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Cadillac is rolling out compelling lease programs for its CT4 sedan this September, targeting both the existing 2025 lineup and the forthcoming 2026 iterations. These incentives are designed to enhance the affordability of this distinctive sports sedan. The article details specific leasing arrangements for the Premium Luxury and Luxury variants, outlining initial payments, monthly costs, and annual mileage caps. It further emphasizes the CT4's sustained allure as a performance-oriented vehicle, noting its consistent features and strong market position relative to rival luxury compact sedans, even with only minor annual revisions.

Cadillac CT4: Affordable Luxury Leasing Opportunities

Cadillac has introduced appealing lease options for its CT4 sedan this September, encompassing both the 2025 and 2026 model years. These offers aim to simplify the process of acquiring this celebrated sports sedan for potential customers. For returning GM lessees, a 2025 Cadillac CT4 Premium Luxury with rear-wheel drive is available at $449 per month over 36 months, requiring a $4,079 down payment and offering a 10,000-mile annual allowance. Furthermore, a $500 cash incentive is applicable to any 2025 CT4 model lease, providing added value. The CT4, recognized as one of the few remaining traditional sports sedans, continues to draw interest with its engaging driving dynamics and competitive features.

For those interested in the newer 2026 models, Cadillac presents a 36-month lease at $469 per month, with a $3,599 initial payment and the same mileage provision. This specific offer is for the rear-wheel-drive Luxury trim, which sits just below the Premium Luxury. It's crucial for prospective lessees to remember that all advertised lease rates typically exclude taxes and other potential fees, and these offers can vary by geographic location. Cadillac encourages checking their official website with a local zip code for the most accurate payment estimations. These promotional offers are scheduled to conclude on September 30, 2025. Despite minor updates since its 2020 debut, the CT4 maintains its position as a compelling choice in the luxury sedan segment.

The Enduring Appeal of the Cadillac CT4

The Cadillac CT4 continues to be a standout in the compact luxury sedan market, providing an engaging driving experience despite receiving only minor updates for the 2026 model year. Its inherent driving pleasure, coupled with a well-appointed interior and competitive features, positions it favorably against established rivals from Audi, BMW, Genesis, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz. As the brand's most accessible model following the discontinuation of the XT4 crossover, the CT4 offers a sophisticated blend of performance and comfort at an attractive price point, a testament to Cadillac's sustained efforts in engineering and design.

Under the hood, the CT4 is powered by a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. An upgrade to the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boosts output to 310 hp and 350 lb-ft, mated to GM's 10-speed automatic. For enthusiasts seeking heightened performance, the V-Series offers a 325-hp version of the 2.7-liter engine, while the CT4-V Blackwing stands at the pinnacle with a 472-hp twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 and the option of a six-speed manual transmission, complemented by track-ready enhancements. These diverse powertrain options underscore the CT4's commitment to delivering a dynamic and exhilarating ride across its range, allowing drivers to truly enjoy Cadillac's refined automotive craftsmanship.

Despite a general decline in their numbers, manual transmission vehicles continue to hold a special place among driving enthusiasts. For many, the ability to 'row your own gears' offers an unparalleled connection to the road and a level of control that automatic transmissions simply cannot match. While some new models, like the Honda Prelude, are exclusively automatic, the persistent demand from enthusiasts has even led some manufacturers, such as BMW and Toyota, to reintroduce manual options for their sporty offerings like the Z4 and Supra. This article delves into the top-selling manual transmission cars, examining why they endure in a market increasingly dominated by automatics.

The shift away from manual transmissions is a long-standing trend. In the early 1980s, roughly a third of new cars in the U.S. were manuals, a figure that plummeted to just 3.4% by 2010 and further to about 1.5% by 2020. This decline is largely due to consumer preference for automatics, especially in economy cars where manual options were once common. However, the manual gearbox has found a new niche: performance-oriented and enthusiast models. Today, choosing a manual is less about saving money and more about seeking a specific, engaging driving experience, often even at a premium. For instance, the 2025 BMW Z4 requires an additional package for a manual transmission, underscoring its status as a desirable upgrade rather than a standard feature.

Several models stand out as strongholds for the manual transmission. The Honda Civic, particularly its Si and Type R variants, remains a prominent example. In 2024, manual Civics accounted for a substantial portion of sales, demonstrating the model's enduring appeal to those seeking a performance-oriented yet reliable vehicle. The Volkswagen Jetta GLI also continues to offer a manual, providing a blend of affordability, practicality, and sporty dynamics that resonates with a more mature enthusiast audience, even as its sibling, the Golf GTI, loses its manual option. Subaru's WRX, with its standard all-wheel drive and robust engine, maintains its strong manual sales, proving its worth to drivers who appreciate its rally-inspired performance and versatility, especially in challenging conditions. Finally, the Ford Mustang, an American icon, proudly retains its six-speed manual option in its V8 GT and Dark Horse trims. Although automatics outsell manuals overall, a significant percentage of Mustang buyers still opt for the stick shift, a testament to the model's identity and its commitment to delivering an unadulterated driving experience.

The continued presence of manual transmissions in these popular models reflects a dedication to driving engagement and a recognition of enthusiast loyalty. While manual cars may never regain their former market dominance, their survival in performance and enthusiast segments suggests a future where they become even more cherished and collectible. This enduring passion, even among younger generations who express interest in learning to drive a stick, indicates that the manual transmission is far from obsolete; it is evolving into a symbol of pure, unadulterated driving pleasure, connecting drivers to their vehicles and the road in a uniquely satisfying way.