The 2020 Cadillac CT4 Is Less Powerful Than The Old ATS

2020 Cadillac CT4 Sport. [Photos: Cadillac]

Even the CT4-V makes just 325 horsepower.

The Cadillac CTS and ATS are on their way out, and GM is inevitably replacing both with the 2020 CT5 and CT4. Today, Cadillac revealed more details on the later, including official power specs for the 3 Series-fighting CT4. While the new model does get a 10-speed automatic transmission, the numbers are disappointing against the old ATS.

Let’s get those numbers out of the way. The base engine for the 2020 Cadillac CT4 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The smaller entry-level unit mates up to an eight-speed automatic transmission. That’s a fairly standard output given the engine’s displacement, and it’s the same sort of power you get in the XT4 crossover. It makes sense, but the 2.0-liter turbo in the old ATS produced 272 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

2020 Cadillac CT4 Sport

Then there’s the 2.7-liter turbocharged engine in the CT4 Premium Luxury and V-Series. Cadillac estimates the horsepower for that engine at 309 horsepower and 348 lb-ft of torque. That is less powerful than the 3.6-liter V6 in the old ATS, which managed 335 horsepower. However, it is torquier, as the old engine only made 285 lb-ft of torque. Even the upcoming Cadillac CT4-V makes 325 horsepower, still less than the old ATS. In fact, it’s only 24 horsepower more than a V6-powered Toyota Camry.

Now, we knew about the disappointing numbers with the CT4-V and CT5-V for a little while. After that news broke, Cadillac was quick to point out that there are more powerful “Plus” versions in the works. At any rate, the current power figures are a far cry from the 640 horsepower CTS-V and 464 horsepower ATS-V.

2020 Cadillac CT4

Super Cruise is coming

I don’t want to be all doom and gloom here. One welcome addition to the 2020 Cadillac CT4 is the brand’s Super Cruise technology, which will finally expand beyond the range-topping CT6. However, Cadillac does say it’s only coming in calendar year 2020. Super Cruise is making its way to the updated CT5 sedan, as well. It’s a system that works well, and it’s good to see Super Cruise make its way to more affordable models.

https://tflstudios.wpengine.com/2017/10/cadillac-super-cruise/

Apart from that piece of tech, the 2020 Cadillac CT4 carries a wide range of infotainment and driver assistance features. An 8-inch display comes standard, and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That’s all well and grand, but we’re still hoping the power doesn’t feel as disappointing as it looks.

The 2020 Cadillac CT4 and CT5 are both great looking cars, in my opinion. They’re both nice updates to Cadillac’s outgoing sedans. If Cadillac really wants to compete against the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 or even the aging Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the CT4 and CT5 need to bring the complete package.

The 2020 Cadillac CT4 will go on sale later this year. Pricing will be available at that date, so stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates!