadillac Escalade, have been regenerated into a completely new generation with new look, new interior, new performance, and new tech while keeping America's favorite full-size SUVs more dominant than ever in the world where SUVs are the new normal and they are the kings...or presidents if you prefer.

First let's start with the new Chevrolet Suburban (priced at $51,700 plus additional costs) and its shorter Tahoe sibling (priced at $49,000 plus additional costs). These two titans have been reigning the Chevrolet SUV range since their first appearances several years ago and with these two received their full model changes, looks like they're still on the roll with new and exciting ways to get the gentlemen from all walks of life rolling for more.

Observing on the design, the new models looked almost similar compared to its previous model but with a more futuristic touches to make them look fresh and perked for more. It's about as neatly polished as a well-maintained horseshoe and when you take them on and off the road, dominance is what the new Suburban and the new Tahoe summed up neatly the American way.

The new interior is where these two American titans shine the most because the new models got best-in-class cargo room, more legroom than the previous model, and can have up to five display screens including its exclusive 15-inch HUD. Thanks to its larger interior dimensions, the new Suburban and the new Tahoe can fit almost all kinds of situations it can see fit such as getting the kids after soccer practice, escorting corporate titans like a proper associate or a bodyguard, law enforcement, delivering goods to the customers, or when you just want to be driving on the great American roads by yourself, experiencing its unrivaled all-rounder performance only these SUVs possess.

Under the hood, the new Suburban and the new Tahoe can be fitted with either the beefy Duramax 3.0L diesel engine, a 5.3L V8 engine with 355 HP of power and the more powerful 6.2L V8 with 420HP of power, which is offered exclusively on the High Country variant. all of these engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox with  a push-button electronic shift.

It maybe extremely bulky to drive because of such size but the new models wanted to make it more engaging than the previous generation and with that, they both come with an independent rear suspension paired with the optional Magnetic Ride Control and the first-in-class Air Ride Adaptive System (for the Z71 and High Country variants) which offers load leveling at all four corners of the vehicle and up to 4 inches of ride height adjustment. Such setup really made the new Suburban and Tahoe nearly good on and off the road and looks like General Motors have really outdone it this time.

Of course with safety is the new normal in today's motoring world, both models feature up to thirty safety and driver convenience features as well as trailering features that will help drivers getting familiarize with the art of trailering. It's the same stuff you saw in the current Silverado and family outings on the great outdoors have never been this good.

Having enjoyed the new Chevrolet Suburban and the new Tahoe, let's get to know about the new-generation GMC Yukon next and although it is the more professional sibling of the Suburban and Tahoe, the new Yukon tries to set itself apart with its more distinguishable design and interior, not to mention the performance of course.

Priced at 50,700 US Dollars plus additional costs, the new GMC Yukon tries to separate itself from its Suburban and Tahoe siblings because it features a uniquely different exterior design and interior compared from its Chevrolet sibling and the addition of the more stylish Denali variant really made a bold statement about it. Either way, the new Yukon has the best-in-class cargo room and it's got more legroom than the previous model. Of course, like its Chevrolet sibling, the new Yukon can seat up to eight people, which is a seat less than the previous model, which is a bit of shame for a people mover but it still works for all walks of life, be it for weekend getaways or for work, whichever works best.

Just like its Chevrolet siblings, the new Yukon can be fitted with either the beefy Duramax 3.0L diesel engine, a 5.3L V8 engine with 355 HP of power and the more powerful 6.2L V8 with 420HP of power, which is offered exclusively on the Denali variant. all of these engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox with  a push-button electronic shift.

The new Yukon features an all-new Active Response 4WD with an eLSD, allowing this SUV to work rather well in all kinds of roads, no matter how rough it can get. Come to the AT4 variant and you'll get some off-road oriented features such as a two-speed transfer case, Traction Select System, Hill Descent Control, and much more, not to forget about the Air Ride Adaptive System.

Lastly, the new Yukon, like its Chevrolet siblings, features up to thirty safety and driver convenience features as well as trailering features to make trailering life more easy.

And now we get to the most luxurious of the three, the all-new Cadillac Escalade, which starts at an extremely pricey 76,195 US Dollars plus additional costs.

The Escalade has been known to be the full-sized SUV favored by the generation of hip hop and gangsta rappers from the ghettos since the first generation and with its new generation, looks like it has elevated from its thug status to boss status, if you know what I mean?

The styling of the new Escalade is a bit regular compared to the previous model, although it bears close resemblance to the Hyundai Palisade from all the wrong barrels of life but take note that despite its Palisade-esque styling, it's still a Cadillac Escalade and it behaves just like its predecessors.

The new interior is where the Escalade's critical point because never in the history of automobile has ever seen a vehicle spawning a unique-looking screen like this. Yes, the new Escalade features a curved OLED with 38-inch diagonal display. We are familiar with OLED display on expensive TVs but on a vehicle? Why not? Anyway, while we are getting salivated over its OLED display, the instrumental panel works like Audi's Virtual Cockpit system, even better because that instrumental cluster works as a navigation system with augmented reality, which is surprisingly showy for a car like this and with the implementation of night vision, it gets even more of a show-off even after hours,

As a luxury three-row full-sized SUV targeted for the rich and famous people, especially the Republicans alike, the new Escalade is surprisingly luxurious because of its best-in-class cargo room and more legroom compared to the previous Escalade. When you slap this SUV with the available 36-speaker sound system and rear seat entertainment system, the new Escalade works as a party wagon for VIPs enjoying themselves on the back, which is the charm point of this new model. Oh and did I forgot to tell you that it comes with a refrigerator on the console?

Under the hood, the new Escalade is offered with a choice of either a 3.0L Duramax diesel engine and the 6.2L V8 with 420HP of power, all mated to a 10-speed gearbox. Apart from that, the new Escalade features Magnetic Ride Control, Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, eLSD, and independent rear suspension, making it slightly more engaging to drive than the previous model while keeping the guests happy for more. Of course, it even packs the most cutting edge safety tech available.

So, which of these full-sized SUVs from General Motors do you prefer? The legendary Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe? The more professional GMC Yukon? Or the luxurious Cadillac Escalade? You decide...

Photo: General Motors

Cadillac CT5 vs. XT6

Unlike most American car brands that shifting its focus to SUVs and trucks, Cadillac is one of the few American car brands to stick around with sedans for longer even though their SUV lineup is growing. One such example is the all-new replacement to the world-class CTS premium sedan known as the CT5 and this is what happens when you bring ASMR to a whole new meaning on luxury.

2020 Cadillac CT5

With prices start at 36,895 Dollars plus on-road costs, the CT5 really is a 5-Series in 3-Series money because like the CTS it replaces, the CT5 is aimed squarely at the likes of premium middle-sized saloons such as the 5-Series, E-Class, A6, G80, and the now-defunct GS.

2020 Cadillac CT5

So what's all about the design, you may ask? Well, for starters, the CT5 is the first Cadillac to feature a brand new design language first previewed by the Escala Concept from the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and this new signature design really is Cadillac at its best. From Los Angeles to Beijing, one look of the CT5's design really means big business for the typical businessman who wants to spend some quality time on the road after a hard day's work and speaking of quality time, let's have a look at the interior.

2020 Cadillac CT5 interior

The CT5's interior really is like an office on wheels and no matter which status you're on, the drive-or-be-driven atmosphere this new age American premium sedan delivers is worth resonating to toy around in your spare time. In the driver's side, you can toy around with its high-definition 10-inch touchscreen which takes control of all of the features such as navigation, satellite radio, smartphone connectivity, wi-fi, and more, as well as other conveniences at your arsenal. 

On the passengers' side, the longer wheelbase really spells space for the clients who want to let their legs rest freely after one stressful day at the office or at the country club and as for the boot space, they're good enough to carry some stuff for the trip to the country club any day.

2020 Cadillac CT5

Although being America, the CT5 really drives like a European luxury car full stop thanks to its clever suspension setup that really racks up nicely through the bends. It may be more dramatic to drive than the CTS but once you get used to it, you'll find that the CT5 is one of the best American saloons ever made in ages and for a dying breed, it's not half bad.

Under the hood, the CT5 is powered by a choice of a 2.0 Twin-Scroll Turbo engine or the more powerful 3.0L Twin Turbo V6 engine that produces 335hp of power and 542Nm of torque. They're all fitted to a 10-speed automatic gearbox, which sounds too much for a luxury car.

