We miss the Cadillac ATS sedan that ended its run last year. It was one of the best handling four-door cars around, and the ATS-V with 464 hp was particularly thrilling to drive. So the pressure is on for Cadillac to impress with the CT4, which debuted this week as the brand’s new entry-level sedan. It was shown in V-Series form, a step above the base model but not quite as robust as the upcoming track variant. We won’t know if the CT4 can live up to the ATS until we get behind the wheel, but we can at least judge how it measures up to the old model in terms of design. So does the CT4 have what it takes to stave off Cadillac’s senior citizen reputation like the ATS did? Read on as we examine the design differences between the CT4-V and the ATS-V.
The yet-to-be-revealed track variant will probably look more dramatic than the rest of the CT4 lineup, but the CT4-V looks pretty athletic already. Up front, it features a wide grille with a dark mesh pattern, framed by a dark border. The headlamps are oriented vertically like those on the ATS-V, but lights drip down into vents on either side of the front fascia. The ATS-V features a smaller upper grille and more prominent lower grille, and if you add a carbon fiber package, you get a bold carbon-fiber front splitter, carbon-fiber hood vent, and composite black rocker extensions. Hopefully the CT4-V track model will offer something similar?
From the side profile, the CT4-V looks pretty conventional. The roofline features a gradual slope, and the windows take on an expected shape. There is a soft character line that runs through the body above the door handles, and a slightly sharper line at the bottom near the wheels. You could argue the ATS-V looks a bit sharper from this angle, with the headlights flowing into sharp body lines and a boxy rear end with spoiler also visible.
What you won’t notice is a huge difference in the exterior footprints of the two vehicles. With negligible differences in width and height, the CT4-V is 3.2 inches longer than the ATS-V. The models share the same wheelbase.
Quad exhaust tips dominate the rear of the CT4-V. The vertical taillights are also prominent, but the rest of the rear design is simple. On the ATS-V, you’ll find a squared-off rear with chunkier taillights, and V shapes incorporated near the license plate holder. This model also has quad exhaust tips, but it features a bolder rear spoiler than the one on the CT4-V.
Inside, Cadillac has redone the infotainment setup. The new model features a screen that sits on top of the dashboard, unlike the one in the ATS that is embedded into the dash. There is a rotary control knob next to the driver and various other buttons on the new model. Since the ATS has been discontinued, we’re not surprised its interior looks a bit dated. It features Cadillac’s old setup of touch-sensitive controls, which proved tricky to use. On the positive side, it benefits from a pleasantly uncluttered look.
Do you think the 2020 Cadillac CT4-V is refreshing or revolting? Do you prefer the look to the old ATS-V? Let us know in the comments on Facebook.
The post Refreshing or Revolting: 2020 Cadillac CT4-V appeared first on MotorTrend.
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