Media dumps

[jcsperson]

Article posted without pay wall

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a63181892/2024-alfa-romeo-giulia-quadrifoglio-2025-bmw-m3-competition-2025-cadillac-ct4-v-blackwing/

I liked this quote:

"The only real downside of driving the CT4-V Blackwing is knowing there's a CT5-V Blackwing."

 

[T.O.Blackwing]

Lately I’m more likely to pass on Raiti’s videos than watch them - I find him more than a tad annoying and not terribly insightful - so I’m a little surprised that I wouldn’t zonk any of his yearend choices:

 

[Beamz97]

They all agreed it could use more power. No idea why GM won’t listen. It takes only a crank up of the boost. But im assuming since it’s already a shit gas mileage motor compared to the competition that it would absolutely drop the gas efficiency by 3mpgs lol. No idea how Porsche and BMW and others put out more power and still get better gas mileage than the LF4

 

[DCV]

Lately I’m more likely to pass on Raiti’s videos than watch them - I find him more than a tad annoying and not terribly insightful - so I’m a little surprised that I wouldn’t zonk any of his yearend choices:

I agree. He lives in a flat area, takes the same stupid on ramp onto a boring road on every test drive then raves every car he tests is the best thing ever.

 

[Champale]

I will say that the Car and Driver article has caused my G80 M3 and Giulia QF owning friends to be VERY defensive about their cars. It's comical how seriously they take negative comments about their cars, especially the BMW people.

 

[565565]

I will say that the Car and Driver article has caused my G80 M3 and Giulia QF owning friends to be VERY defensive about their cars. It's comical how seriously they take negative comments about their cars, especially the BMW people.

Ironically the way the Blackwing won this Car and Driver comparison (the best handling, best steering, and somehow also the best ride, with the most comfortable interior, free of glitz, while not being as outright fast as rivals) is EXACTLY how BMW once dominated Car and Driver comparison tests back in the heyday of E46 and E90 generations.

I like this quote from the article.

"Still, you get the idea that the BMW interior is meant to impress in the showroom, but the Cadillac is designed to complement the driving experience over a span of years."

However I don't think the BMW of old will come back soon. M sales are breaking records left and right. It's because people buy the cars that impress them in the showroom, they won't know which ones complement the driving experience over years. People buy cars that blow them away in the short blast around the road down from the dealership, they don't have the luxury of a 800 mile trip through several states of varied driving like Car and Driver did.

Old BMW won comparison tests. New BMW sells more cars. Only one of those makes them more money.

The only way to get the old BMW back is for people to stop buying them in droves, but customers right now can't get enough. Maybe the titanic M5 will finally be a bridge too far for American buyers. The XM tanked and will be discontinued, so there is hope yet.

 

[Finally-a-V]

@565565 ....very well put!

 

[Roadhawk]

I cant stand Ratti and can't bring myself to watch any more of his reviews.

The C & D review was great and spot on. It describes all the reasons I chose the Caddy. MT being a huge factor as well. I possibly would be driving the Alpha if it had MT....the engine is sweet and it looks great.

I've long felt BMW has lost its way....at least for what it was...what appealed to me. I did feel that the 1 M and the M2s prior to the current one we;re spot on. All that being said very glad to be driving the CT 4 V BW and also glad to still be driving the 330 ZHP. Did a very spirited drive with the ZHP last night and its just a joy to drive (even if slower than the BW and other cars these days). Fastest isn't everything as this C &D comparo and other reviews of recent M cars clearly demonstrate.

 

[668LT4]

"Still, you get the idea that the BMW interior is meant to impress in the showroom, but the Cadillac is designed to complement the driving experience over a span of years."

I have posted a similar idea on our forum many times. The cockpit of my 2022 M4, totally awesome. Full leather dash, all controls nicely integrated. Cool ambient lighting. My only complaint would be the shiny black plastic around the gear shifter. Otherwise, I could sit in this interior all day. And I loved screwing around with the I-Drive and messed around with all the screens as I was driving. So many layers and options to explore.

And yet, when I am in my Blackwing, I do none of that. I just drive it and smile. None of that other sexy "stuff" matters. It has a great seat, steering wheel, and driver display. Do I wish the center screen were a bit more integrated into the dash and even better, angled towards the driver? Yes, I would love that. But it really does not matter. The driving experience is so awesome, and that is the primary reason I have the car in the first place.

Meant to include this pic. I did enjoy this BMW cabin (pre large screen of course).

 

[5VBW Nick]

I have posted a similar idea on our forum many times. The cockpit of my 2022 M4, totally awesome. Full leather dash, all controls nicely integrated. Cool ambient lighting. My only complaint would be the shiny black plastic around the gear shifter. Otherwise, I could sit in this interior all day. And I loved screwing around with the I-Drive and messed around with all the screens as I was driving. So many layers and options to explore.

And yet, when I am in my Blackwing, I do none of that. I just drive it and smile. None of that other sexy "stuff" matters. It has a great seat, steering wheel, and driver display. Do I wish the center screen were a bit more integrated into the dash and even better, angled towards the driver? Yes, I would love that. But it really does not matter. The driving experience is so awesome, and that is the primary reason I have the car in the first place.

This is 100% accurate. My M3 took so much time playing with options, I think it caters to the under 30 crowd that like options and screens and the more important aspects of a performance car. My Lotus is simple, just start it and drive, Cadillac isn't too bad other than the drive mode settings, but I look forward to Spring Mountain to help me get that all straightened out.