Of course, the CT5 has loads of safety tech in store but there's not enough time to talk about it because while I'm impressed about how the CT5 satisfies its customers with its dynamics, style, comfort, and performance, it's unclear if this one piece of the dying breed of American sedans may last a lifetime, almost, because since America is dominated by crossovers, the CT5 is expected to feel the pinch from this...

2020 Cadillac XT6

This is the first-ever Cadillac XT6 and despite the very expensive 52,695 Dollar price tag, this three-row crossover is proof that why Cadillac expanded their SUV portfolio with their newest addition, which is basically a poshed-up Chevrolet Traverse or something.

2020 Cadillac XT6 interior

2020 Cadillac XT6 interior

Like the CT5, the XT6 is the first crossover to utilize the Escala-inspired looks and this is the first Cadillac crossover to have three-row seating and while this is too expensive to be used for a family car, the XT6 snuggles nicely with the VIPs and escorts very well and this is the cut-price Escalade everyone's looking for. With all of the rugged styling, all of the seating capacity, all of the tech, and all of the space, the XT6 is a luxury crossover that is all about getting the job done from start to finish, although unsure about how it performs.

2020 Cadillac XT6

Powering the XT6 is a 3.6L DOHC V6 engine which produces 310hp of power and mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox. It even comes with Active Fuel Management which shuts down some of the cylinders while taking casual driving on the city centers. 

That's clever indeed but in terms of driving, the XT6, like most crossovers, almost behaves like a luxury sedan thanks to its clever suspension setup that tickles the drivers' fancies when turning and with the Twin-Clutch AWD design, it's hard to say how much of a threat the XT6 is when it goes head-to-head against the CT5 but even though the CT5 is better to handle than the XT6, the XT6 wins it all because it's got more space, more seats, and that's it. End of discussion.

Of course, Cadillac will keep making sedans like the CT5 but with SUVs getting more of a mainstream on today's motoring world, it's hard to say how much lifespan will the CT5 survive and as the naysayers and conspiracy theorists might ask, it won't be long but who cares? The CT5 is just one of the virtually extinct breed of American sedans that needs a lot of attention and when it does, there's hope in the horizon.

Photo: General Motors

Forza Horizon 4: Winter surprises from the US to the UK

With winter nears its climax, I managed to get a hand on this week's prize cars on Forza Horizon 4 and both of these cars are blessings straight from the United States of America; the Pontiac Firebird and the Cadillac Escalade ESV.



Both of these gems are from the greatest country in the world and while they're not as great as today's cars, these V8-powered cowboys really know how to add some American charm to our journey across Britain. The Firebird Trans Am SD-455 is by no means one of the muscle cars that survived the Oil Crisis to live the tale of drivers past and present while the third-generation Cadillac Escalade, in ESV Platinum form, knows how to turn intimate get-togethers into parties. I know, I said this while driving one back in the original Horizon several years ago but you get the point.



Now that I had both of these prize cars, let's see how an orangutan like me going full throttle on those American icons in the middle of the British winter. Roll the tape.




Job well done, there's nothing else I can say.

Enjoy your new ride!

Cadillac XT4

When German luxury carmakers pooling in with their small crossover offerings in the likes of the BMW X1, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and the Audi Q2, Cadillac's joining the compact luxury crossover caravan with their first ever XT4. Slotting below the XT5, Cadillac's smallest crossover shows that crossovers like these will always be around on the road whether you like it or not.

2019 Cadillac XT4

This is the brand new Cadillac XT4 and yes, this is just another luxury compact crossover that is about to flood the American metropolises like an outbreak of a certain diseases and unlike them, crossovers like this can't be contained because a lot of people like to get out and go with one of these.

2019 Cadillac XT4 interior

2019 Cadillac XT4 interior

The design is truly Cadillac inside and out and for a crossover of that size, it's not half bad to look at although the rear view can be easily mistaken for today's Honda CR-V if you squint your eyes further away. On the inside, it works like how a luxury compact crossover should be unless those Consumer Reports boys come crying over when the sat-nav's a bit of a fritz but as long as the sat-nav's functional, it's fine. While not bothering the sat-nav and stuck in traffic, good to know that the XT4 comes with an available front massage seats with heat and ventilation that helps you soothe yourselves before the lights go green. On the back, the XT4 has more room for three people and whether if you're planning to drive this car on the trip to the mall or at a heritage site or at the beach, it's not bad to get accommodated on it as long as you're in the sweet spot. The boot space is decent for that size as well.

