First Look

Cadillac’s car lineup is undergoing a major restructuring. 

The small ATS sedan and Coupe have already exited the.  The midsized CTS ostensibly becomes the all-new CT5 compact sedan when it arrives early next year joined by an even smaller 4-door called the CT4. And at the larger end of the spectrum the XTS is slowly being phased out while the CT6 has been given a reprieve from GM’s big car chopping block. 

In summary, Caddy’s sedan lineup is being reduced to 3 core models, each available in new V-Series livery that also is taking a new path.  Adopting the same formula as their German rivals, the new 2020 CT4-V and CT5-V will be faster and performance oriented but not to the level we’ve become accustomed to. 

The new strategy will be to offer 2 V-Series versions per car – one with more go and the other with all-out, track-readiness. 

These are the mid-performance cars:  the CT4-V offers 320 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque from its 2.7-liter turbo-4 while the CT5-V runs with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 going to 355 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.  Both share Magnetic Ride Control shocks and V-Series drive modes, available in rear- or all-wheel drive with a 10-speed automatic transmission, Brembo front brakes, mild electrification and limited slip differentials. 

And moving down from the flagship CT6 is Cadillac’s awesome, hands-free driving Super Cruise technology. 

Previously announced and already sold out, the CT6-V is the first to arrive this summer with the heralded Blackwing twin-turbo V8 with true V-Series performance of 550 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque.

The twin-turbo, rear-wheel drive Stinger GT is a drift-happy sedan that requires a deft touch to control with precision. And now those who opt for a 4-wheel drive model can experience the tail-wagging trickery for themselves. Enter the new 2020 Stinger GTS – a limited production, special edition model replete with a newly developed dynamic all-wheel drive system with drift mode.

Just when the Kona thought it had the small end of Hyundai’s SUV lineup all to itself in comes its just born little sibling;  the all-new 2020 Venue.

This entry-level utility vehicle gives Hyundai a total of 7 from which to choose and the Venue will be the most affordable when it arrives at dealerships this fall.  Hyundai says this one is “for those constantly on-the-go”, accommodating busy lifestyles in a fast-paced urban environment.

Knowing fuel economy is an important consideration for customers in this segment, the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine is estimated to deliver up to 33mpg in combined driving mated to either Hyundai’s excellent CVT or even a 6-speed manual – both driving the front wheels.  No all-wheel drive option here.

Providing interior volume not too dissimilar from the Kona, the cabin has been designed for “adequate space for the versatile urban commuter, making it an ideal alternative to a subcompact car, according to Hyundai.

And because it’s Hyundai you know they won’t skimp on “stuff” and indeed a suite of advanced safety features, connectivity and multimedia systems are offered.

VW pulled the wraps off of this one over 2 years ago which is why it already feels somewhat familiar, despite the fact that it’s just gone on sale here in the U.S. Following the tradition of difficult to pronounce names, this is the all-new 2019 Arteon.
With competitors such as the Acura TLX, Infiniti Q50, Kia Stinger and Nissan Maxima in its sites, the 2019 VW Arteon is an amalgam of gotta have it styling and capable dynamics.

While their Detroit rival struggles to reinvent itself, Lincoln’s arrow is clearly pointing up. Their expanding repertoire of SUVs is arriving at just the right time, including the compact utility formerly known as the MKC, the all-new 2020 Corsair.