Skip to main content

Cadillac Will Throw In A Free 2-Day V-Performance Driver Course With Every 2017 V-Series Car

As automotive journalists, we’re fortunate enough to drive high-performance vehicles in their natural environment. No, not sprinting between stoplights — on a racetrack. But we really shouldn’t be the only ones with this opportunity.

Knowing the limits and how to safely operate potent cars is immeasurably valuable. While some million-dollar supercars come with a free trip to the track for quality instruction, most performance vehicles for the masses don’t include that benefit. Recently, FCA announced its Fiat 124 Abarth would include a day at Bonderant Driving School. This offer is unheard of for a $28,000 sports car, and is a great example for other automakers to follow.

Recommended Videos

Now it’s Cadillac’s turn to invite owners of its V-Series cars to experience elite driver training. The American luxury automaker has announced that 2017 ATS-V Sedan, ATS-V Coupe, and CTS-V sedan buyers will earn a free ticket to Cadillac’s V-Performance Academy at Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club near Las Vegas, Nevada. This two-day course will be available for online registration after owners take deliver of their cars.

“Cadillac is a brand for passionate people, by passionate people,” said Nathan Tan, associate director of Brand Partnerships and Experiences for Cadillac. “V-Series customers are in many ways nearest the core of the Cadillac brand, and we are proud to offer this valuable training with our thrilling products.”

Included in the Academy experience is:

  • Ground transportation to and from Las Vegas McCarren International Airport — customers are responsible for airfare
  • Two days of intensive driver training in the model of purchase for 2017 V-Series owners and the model of choice for stand-alone customers
  • Two nights’ lodging in the Spring Mountain luxury condominiums
  • Breakfast and lunch on both training days
  • General admission access for one designated guest — add a driving guest for an additional fee
  • On-site courtesy vehicles

Should owners prefer, Cadillac will also offer a single-day V-Performance Lab, which travels to different racetracks around the country. In 2016, the V-Performance Labs will be held at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Connecticut, and Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

“The V-Series are the most-track capable Cadillac models ever, using exclusive technologies tuned by a select group of dedicated engineers,” said Brandon Vivian, Cadillac executive chief engineer. “These technologies, such as Magnetic Ride Control, Performance Traction Management software and the Performance Data Recorder, set the Cadillac ATS-V and Cadillac CTS-V apart from all other luxury cars and are the tools drivers will experience at the V-Performance Academy.”

While this might snub 2016 ATS-V and CTS-V buyers a bit, Cadillac will offer its V-Performance Academy training as a standalone purchase for owners who “went V” before V was cool.

Miles Branman
Miles Branman developed a passion for cars early on thanks to a neighbor’s collection of rare and exotic vehicles. What…
Summer heat killers: EVs with the least range loss
Recurrent tracked the effect of summer heat on more than 29,700 electric vehicles.
Ford Mustang Mach-E

Suppose you are considering an EV purchase or lease this summer and are concerned about battery range during heat waves. In that case, the results of a new study published by EV analytics firm Recurrent Auto can provide valuable guidance. Recurrent calls out the winners and losers in EV range hot temperature-sensitivity.

It's safe to say that EV battery range is affected by extremes in temperature, both hot and cold. As is the case with most general statements, that one, too, is subject to multiple "buts" and "howevers." Most studies of the effects of extreme cold on EV battery range or how hot temperatures can hamper your travel plans report on average EV travel range differences collected across a wide variety of EV brands and models. Some compile results from thousands of EVs of the same brand.

Read more
Indigenous designer Jeremy Arviso creates limited-edition Indian Motorcycle streetwear line
Arivso blends Indian Motorcycle DNA and indigenous visual elements
The Jeremy Arviso limited indigenous streetwear collection for Indian Motorcycle.

Indian Motorcycle announced a collaboration with well-known indigenous streetwear designer Jeremy Arviso. This limited-edition collection brings together Arviso’s bold style and the adventurous spirit of Indian Motorcycle. The nine-piece lineup celebrates a deep connection to land, community, and tradition.
Why Arviso created the collection

"Creating such a meaningful, modern expression of Native American style with a legendary brand like Indian Motorcycle, is both an honor and a  privilege,” Arviso said. “For this collection, I drew inspiration from the brand DNA of Indian Motorcycle, while carefully integrating vibrant color and  indigenous visual elements that symbolize movement and direction throughout the collection. Adorned with arrow motifs, each piece embodies a deep connection to land, community, and heritage.”

Read more
Adidas and Mercedes-AMG F1 launch Silver Arrows fanwear collection before British Grand Prix
The Silver Arrow collection is on sale worldwide at select Adidas retailers and the Adidas website.
F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli wearing Mercedes fan wear with a Mercedes-Benz W196 racecar.

Working with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, Adidas launched the Silver Arrow pack, a collection of fanwear inspired by the Mercedes-Benz W196 race car. Current Mercedes F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli posed with items from the Silver Arrow collection along with professional models.
Why celebrate the W196?

The W196 wasn't the first Silver Arrow. The first Mercedes to be called a Silver Arrow was the Mercedes W25, which debuted in 1934. However, driver Juan Fangio won the 1954 and 1955 F1 World Championships with the W196, which was among the several models referred to by the group name. The Adidas Silver Arrow collection celebrates the 70th anniversary of the W196's first F1 Championship season.

Read more