Little did you know that Amazon Prime members can have free-in-car delivery courtesy of Amazon Key?

2019 Cadillac XT4

The XT4 maybe a small crossover but it drives pretty much like a hatchback, which is a win-win for the drivers looking for something that suits their lifestyle. Going for the Active Sport Suspension, the XT4 is a smooth crossover to drive from home to work as long as you're not like of the Consumer Reports men complaining about the way it handles. Under the hood, it's powered by a brand new 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 237HP of power and 258 lb-ft of torque while mated to a 9-speed automatic. With its active fuel management that shuts down half the cylinders for better efficiency, it delivers an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating of about 26mpg, which isn't half bad for a crossover that snugs to downtown Portland.

When the XT4 comes with the twin-clutch AWD system, it gains the convenience of decoupling entirely from the rear wheels when needed. Whether it can be used as an all-rounder for any weather update or sedan-like dynamics, this drivetrain's for you. Little did you know that this is the first Cadillac to feature electro-hydraulic braking assist, which supplants the traditional vacuum-assisted power braking system with an electro-hydraulic system. Good stuff, though, as long as you're happy with it.

Dynamics can be decent but for the journey home, the XT4 comes with a wide range of safety features. There's the available Rear Camera Mirror which checks out the rear view without having yourself obstructing the rear view, Surround Vision, and many others.

Should you buy it? The XT4 starts at 34,795 US Dollars MSRP, which is surprisingly less expensive than the Lexus NX, making it a smart buy unless the Consumer Reports folks got angry and warn the public not to buy for its reliability. Still, as the world's gone crossover mad, the XT4 is one of the sheer sign that they're not going anywhere. Love it or loathe it, the XT4 tries hard to please the new generation of Cadillac owners with its tech, dynamics, efficiency, and style worth noticing. Look forward to it.

Available Colors: Atlantic Metallic, Autumn Metallic, Crystal White Tricoat, Twilight Blue Metallic, Shadow Metallic, Red Horizon Tintcoat, Stellar Black Metallic and Radiant Silver Metallic.

Photo: General Motors

Forza Motorsport 7: V HAS COME TO

Cadillac's done it again last race weekend and to celebrate, let's take a spin round Daytona with two of the latest high-performance vehicles straight from the Cadillac V-Series just to get the sensation of what is like driving in the very spot Cadillac made headlines last weekend.



Before I took these two Cadillac V cars a spin round Daytona, let's go to the Top Gear Test Track for a quick primer of what's what with these high-performance Caddies.



We begin with the Cadillac ATS-V Coupe, that's their smallest offering of the V cars. Made to compete against the BMW M4, Audi RS5, and the Mercedes-AMG C63, the ATS-V is the first V car to be powered by a Twin Turbo 3.6L V6 engine that produces 455HP of power and 445lb-ft of torque, capable of going from 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds and onwards to 185mph. It can be mated with either a 6-speed MT with Active Rev Match or an 8-speed AT featuring launch control and Performance Algorithm Shift. We have the one with the 6-speed MT and while this is is not as fast as the AT variant, it's still one of the most enjoyable Caddies to drive since the CTS-V Coupe of yesteryears and despite being turbocharged, it can be as downright crazy as an all-American muscle car. I know, I tried.



Speaking of muscle, you can't really beat the CTS-V, which runs on the same engine as the Corvette C7 Z06. Although short on power compared to the Dodge Charger Hellcat, the CTS-V's track-honed capabilities courtesy of its Brembo brakes, Magnetic Ride Control, and many others can really upset the likes of the Germans. A lifetime ago, I drove this CTS-V round Laguna Seca and it managed to knock out the Charger Hellcat and a Tesla Model S. Just like old times.





Both are born from Cadillac's involvement in motorsports, mostly the IMSA per se, and with all that motorsports know-how, along with the added firepower and dynamics, these Caddies can really make a gearhead happy because they can do most of the things the Germans can't such as going fast everywhere while retaining the smiles on their faces. Now that's the American way I know, well only on the CTS-V that is because while I appreciate the ATS-V's dynamics, the turbocharged engine feels like a let go for me because it doesn't have the get-out-of-the-way attitude as the CTS-V's. Still, for the junior of the range, the ATS-V feels good as an all-rounder.

