My FH5 Log: BLACK KNIGHT

I'd admit, of all the prize cars I've obtained from the FH5 Midnights at Horizon series update, my top picks will be both the CT4-V Blackwing and the CT5-V Blackwing because I've requested these rides to be featured since the beginning and I've enjoyed them.

Having enjoyed both of the Blackwing sedans in the game, it's time to find out which of these two Blackwings is the Black Knight, pun intended.

Time for a quick refresher with the two Blackwing sedans. The CT4-V Blackwing uses the same 3.6L Twin-Turbo engine as its predecessor, the ATS-V, but it's been upgraded to produce 472HP of power and 445lb-ft of torque. It's been mated to a choice of either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed AT that delivers a 0-60mph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 189mph. 

The CT5-V Blackwing, meanwhile,  combines raw V8 performance and track-honed performance into the pinnacle of the Cadillac V-Series. The 6.2L Supercharged V8 engine was a complete carryover from the old CTS-V but it has been boosted 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.

Both of these high-performance saloons are fun to drive and easy to get hooked on but there can only be one as these two black knights come face-to-face in a hill climb sprint, finding out which of these two is the fastest. Whether it is the handling delight from the turbocharged CT4-V Blackwing or the raw supercharged V8 power of the CT5-V Blackwing, it's the final judgment for these two top Republicans as it's time to find out who will come on top. Send in the clip.

And now, the results;

CT4-V Blackwing - 3m20.951s

CT5-V Blackwing - 3m14.094s

Guess the folks from Cadillac were right after all, the CT5-V Blackwing truly is "the most powerful Cadillac ever".

The supercharged CT5-V Blackwing has proven its worth as the black knight in shining armor and with such power and prestige, you'd better watch for it because it's easy to fall by the black knight's bitter blade in the dead of night.

Although the Midnights at Horizon update is over, I still have some work to do with the two Blackwings because I'm starting to hatch a brainwave out of these two. Watch this space.

My FH5 Log: Black Wing Down...Again

A long time ago, in the days of The Man Who Sold The World, Cadillac created its answer to BMW's M3/M4, the ATS-V., and even though this is a turbocharged mongrel, it's one heck of a sportscar you would want to correct its assessment from a gentlemen's club to a slaughterhouse. I said that several years back during my first impression.

As today's BMW M3/M4 produced clever results amid its horrifying face, Cadillac responded with a hunk of turbocharged goodness, the CT4-V Blackwing.

Obtained from Forza Horizon 5's Midnights Hot Season Playlist after hitting the 20-point target, it's time to let loose with the baby of the V-Series. If you enjoyed the CT5-V Blackwing a few weeks ago, you're going to love its little brother even more.

Based on the CT4 sedan, the CT4-V Blackwing uses the same 3.6L Twin-Turbo engine from its predecessor, the ATS-V, but it's been upgraded to produce 472HP of power and 445lb-ft of torque. It's been mated to a choice of either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed AT that delivers a 0-60mph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 189mph. Like its big brother, the CT4-V Blackwing comes with eLSD, advanced suspension refinements, Launch Control, Performance Traction Management, and MRC 4.0, among many others.

Having been satisfied with the performance the CT4-V Blackwing delivers, it's time to find out if this car's better than its predecessor, and with that, it's off to the tunnels of Guanajuato to settle the score. You may remember that a few moments ago, I took both the CTS-V and the CT5-V Blackwing on a quick run away from Guanajuato and found out that the CT5-V Blackwing is better than its CTS-V predecessor. So, what about their turbocharged juniors? This should be interesting because it's time to let these turbocharged Caddies on steroids do the talking. VTR, start!

As the two junior Caddies escaped Guanajuato, here are the results;

ATS-V Coupe - 2:37.708

CT4-V Blackwing - 2:29.766

Just like its big brother, the CT4-V Blackwing truly is the successor to the old ATS-V as it managed to beat its ancestor within an eight-second margin. What's surprising is it's a second slower than the CT5-V Blackwing, making them a close shave.

Yes, a close shave, and looks like the CT4-V Blackwing wants to play "sibling strife" against the CT5-V Blackwing. The two black knights are in for a game of joust and I'm looking forward to comparing these two in my next post.

Brace yourselves, V HAS COME TO...

My FH5 Log: The ATS GT

After our fateful encounter with the unknown Italian supercar in the previous installment, the ATS GT returns to FH5 as a Series 6 Dry Season Playlist Prize Car. After gaining enough points to claim this car, it's time to reintroduce ourselves to this unknown supercar created by the company formed by people fired by Enzo Ferrari.

Since its return in 2012, ATS, or Automobili Turismo e Sport, spent lots of years perfecting its supercar that takes on the establishment ones from Ferrari and Lamborghini. With that, the ATS GT is born and it's an ode to the first ATS vehicle, the 2500 GT, launched in 1964. The ATS GT features a race-inspired engine hood, dynamic rear wing, and high-tech aerodynamics fit for its modern design. Underneath, the ATS GT is powered by a McLaren-derived 3.8L V8 Twin Turbo engine but tuned to over 700 horsepower and up to 553lb-ft of torque. Mated to a seven-speed DCT, it gets through 0-60mph in three seconds and onwards to 206mph, making it on par with the Ferrari 488 and the Lamborghini Huracan. It is limited to 12 units.

Now that we are familiar with the ATS GT again, it's time to give it a quick drive with a leisurely street race against the establishment supercars. Roll the tape.

Enjoy your new ride!

Forza Horizon 4: Another unknown supercar

The latest update of Forza Horizon 4 introduced us to another unknown supercar which is Italian just like the Italdesign Zerouno nobody knows but enjoyed on their first impressions. Say hello to the ATS GT, a McLaren-powered unsung Italian hero that is nothing more of a anti-establishment supercar only a handful of drivers can drive one.



So, what's it all about the ATS GT? The anti-establishment Italian supercar no one heard of? Since its return in 2012, ATS, or Automobili Turismo e Sport, spent lots of years perfecting their supercar that takes on the establishment ones from Ferrari and Lamborghini. With that, the ATS GT is born and it's an ode to the first ATS vehicle, the 2500 GT, launched since 1964.



The ATS GT features a race-inspired engine hood, dynamic rear wing, and high-tech aerodynamics fit for its modern design. Underneath, the ATS GT is powered by a McLaren-derived 3.8L V8 Twin Turbo engine but tuned to over 700 horsepower and up to 553lb-ft of torque. Mated to a seven-speed DCT, it gets through 0-60mph in three seconds and onwards to 206mph, making it on par with the Ferrari 488 and the Lamborghini Huracan.

Like most anti-establishment supercars, the ATS GT is limited to 12 units.



The ATS GT is nothing like any supercar I have ever experienced before because its performance is worth attention-grabbing to those who wield it and in the scale of Ridge Racer-esque driving style, it puts between Standard and Dynamic, meaning it can be either well-balanced or tricky to drive, depending on the weather, but since it's snowing like crazy, it's best to be labeled Dynamic for the fun of it.

Letting the McLaren-derived V8 Twin Turbo engine purr, the ATS GT really shows its colors as the anti-establishment supercar and for those who had enough of big-name supercars, the ATS GT is worth checking out because it delivers establishment-level performance in so many levels and whichever you want to do with it, the ATS GT is more than happy to be driven than to be known because this incognito supercar is made for such purpose.



Now that I got my word with the ATS GT, it's time to take it for a spin to see how it's made, even if its cold outside in the dead of winter.

It may be cold outside but the ATS GT performed a great job kissing the establishments goodbye.



Like most unknown supercars that lay their fingers on the establishment, the ATS GT is a supercar that is on par with the Ferrari 488 and Lamborghini Huracan and with such performance, the incognito supercar has lots of surprises in store for the chosen few and whatever surprises it come across, the ATS GT sure knows how to make first impressions last.

Enjoy your new ride.

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.

Cadillac ATS-V range and 3rd Gen. CTS-V

Cadillac's high-performance V-Series is back in action and now, there are different kinds of V models to choose from such as the turbocharged ATS-V and the more powerful CTS-V saloon that will scare most of its European rivals with its bigger horsepower output on par with the others. But first, let's go a little less and talk more about the ATS-V.

2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe

2016 Cadillac ATS-V

The ATS-V offers two different kinds to choose from such as a saloon and a coupe, and whichever model you choose, you will be greeted by the V-Series' first-ever 3.6L Twin-Turbo V6 engine for traditionalists, a turbocharged engine is nothing more of a devil's advocate, but for some, it's just all plain too weak to hear how its turbocharged engine sounds like, something that reminded you of BMW's new M3 and M4. Be warned though, this is not your BMW M3 or M4 because that V6 engine that powers the ATS-V delivers 455HP of power and 603Nm of torque, Whether it's equipped with an enthusiast-friendly 6-speed manual gearbox or an oversized 8-speed automatic gearbox, the new ATS-V can go from 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 185mph. That said, it's a checkmate to the BMW M3 and M4, that's for sure.

Even though this is a turbocharged mongrel, it still has a heart of a beast lurking in its prey and in terms of dynamics, things can get very lively because, with all of that clever suspension setup as well as Magnetic Ride Control and Performance Traction Management, there's no telling how good or great the ATS-V behaves, although you need to be as skillful as a veteran pilot to survive its gut-wrenching handling and when this car drags itself for some skid marks, approach with caution because this car can bite your neck off, seriously. This is definitely one heck of a sportscar you would want to correct its assessment from a gentlemen's club to a slaughterhouse.

2016 Cadillac CTS-V

Yes, if the ATS-V is like a slaughterhouse, this all-new CTS-V is more of a public execution if you're not careful because with that Corvette Z06-derived 6.2L Supercharged V8 engine armed and deadly at the wrong directions, there's not telling how far its dynamics would like to kill you unless you are as heroic as your grandma flipping channels on TV until she founds something thrilling that will keep her hanging on like a rollercoaster ride.

Because this new CTS-V comes with the 6.2L Supercharged V8 engine sourced from the Z06, it produces  640 horsepower, 855Nm of torque, and a top speed of 200 mph. That said, this car feels like a wolf that can chew through any leash, and its handling will truly live on its own rules. With all that torque bursting out like wildfire, mastery is going to be essentially difficult unless you have to resort to your extreme tactics but if you managed to tame that beast, you're certainly going to love its naked dynamic character that has a sense of cannibalism in terms of tire-shredding, and quicker getaways if you get it right. Sure, it may come with some high-tech features including the Magnetic Ride Control and Performance Traction Management but what the CTS-V feels is like Bobby Flay on a stick. Delicious.

Should you buy one? The ATS-V starts from 60,465 Dollars for the saloon and 62,665 for the coupe while the CTS-V saloon starts at 83,995 Dollars so that sounds like much but with all that power, there's nothing to go wrong with Cadillac's new V-Series vehicles that can eat the Europeans for breakfast, lunch, and tea, even elevenses, a cup of tea, and a glass of milk...of magnesia. We're getting jealous to have one of these...

Photo: General Motors

Cadillac ATS Coupe

Two years ago, Cadillac launched their entry-level luxury sedan called the ATS. It was positioned below the CTS and this car was a potent threat against the Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4, and the BMW 3-Series. It was a good car for a start but it kinda doesn't live up to its world-class reputation because it's just too plain for a sports saloon to give the Germans a good rambling.

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe

Fast-forward to today and Cadillac not only offered a facelifted ATS saloon but they've added a coupe version for the very first time and the brand new ATS Coupe could be America's answer to the BMW 4-Series and the Audi A5. Does it got what it takes to be as good as the Germans?

First and foremost, it looks like the ATS saloon but for the coupe version, it only has two-doors. Yep, two doors but that's not the end of it because what made us noticed that the ATS Coupe is the first-ever Cadillac to feature the new logo as seen on the Elmiraj concept from last year's Pebble Beach. That's right, what you're looking up here is the new face of Cadillac. The laurels are gone and that new, laurel-less or wreath-less Cadillac crest logo looks a bit chubby if you ask me. Anyway, never mind about the new logo, let's talk more on the important aspect on the new ATS Coupe; the way it moves.

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe

The top-of-the-line model comes with the 3.6L V6 engine with Variable Valve Timing delivers 321HP of power and 275lb-ft of torque. That's quite impressive but for those who wanted something more exciting, there's the 2.0L turbo engine that delivers 272HP of power and 295lb-ft of torque. That turbocharged engine is something I would definitely want to have because even though it has more torque than the V6 engine, that turbo makes it a lot more exciting to drive and best of all, all turbocharged models come standard with the 6-speed manual while the 6-speed auto is optional although that gearbox is standard for V6 models.

So, how does it compare against its foes from Germany? Let's look at the stats. The ATS Coupe with the 2.0L turbo engine starts at $37,995 so it's a thousand dollars less than the BMW 4-Series and the Audi A5 using the same engine. When it comes in power, that 272HP output from the ATS Coupe's 2.0L engine makes it a best-in-class. Sounds good but there's a catch; the ATS Coupe can be somewhat heavier than its German rivals so that's a downside but that's not the least of my problems.

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe interior

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe interior

One of the biggest problems is the interior and if you're in the driver's side, you will be flummoxed by the typical Cadillac interior which is like Cadillac interiors are the new BMW interiors because they kept on using the same dashboard over and over with no originality whatsoever. It was like cartoon characters kept on wearing the same clothes all the time. Gosh, all that sweat really comes out from them but there's also a bigger problem on the interior and it's the access to the back seats. Getting in is fine but getting out is a worrisome experience and it takes a broomstick to slip through like butter. If you want to get through the rear seats, best to stay slim or you won't get through the rear seats. So, bad mark for the ATS Coupe there.

What about handling? The original ATS saloon was honed on the Nurburgring to find out just how good this is and for the coupe version, it's not so bad judging by its low center of gravity, wider tracks, stiffer suspension, and the electric-assist, speed-sensitive premium steering that is well responsive when it faces a corner. It even has the Magnetic Ride Control which keeps the car more stable and more enjoyable to drive. That's not a bad car to drive for a start but that chassis isn't beyond BMW levels so calling it world-class can be somewhat a lie and a propaganda for the less knowledgable.

If I have an evaluation, the Cadillac ATS Coupe really has the best-in-class performance that will pounce its rivals on the trot as well as its value for money but its handling dynamics can be somewhat a bit mild and the interior is not what I hoped for. While the dashboard is a bit stale, access to the rear seats is nightmarish. I wouldn't want to be on that spot like what I faced when my parents had an old BMW 3-Series Coupe but for going solo, the ATS Coupe is not half bad at all. You can spend a weekend on this one and cruise to your heart's content.

Available colors: Black Diamond Tricoat, Radiant Silver Metallic, Crystal White Tricoat, Silver Coast Metallic, Phantom Gray Metallic, Majestic Plum Metallic, Red Obsession Tintcoat, Opulent Blue Metallic, Black Raven, and Dark Adriatic Blue Metallic.

Photo: General Motors

Cadillac ATS

2013 Cadillac ATS

At first glance, I thought that the ATS will be a successor to the CTS but I was wrong. The all new Cadillac ATS is not a CTS replacement. What this here is the baby Caddy that competes to the same level as the BMW 3 series, Mercedes C-Class, and Audi A4. Confused? Back then, when the CTS launched in early 2002, this was made to be the baby of the Cadillac range and revolutionized the ART & SCIENCE design that kept Cadillac alive and kicking. When it got a full model change in 2007, the CTS was graduated from 3-Series rival to 5-Series rival and as of that, there is no Cadillac that can compete against the baby luxury saloons until the arrival of the ATS.

