Why Is Ford Benchmarking The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing?
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GM Authority spy photographers captured images of a white Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing undergoing tests behind a red Ford Mustang, raising questions as to why the Blue Oval is benchmarking the Caddy when it has no equivalent performance sedans in its lineup.
There is no direct evidence to link the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and Mustang being tested together to future product plans by Ford, though it happened at almost the same time the automaker’s chief executive, Jim Farley, made an unusual statement.
Specifically, Farley said during a mid-May 2024 interview that a four-door Mustang could be in the works, or at least under consideration. He first posed a question, asking “could we do other Mustang body forms – a four-door or whatever?” He then answered “I believe we could, as long as these models have all the performance and attitude of the original.”
While remaining a far cry from an actual product announcement – even a tentative one – Farley’s remarks match up interestingly to the sighting of the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing being benchmarked against a Mustang. It is, after all, a four-door performance sedan, precisely what the Ford CEO was referring to in his interview as a possible future Mustang configuration.
The Mustang already exists as the battery-electric Mach-E crossover, already a significant departure from the legendary pony car. A hybrid Mustang is basically guaranteed to be in the pipeline with the Blue Oval’s planned expansion of hybrid options to all its current nameplates by 2030. A four-door ‘Stang is perhaps not too outlandish in light of these facts.
As a reminder, the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing is motivated by a single powerplant option, specifically the twin-turbocharged 3.6L V6 LF4 gasoline engine developing 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. The only available drivetrain is standard RWD.
Under the body panels, the CT4-V Blackwing uses the GM Alpha 2 platform for structure. North American production takes place at the GM Lansing Grand River plant in Michigan.
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I can picture some Lincoln dealers having a moment of hope before their reality check.
Imagine Ford giving Lincoln a competitive sedan / hatch. They seem to have given up for the North American market.
They could be benchmarking something super simple, like seats for instance.
I can just imagine the backlash if a 4-door Mustang was introed. GM considered a 4-door Camaro too. After the outcry (and iffy sales) of the Mach-E, Farley had best not do it. But he’ll do what HE wants.
The 4- door sports sedan should be a proper Lincoln LS, period! Followed by a longer refined Continental and a sporty Mark 9 LSC. I shopped elsewhere because Lincoln does not offer excitement. Only geriatric suv’s that are dull and uninspiring. Get with the program Ford, SAVE Lincoln or is this the plan to end the brand??
Let’s hope they fix GMs wrongs. A decent interior people fit in AND a V8 with a manual option.
Or they will do what GM did and take the 2.7 from the F150 but make it both require premium and also make less power.
I expect the Mustang is going to go more upscale as the price is so high now it needs to be in a higher class.
4 Door Mustangs will be priced in V series range.
The true Pony car built on a econo car platform is long dead and the car now has to compete with Cadillac and Corvette.
Many Chevy guys left Camaro and went to the Corvette.
Depends the route they go really . If the go luxury way just make it Lincoln . I think it will be like next gen taraus or fusion really . Fusion had hybrid
With the failings at Lincoln and the enemies with in Ford Lincoln’s days may be numbered.
To bring the 4d mustang , fusion , falcon back . It will be intresting to see what they do . Chevy has bowed out . Yes they have caddy but not Chevy branded anymore .
just rebadge the 4V as a Camaro. Lose the back doors since nobody can sit back there anyway unless it’s behind the passenger or the driver is 5’4. Give it the good racing seats with lesser materials and stop pretending it can serve multiple customer types. NO. It’s a single purpose EXERT DRIVER TRACK RAT car just this side of FIA 6-point and roll cage. NO OTHER NEED APPLY.
If you really want a 4-door ‘Camaro’ then the ONLY option is the 5V chassis which is big enough to actually get someone in the back seat and lose the GD supercharger. Slap the C8 spec dry-sump in there and you’re done. Why are Detroit marketers so tone-deaf and clueless?
As to Ford, just do a mild hybrid (pancake motor) and lose the back seat and about 6 inches in wheelbase. It’s never been a 4 seater and the 2 2 claim is a farce.
GM already had a rebadged CT4. It was called a Camaro. You should have bought one.
Now your only choice is a Mustang with Fusion roots.
Make the sedan a Lincoln Cougar, with a very muscular shape to get it out of Mustang’s shadow. The Mark series of names has been too damaged by all the recent Lincoln MK models. Lincoln can be “The sign of the Cat” once more.
No, Mercury offered the “cat” models. IF Lincoln were allowed to offer excitement again, The Capri name should be revived as heritage to the 1950’s road race performance Lincoln Capri’s. The worst thing Ford can do is offer a 4-door Mustang to dilute the brand almost as much as Mache is doing. Here’s the challenge to Ford. Develop a “4-door Mustang” but turn it into a Lincoln. It worked before when the proposed Thunderbird was turned into the 1961 Lincoln. Question of the day, why does Ford continue to hate Lincoln enough to starve the brand of real excitement?