 

[Roadhawk]

Cadillac isn't too bad other than the drive mode settings, but I look forward to Spring Mountain to help me get that all straightened out.

I still don't understand it as well as I should. PTM snow/ice seems to turn traction off a bit....I'm very confused....even after Spring Mountain...OK I'm old and a bit senile what can I say....but yeah driving fast and furious is still no problem...

 

[rubberduck]

I still don't understand it as well as I should. PTM snow/ice seems to turn traction off a bit....I'm very confused....even after Spring Mountain...OK I'm old and a bit senile what can I say....but yeah driving fast and furious is still no problem...

Have you noticed when you try to get sideways in non-PTM mode that power gets cut until the backend straightens out. I don’t get many occasions to drive in snow in Southern Arizona, but Snow/Ice likely won’t allow for excessive wheel spin to even start. Have you tried it out on snow. The best way to learn the different modes is to use them and get an idea what works best for you in different situations. Strictly speaking, wet is for track (and good for street), snow obviously not for track.

 

[Roadhawk]

Have you noticed when you try to get sideways in non-PTM mode that power gets cut until the backend straightens out. I don’t get many occasions to drive in snow in Southern Arizona, but Snow/Ice likely won’t allow for excessive wheel spin to even start. Have you tried it out on snow. The best way to learn the different modes is to use them and get an idea what works best for you in different situations. Strictly speaking, wet is for track (and good for street), snow obviously not for track.

I've only driven it once in deep snow. Last April we were visiting friends in Vermont for the solar eclipse and after delaying a day due to 18 inches of snowfall arrived at the foot of their 1/2 mile semi-plowed mountain top snow & mud driveway. We were riding on Alpine snows and I think I put the car in snow PTM mode (but can't recall for sure). Well we spun/slipped and fishtailed a bit much of the way up the pretty steep drive but made it up just fine. Quite fun actually.

All other experiences on snow (just a few) were mostly packed snow and i drove carefully trying not to spin out and pretty much didn't. We;re expecting some snow here next week. I've mixed views on if I should take it out - mostly worried about salt and getting it dirty. But your point is well taken and maybe I should - just for the fun and experience of doing it.

 

[PrimeTime]

Best wishes to all in the New Year, filler material.

Maybe a re-boot somewhere out here? IDK.

Daily 1K HP Driver sounds crazy to me! Like the spec.

 

[BlackDiamondCT5VBW]

Anyone watch Throttle House? Those guys are my favorite when it comes to car reviews.

 

[MookdocOE]

They both still can't get over the GM ALPHA chassis...love it!

 

[Melon]

Lately I’m more likely to pass on Raiti’s videos than watch them - I find him more than a tad annoying and not terribly insightful - so I’m a little surprised that I wouldn’t zonk any of his yearend choices:

He does give an in-depth look at cars I can appreciate however the volume is too much.
His videos are best watched with the volume almost all the way down or on mute altogether. He's too much of a salesman.

 

[Melon]

Anyone watch Throttle House? Those guys are my favorite when it comes to car reviews.

These two also love the same types of cars I do, so that helps their credibility along. I really enjoy their videos.

 

[Melon]

I've long felt BMW has lost its way....at least for what it was...what appealed to me. I did feel that the 1 M and the M2s prior to the current one we;re spot on. All that being said very glad to be driving the CT 4 V BW and also glad to still be driving the 330 ZHP. Did a very spirited drive with the ZHP last night and its just a joy to drive (even if slower than the BW and other cars these days). Fastest isn't everything as this C &D comparo and other reviews of recent M cars clearly demonstrate.

I have my CT4 BW and an E30. Pure analog, and modern digital. It's the best of both worlds.
A ZHP is awesome, I've always wanted an E46 ZHP sedan. I love the M5X series engines. Reliable and decent torque and power. I still have the M20 in my E30, with a cam, headers, etc. I've toyed with swapping in an S52 over the years but haven't taken the plunge.

 

[Roadhawk]

I have my CT4 BW and an E30. Pure analog, and modern digital. It's the best of both worlds.
A ZHP is awesome, I've always wanted an E46 ZHP sedan. I love the M5X series engines. Reliable and decent torque and power. I still have the M20 in my E30, with a cam, headers, etc. I've toyed with swapping in an S52 over the years but haven't taken the plunge.

The ZHP is such a perfect car....small, quick, nimble, somewhat raw (though not as raw as an e30) and roomy enough for 4. Its a joy to drive and just loves to rev and rewards doing so....I really love it. Its about the same size as the 4 BW but is lighter and feels so much smaller. I enjoy driving both cars (MT and good handling)....different....but similar in many ways as well.

All that being said my GTI is still the most fun (but sometimes frustrating as I often curse FWD). The power and handling mods on the GTI just take it to another level (of fun).

Still, there is no doubt the BW is the best car - all around performance and capability wise - of any car I've ever owned. I just marvel how much Caddy got right and I'm so happy I decided to get one (particularly with so many friends and family questioning my need for another car). Their right - on one level - but considering our other cars are older and with some miles on them - it was the right choice. And at the very least it will keep some miles off the older cars I dearly love and I'll get to keep experiencing them for years to come (hopefully)....and still have the Caddy...and not some unfun EV....