Anyway, let's give these two V cars for a spin round the Top Gear Track before they're going to a salutatory lap round Daytona, shall we?


And now, the time...

ATS-V - 1:27.471
CTS-V - 1:26.817

On a damp surface because of the rainy weather we're having, feels like they're showing no signs of slowing down and when the conditions are normal, seems that only one of these V cars are proven to be the better one and my money's on the CTS-V, apparently, because despite all of the Nurburgring-honed dynamics, the ATS-V wasn't enough to outpace the BMW M3. Still, now that I got to know about these V cars.



It's time to send them for a congratulatory lap round Daytona in honor of Cadillac's another win at the Daytona endurance race last weekend. Feels good to be driving with the luxury brand that made headlines at last weekend's race. However, looks like their little celebratory lap has cut short and these two wanted to duke out who's the better one and for some reason, I have to accept the request of the cars themselves and since this is Daytona, the track where Cadillac won last weekend, it's time to settle which of the V cars is the best.



After a lap round Daytona, here are the results...

CTS-V - 2:07.129
ATS-V - 2:14.065

The CTS-V performed brilliantly on high speeds while the ATS-V, being the lightest and the smallest offering in the range, done rather well on the corners, but in the end, looks like the one with the supercharged V8 trumps the little man with its turbo V6. Still, I'd rest my case here.



As manufacturers try to shorten the engine sizes and adding whatever means necessary to make it more powerful, they're losing the one important thing about how a car is made, the will to make drivers happy. With the V cars from Cadillac, they always keep the promise by doing what they're good at; more power to upset the Europeans while keeping its customers happy, now that is the American way all good high performance makers should learn from as long as they're making stuff that will keep them happy for longer.

I hope this celebratory lap round Daytona with the Cadillac V cars will serve as a reminded of how great high-performance cars can be when they stick to the winning formula that works, something that the Germans failed to achieve.

Forza Horizon 3: Go looking for some Heavy Slamming

The new Cadillac CTS-V sports saloon may look like a posh executive saloon fit enough to drive through financial districts like a business mogul taking charge with whatever means necessary but while this maybe a business mogul's crony, hiding behind his business suit is a wild hooligan who lives by his rules. Insanity is what best describe this new CTS-V and if you're not very careful with it, this feral beast will throw you out to the woods and left you for dead. Under the bonnet lies a similar 6.2L Supercharged V8 engine that you get from a Chevrolet Corvette C7 Z06 but it produces 640HP of power and 630lb-ft of torque, while mated to an 8-speed gearbox.

While this maybe the most powerful Cadillac ever made but watching its insanity unfolded is like ripping off the businesswear and in return, a street thug getup that makes you look like a bad boy looking for some ultra violence. Okay, enough talk about that now because while I'm trying to get a hold with the CTS-V, and on the subject of my day off, some makeovers had to be done to keep the insane businessman looking at its best.







Okay, still insane as ever but on the plus note, a touch of Love Live Sunshine's Mari Ohara adds some spice and Western humor to it. I really love the idea of turning a normal CTS-V into a special CTS-V featuring the same color theme as Mari Ohara from Love Live Sunshine because between you and me, her American accent does smell like death...just like Iowa. Battleship Iowa. (Chuckling). Oops, there goes the PPAP song playing on my phone.

Now, while spending my rest of the day off taking out some street racers and gunning for the last Midnight Battle, I had a bit of a problem...



The idol in the red dress?! What is she doing here? Taking a little day off from the show? Weird. This is like facing off against myself to see how much I've matured but seeing it together is like watching a scene from a TV drama where one slaps another in the face. Anyway, despite my fateful encounter with another Aqours fan, time to get "heavy." I said heavy because Mari said it with an American accent.





After the whole rumble in the jungle, the two are hanging out to the metropolis to do some fun while having a little "Cars and Coffee", if you know what I mean. After their "Cars and Coffee" conversation is over, the two part ways with their smiles on their faces after what happened earlier.

Now, all that's left for me is the final Midnight Battle and what kind of car I'll be getting on the last Midnight Battle? Stay tuned...