Welcome to the Hooniverse News! As always, this is a weekly recap of the biggest stories in the automotive industry (or whatever wasn’t impacted by the coronavirus) without the fluff or bull. This week: Cadillac confirms the existence of the more potent CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwings, Mazda reportedly has a massive rework of the 6 in the works, Hyundai Veloster N will receive an eight-speed DCT, Ford Performance adds power packs with substantial gains for the Ranger, plus your automotive news for the week.
Cadillac Confirms CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing Coming Soon
Cadillac confirmed this week that the ATS-V and CTS-V will soon have proper successors. Their effective replacements in name only are the CT4-V and CT5-V which are already available, but neither of those cars hold a candle to what their predecessors were capable of. Cadillac promised the true successors were coming and they’re starting to hold up their end of the deal. The CT4-V and CT5-V will soon be unveiled with Blackwing models, which will be the top-of-the-line, track-ready beasts we’ve been waiting for. There will even be a few surprises in store.
Starting with what Cadillac confirmed first, both models will be available with a manual transmission and they’ll have real track day capabilities. Cadillac has been thoroughly testing both cars at tracks like Virginia International Raceway to ensure they’re not only faster than the old cars but can maintain that pace for extended periods of time. Until the official reveal takes place sometime when we’re all allowed outside again, that’s about all we know for certain. There’s no definitive time frame on when we’ll see the Blackwings in all their glory. The pandemic has reportedly delayed a few major reveals from other companies and that includes these very models.
Blackwings without Blackwings
But there’s a few more little nuggets of info that have been floating around. Firstly, the name Blackwing does not mean it will actually have the Blackwing motor. A source close to the project tells me the Blackwing motor – a twin-turbocharged V8, the company’s first – would not have been able to reliably hit the numbers they were aiming for. So expect new variations of engines we’re already very familiar with in its place. I suspect you’ll all be pleased.
Another bit of info that probably isn’t very secret at this point is what cars Cadillac was aiming for. The CT4-V Blackwing is aiming squarely at the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63 while the CT5-V Blackwing is locked on the venerable BMW M5. During track testing, the BMWs and last-gen V models were used as the baseline. Performance is expected to exceed those and undercut them all on price. You know, like a Cadillac.
[Source: Cadillac]
Report: Next-Gen Mazda 6 Going RWD, Inline-6
Car and Driver is reporting some very promising news regarding the next-generation Mazda 6. If their sources are correct, the flagship mid-size sedan is going to be very different in a few years. As part of their plan to move up market a bit, the Mazda 6 is expected to switch to a new RWD platform and employ a new inline-six engine. Mazda confirmed last year that they were working on new SkyActive-X and SkyActive-D engines in that configuration. C&D has heard power figures in the 350hp range being thrown around.
They’ve also been taking advantage of their new partnership with Toyota which may result in a mild hybrid system on the Mazda 6 as well. They could also be the source of said platform with Mazda returning the favor with their shiny new engines. Nothing is for certain yet but it’s all within the realm of possibility. Either way, we’ll bring you more info on it when we can.
[Source: Car and Driver]
Hyundai Veloster N to receive DCT
The Hyundai Veloster N is becoming an absolute favorite in the sport compact market. It’s loved by all who drive it and has earned serious recognition in the industry already. But Hyundai isn’t one to leave well enough alone, as demonstrated here. Hyundai N’s Instagram page has confirmed the addition of a dual clutch transmission to the Veloster N. The Veloster N is currently only available with a six-speed manual like a good enthusiast-oriented car, but there’s still a demand and practical need for a good automatic gearbox in cars like these. Hyundai says it’s an eight-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox that will still keep the car fun while certainly making it faster. I have no reason to doubt them. No word on when we can expect this to be added to the ordering books just yet but I would assume the upcoming model year.
[Source: @hyundai_n_worldwide]
Ford Performance Selling Power Kits for Ranger
If you’re the proud owner of a new Ford Ranger and are underwhelmed by the power of the 2.3-liter EcoBoost, Ford Performance has you covered. FP is now offering a Power Pack for the mid-size pickup for the first time and the gains are substantial.
The Ranger EcoBoost Power Pack is similar to those FP also offers on the Mustang. It includes a 50-state legal ECU calibration developed by FP and backed by a warranty and a K&N high-flow air filter. The tune improves drivability and throttle response, optimizes the automatic transmission’s shift schedule, and is proven safe and effective by Ford Performance engineers. The air filter adds substantial power gains with an additional 45 HP @ 4,500 RPM and 60 lb/ft of torque @ 2,500 RPM. Considering you start with 270 HP and 310 lb.-ft. of torque, the additional power provided by the air filter alone should make a massive difference in the way the Ranger performs. But note that the tune requires the use of 91+ octane.
The Power Pack retails at $825.00 which seems more than reasonable for the amount of additional power you’re getting. I’m of course joking in saying that all the power comes from the air filter alone. The tune does a good bit of the heavy lifting here. The air filter is only responsible for 40 HP of that. The pack is available for order here.
[Source: Ford Performance]
What’s your automotive news?
That’s all I’ve got for you this week, so now it’s your turn. If you saw anything, fixed something, broke everything, or otherwise did anything even remotely car related that you want to share with your fellow hoon, sound off in the comments.
Have a good weekend.
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