Cadillac Enhances 2021 CT4, CT5 With Digital Delights
Cadillac is upping the ante on the CT4 and CT5 for the 2021 model year. As both cars were introduced last year and the upgrades represent fairly comprehensive changes to both vehicles, this refresh is quite curious. Either General Motors spent the pandemic being more productive than we initially presumed or this is a desperate effort to make these cars more appealing to Americans. U.S. Cadillac sales decreased by 41.4 percent in the second quarter of 2020, so we’re inclined to believe either scenario.
The biggest change the manufacturer would like you to know about the ability to option GM’s Enhanced Super Cruise system. While still limited to divided highways, it technically offers hands-free driving on a limited basis… though that’s technically true of all vehicles with decent wheel alignment. Super Cruise is a bit fancier than that and will offer the ability to changes lanes and is no longer limited to the V-Series trims, starting in 2021.
General Motors will also be equipping both cars with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity and its new 12-inch digital instrument cluster with driver-selectable themes. This includes a fairly traditional touring theme, a performance-oriented sport theme, and a minimalist stealth theme. There’s also a track theme for CT4-V and CT5-V models that’s allegedly different than the aforementioned sport.
Customizing your display not scratching the correct itch? We hear you and are happy to say that the CT5 has opened the door for a performance package that adds Magnetic Ride Control and a mechanical limited-slip differential on Sport models. Customers can also throw on a set of Brembo brakes. Premium Luxury CT4 and CT5 trims can go an alternative route by selecting the Diamond Sky package that attempts to dazzle occupants with an interior light show and some unique rims. It also gets those fancy stoppers for good measure.
The rest of the updates seem safety focused. Cadillac wants to make buckle-to-drive mandatory (though it can be disabled after purchase) to ensure people aren’t putting around unrestrained. The system basically immobilizes the car until you’ve buckled up and is part of GM’s ever-expanding attempt to reign in teen drivers. Ultimately, the company sees “teen mode” as an opportunity to limit a vehicle’s function through speed limiters, geofencing, and the constant tracking of driving behaviors. If it sounds pretty good until you put yourself in the shoes of the teen driver that’s going to have to contend with constant reminders to drive safe as it transmits their every move back to home base.
[Images: General Motors]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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What flavor of exciting 3 cylinder engine will we be getting?
Nissan and Honda called. They want there hind quarters back.