2 minute read
In Wheel Time
Super-Fast Luxe Sedans
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By Don Armstrong
Four door sedans have been the go-to mode of transportation for Bay Area families for decades, but with the shift away from cars to SUV’s there’s been a move, of sorts, to breathe a bit more life into them through handling and horsepower. We recently drove a couple that we know you’ll enjoy.
CADILLAC CT5 V BLACKWING
The CT5 is Cadillac’s mid-size sedan, and we think the 4-door resuscitator can be put back in the closet, at least for a while, with this baby. GM offers 4 and 6-cylinder models for the masses, but it also offers the V Blackwing, a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8
MERCEDES-BENZ GT 43 AMG
INTERIOR OF THE CADILLAC CT5 V BLACKWING
engine that delivers 668-horsepower to the rear wheels.
The interior may disappoint old school Cadillac aficionados, but the likeability factor is high for those who want the fresh look of refinement. The center touchscreen is a flick of the wrist away from the pilot and is the gateway in which you communicate your desires. Seats are sporty and its amenities are all in the right places.
The exterior exudes sharp lines and creases that include a not-so-subtle front splitter and rear spoiler, along with quad exhaust tips. The CT5’s adjustable ride and handling feature takes the car from the everyday selection to race mode with a touch of a button. Starts at $83,995
MERCEDES-BENZ GT 43 AMG
German car-maker Mercedes-Benz brings a different contender to the performance sedan pavement. The GT model offers horsepower in four varieties, the GT43 and GT53 6-cylinder variations and two V-8’s: the GT63 and GT63S labels. The 63S MSRP is $162,950. The inline, turbocharged 6-cylinder of our GT43 delivers 362-horses to the rear wheels through a 9-speed automatic
transmission.
The GT’s long, sloping roofline looks fast sitting still yet it can become an issue with taller folks in the back seats. That said, this is one good looking car, from the oversized grill to its ultra-thin taillights.
The wow factor for us was the dash, with a screen that stretched from the instrument cluster to the infotainment display. Manipulation is through a touch pad on the center console. You will get the hang of it after a while.
Like the Cadillac, ride and handling adjustments occur through the input you provide, but remember, American and German philosophies in design are noticeably different.