When you look at it, the ATS does really look like the CTS because...well it's a bit too confusing, the headlights, the ART & SCIENCE grille, the typical Caddy rear, everything looks the same! That's right! It looks the same but when you look at the dimensions between the ATS and the CTS, you'll realize that the ATS is a bit too shorter than its big brother so, therefore, it really was a "Compact Luxury Sport Sedan". That was a catchphrase but oh well, that suits the ATS well.

2013 Cadillac ATS interior

Don't be deceived on the exterior because the interior of the ATS is all functional and it's also got the Cadillac CUE as we first seen on the flagship XTS sedan. This new telematics system provides drivers some ease-free navigation, music, news, Pandora Radio, or some Bluetooth connectivity. We know, we examined that before and you can even update the CUE via USB during the life of the vehicle. That's amazing, a software that can be more current when you trade in your Cadillac than when you bought it. It's like updating my PS3 via storage media. He he he....

Anyway, the well sculpted interior of the ATS makes it as comfortable as an ultra expensive full size saloon in car that costs less than its rivals. All that ART & SCIENCE really gives some atmosphere around this compact luxury saloon and if I'm honest, surprisingly quiet.

For a real treat, this one comes with the BOSE PREMIUM AUDIO SYSTEM, which is the same brand you could expect on those Renault-Nissan Alliance cars. That ten-speaker surround sound system, this is the best thing I'd expect from this baby Caddy and of course, this is way even better than the pathetic Mark Levinson audio system I've tried from the Lexus IS. No wait, even better than the Toyota Premium Sound System expected from those luxury Toyota minivans that pathetic ASEAN idiots got obsessed with. Every time when you see a car that has a BOSE on it, you'll know that BOSE has the best audio quality than any other and when applied on selected cars, you'll know that this combo gives it a better experience for music-worthy drivers.

As of now, you can expect the 2.5L (2,499 cc) LCV I-4 and the 3.6L (3,564 cc) LFX V6 petrol engines for now. The 2.5L engine generates 202 hp of power while the 3.6L V6 engine produces about 321 hp of power. Sure, they're all mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission but if you're patient, Cadillac will offer you a turbocharged 2.0L engine in late 2012, which generates 272 hp of power and can be mated with a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission, developed exclusively for the ATS! Sounds juicy then and then there was this; a Chevrolet Corvette-derived MAGNETIC RIDE CONTROL provides this ATS some touring car-like agility which can be somewhat useful on some corners. This feature benefits increased performance, safety, comfort and balance, for positive stopping power.

Sure, the ATS do come with safety equipment such as the Forward Collision Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, as well as the Adaptive Cruise Control, adaptive forward lighting and so on but then, there's a real catch because the ATS comes with the all new SAFETY ALERT SEAT - a next-generation warning signal - that sends pulses through the driver's seat cushion, left and right simultaneously, alerting you from potential hazards.

Available colors are: Radiant Silver Metallic, White Diamond Tricoat, Silver Coast Metallic, Glacier Blue Metallic, Thunder Gray Chromaflair, Summer Gold Metallic, Crystal Red Tintcoat, Opulent Blue Metallic, Black Diamond Tricoat, and Black Raven.

My comment:

So, the all new Cadillac ATS, it maybe the baby of the Caddy lineup but it is proven to be a worthy contender against the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Nissan Skyline sedan, or even the Lexus IS. With some luxurious features you can expect from an ultra-expensive car, you'll regret that you're in an entry-level Cadillac that is a bit too suitable for the accountants, people who want to go to the country club, or someone named Keith. I never knew that the Americans made a car that competes with the entry-level European luxury saloons but on balance, I would rather buy a CTS instead because it's the best Cadillac ever made and it's well balanced and sadly, no CUE yet until next year's full model change for the CTS. As a matter of fact, I have to make do with the ATS, the baby Caddy for made for everyone who don't want European-made saloons.

Photo: General Motors