Goodbye, V, Hello, V Blackwing: GM Unveils Most Powerful, Track-Focused Cadillacs Ever

CT5-V Blackwing and CT4-V Blackwing evolve Cadillac’s V Series beyond the CTS-V and ATS V, respectively. But Cadillac also confirmed this is to be the final gasoline-powered V-Series generation.

Feb 3 UPDATE: CT5-V Blackwing and CT4-V Blackwing preorders have both sold out of their first 250 available units. Cadillac says all other interested buyers will “have the opportunity to sign up for a waitlist and will be contacted by their dealer as soon as more inventory is available.”

Original post: Today Cadillac announced its two newest halo performance sports sedans. Set to debut as 2022 models, the CT5-V Blackwing replaces the CTS-V as the most powerful Cadillac ever. And the CT4-V Blackwing takes over for the ATS-V as the company’s quickest subcompact sedan. Despite the branding name change — addressed below — Cadillac performance fans should note that the CT5-V Blackwing and CT4-Blackwing are an evolutionary upgrade over their predecessors. In other words, if you own a CTS-V or ATS-V, you might not need to upgrade.

Perhaps more alarming, during our media briefing, Cadillac confirmed that these two V Blackwing sedans will be the final gasoline-powered V series vehicles. Expect the subbrand to live on, of course, but the next-gen will be electric.

Still, as GM’s swansong for gas guzzling super sedans, there’s a lot to be excited about. Especially if you want to have Corvette-like fun while cruising with the entire family. Most importantly, a six-speed TREMEC manual transmission is standard. You can also opt for a 10-speed auto for slightly quicker 0-60 runs. Sitting on the Alpha-II generation platform, the sedans will both offer Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, which GM calls the “world’s fastest reacting suspension technology.” To hear Cadillac engineers describe it, MagRide 4.0 will let you choose between track agility and daily-driving comfort. 

Cadillac also says both the CT5-V Blackwing and CT4-V Blackwing will be the most track-focused sedans in the company’s history. This was benchmarked with 24-hour track testing for the optional auto, 12-hour track testing with the manual, and Cadillac’s largest-ever performance disc brake system for CT5-V Blackwing. (All V Blackwing braking systems will be Copper-free for California compliance.) Toss in an Electronic Limited Slip Rear Differential (eLSD) as well as several new radiators and functional cooling vents and you’ve got yourself a weekend track toy that’ll take you back to the boardroom Monday mornings in carbon fiber accented Recaro seating. 

CT5-V Blackwing Specs

Courtesy of Cadillac.

• Hand-built 6.2L Supercharged LT4 V8
• 668 HP, 659 lb.-ft. torque
• GM-estimated top track speed: over 200mph
• GM-estimated 0-60 MPH: 3.7 seconds (automatic transmission)
• Most powerful Cadillac ever
• Air intake airflow is improved by 46 percent vs. the CTS-V
• Compact, high-output 1.7L four-lobe Eaton supercharger with small-diameter rotors that enable boost to be generated earlier in the rpm band for instantaneous response
• Rotocast A356T6 aluminum cylinder heads are stronger and handle heat better than conventional aluminum-alloy heads
• Lightweight titanium intake valves
• Track-capable wet-sump oiling and vent system with external oil separator and drain-back

As you can see from above, the CT5-V Blackwing shares similar drivetrain components to the outgoing CTS-V. But Cadillac engineers made several upgrades to its C7 Z06-borrowed LT4 powerplant. First, individual engine builders will hand-assemble this new LT4 at the company’s Bowling Green facility. Next, they’ve made the engine stronger and flow more air, which boosts power from the CTS-V’s 640hp/630 lbs.-ft. of torque to 668 hp / 659 lb.ft. Not bad when one considers the CT5-V Blackwing’s improved aero and cooling.

Visually speaking, while there are some optional carbon fiber performance accessories, what’s perhaps most interesting is the sleeper nature of these next-generation Cadillac performance sedans. With massive grilles and vented hoods, there was no mistaking the CTS-V for a regular CTS. It practically screamed racecar. The new CT5-V Blackwing shares the previous generation’s need for larger grilles and wider fenders, but the overall styling is much more subdued.

CT4-V Blackwing Specs

Courtesy of Cadillac.

• 3.6L Twin-Turbo V6
• 472 HP, 450 lb.-ft. torque
• GM-estimated top speed: 189 mph
• GM-estimated 0-60 MPH: 3.8 seconds (automatic transmission)
• Most powerful and fastest subcompact Cadillac
• Air intake restriction is improved by 39 percent vs. the ATS-V
• Turbocharger compressors matched for peak efficiency at peak power for optimal track performance
• Titanium connecting rods (manual transmission only) and revised crankshaft counterweights reduce main/rod bearing reciprocating loads
• Re-targeted piston oil squirters, which direct engine oil at the bottoms of the pistons, for improved temperature control
• The manifold-integrated waiter-to-air charge cooling system contributes to more immediate torque response
• Airflow routing volume is reduced by 60 percent when compared to a conventional design that features a remotely mounted heat exchanger

Much like its bigger, badder brother, the CT4-V Blackwing shares many underpinnings from the outgoing ATS-V. With upgraded airflow and tuning, the newer CT4-V Blackwing’sn 3.6L Twin-Turbo V6 makes 8 more horsepower and 5 more lb.-ft. of torque. As the owner of a (standard 3.6) ATS and as someone who drove the ATS-V, I can say the CT4-V Blackwing should be an absolute blast to throw into corners in the canyons and on tracks. The V6 absolutely rips. But I also can’t help but wish that Cadillac had pulled from GM’s eight-cylinder goodie bag and stuffed an LS3 or LT1 into what’s best described as the American 3-Series.

In other words, the CT4-V Blackwing will have all the performance fun, but lack the gutteral growl of something like the Chevy SS.

Why ‘V-Blackwing?’

The story GM tells is one where Cadillac had a hard time marking both the pinnacle “V” series sports sedans as well as the “V-Sport” brand of V-infused middle-ground performance. Apparently, echoing the BMW M and M-Sport classifications was too confusing for customers. So what did they do? Cadillac evolved the V-Sport-level of performance into the V, and the V-level of performance into the V Blackwing as the new “pinnacle of Cadillac performance.”

And now everyone’s confused.

The Blackwing moniker, you may recall, referred to Cadillac’s hand-built 4.2L twin-turbocharged V8 that powered the CT6-V for one short model year. So Cadillac traded almost two decades of performance heritage for a failed new brand. To be honest, I still don’t get it. But however you badge these Cadillacs, I sure am stoked to drive them.

V Blackwing Pricing & Availability

The CT4-V Blackwing starts just under $60 grand while the CT5-V Blacking stars under $85 grand. You can pre-order now with deliveries expected over the summer.

Photos: Cadillac

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