Cadillac this week unveiled the top tier, fire-breathing versions of their current sports sedans in the CT4-V Blackwing and the CT5-V Blackwing, which has us wondering if this is the last time we will be seeing this type of product from “The Standard of the World”
As we reported last week, General Motors, the parent company of Cadillac, plans to have zero tailpipe emissions by 2040 in all their vehicles , with a majority of that taking place by 2035, leaving these two high-powered, petroleum-burning monsters to be the last of their breed. So, what are we getting?
Cadillac serves up the CT4-V Blackwing as the successor to the now discontinued, but much beloved ATS-V.
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Starting at: $58,995, the CT4-V Blackwing is powered by a 3.6L Twin Turbocharged V6 engine with a 472 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque, can be equipped with a standard 6-speed manual transmission (10-speed automatic transmission also available), features the latest-generation Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension (the fastest reacting suspension ever in a Cadillac), Massive Brembo® high-performance brakes, Driver Mode Selector, Performance Traction Management and Custom Launch Control with Line Lock for sweet burnouts, 18″ alloy wheels and summer-only, high-performance, low-profile tires, performance interior choices, AKG premium audio system, Available Carbon-Fiber Packages, and available Performance Data Recorder.
The CT5-V Blackwing is the successor to the now discontinued, but very powerful CTS-V, and it stands as the most powerful Cadillac produced to-date.
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Starting At: $83,995, the CT5-V Blackwing boasts a 6.2L Supercharged V8 engine with a 668 hp and 659 lb-ft of torque and comes equipped with a standard 6-speed manual transmission (10-speed automatic transmission is also available), features the latest-generation Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension (the fastest reacting suspension ever in a Cadillac), Brembo high-performance brakes, Driver Mode Selector, Performance Traction Management and Custom Launch Control with Line Lock (again, for sweet burnouts), 19″ alloy wheels and summer-only, high-performance, low-profile tires, AKG premium audio system, performance interior choices, including exclusive premium options, available Carbon-Fiber Packages, available Performance Data Recorder, and available Carbon-Ceramic Brakes….yes carbon-ceramic brakes on a Cadillac.
The online announcement of these new sports sedans featured many superlatives for these vehicles that represent the “Pinnacle of Cadillac performance, technology, and craftsmanship.”:
- CT5 V-Blackwing with its 668 horsepower, 659 lb-ft of torque, 0-60 mph times of 3.7 seconds and top speed over 200 mph.
- MR4.0, or Cadillac’s Magnetorheological suspension’s 4th iteration produces more precise wheel control with better isolation.
- with the CT5 V-Blackwing’s optional Carbon-Ceramic brakes that reduce the weight of the vehicle by 53 lbs. and produce fade-free stopping power all day long.
- Tested in 12 and 24 hour stints, these vehicles not only boast the power and handling capabilities needed for tack-duty, but also the endurance expected from enthusiasts.
- Many touches throughout the vehicle, including the top of the manual transmission shifter, feature 3D printed pieces.
Cadillac has done a lot to reinvent itself over the last couple of decades, working to transform their image of your grandfather’s car into a performance luxury brand you aspire to own. Having started out driving my grandfather’s Cadillac as my first car, and being an auto enthusiast since the age of 9, I applauded Cadillac for their work. There have been many bumps along the way, however, with the hiring then firing of Johan de Nysschen as president of Cadillac, the alphanumeric naming restructure of the entire lineup (minus the Escalade), and the move from Detroit to New York City to name a few.
With last week’s announcement of the electric future of the brand, gear heads like yours truly must revel in the here-and-now with the swansong of the gas-burning track-capable sedans of a dying age. With class-exclusive features like a standard 6-speed manual transmission in a sea of DCT-equipped sports sedans’ Cadillac looks to go out swinging in the sports sedan market.
Rare for sport sedans today, a six-speed TREMEC manual transmission is standard on both vehicles. It has been optimized for each V-Series Blackwing vehicle to provide an engaging experience on the track or on the road. Details include:
The CT5-V Blackwing and CT4-V Blackwing are available with a 10-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. It is tuned to complement the dual-personality experience of each respective model.
Both V-Series Blackwing models also feature an enhanced Electronic Limited Slip Rear Differential. It weighs less and has been optimized for each driving mode and each Performance Traction Management setting.
All that technology is needed to help put down the power from these engines.
CT5-V Blackwing: 6.2L Supercharged V8 – 668 hp, 659 lb-ft of torque
CT4-V Blackwing: 3.6L Twin-Turbo V6 – 472 hp, 445 lb-ft of torque
Both V-Series Blackwing models feature advanced high-performance braking systems that have been extensively track and road-tested. The exclusive V-Series Blackwing wheel designs enable an even larger rotor over the previous CTS-V, making the CT5-V Blackwing braking system the largest factory-installed brakes in Cadillac history. Additionally, an available carbon-ceramic brake package for the CT5-V Blackwing, featuring cross-drilled rotors, deliver several benefits including weight savings, durability and heat management.
- 53-pound (24 kg) reduction in unsprung weight
- 62-pound (28 kg) reduction in rotating mass
- High-performance copper-free brake linings comply with California law and deliver superior fade resistance with an excellent pedal feel on and off the track
- Brake systems are integrated to each vehicles’ selectable drive modes, including brake pedal feel. Brake pedal feel can also be assigned within My-Mode and V-Mode
V-Series Blackwing combines the fourth generation of Magnetic Ride Control (MR 4.0), with improvements to the front and rear suspension systems. Stiffer spring rates, unique hollow stabilizer bars, higher-rate bushings and more enable a driving experience that isolates the driver from road imperfections, while also providing a precise, engaging connection with the road.
MR 4.0 highlights:
MacPherson strut front suspension:
Five-link independent rear suspension:
V-Series Blackwing models are built on Cadillac’s award-winning rear-wheel drive architecture and feature unique structural enhancements including shock tower braces, an underside shear plate and thicker rear cross members to improve chassis rigidity. Along with the unique suspension elements, the stiffer structure enhances steering response, handling and the everyday driving experience.
The CT5-V Blackwing and CT4-V Blackwing build on Cadillac’s racing heritage and were developed to be track-capable straight from the factory. That includes an intensive validation program to ensure consistent performance during the most challenging track conditions.
Validation for both models included:
Functional aerodynamics, including an available carbon fiber aero package, contribute to the V-Series Blackwing models’ track prowess to support a variety of cooling needs for the cars’ respective engines, transmissions, axles and other supporting systems.
Additionally, MICHELIN® Pilot Sport 4S tires developed exclusively for the V-Series Blackwing models contribute to their balance of track capability and road comfort. Highlights include:
- Contact patch composed of three unique tread rubber compounds
- Racing “R compound” used for the majority of the tread
- Compounds optimized for wet traction, enhanced street and track durability, as well as rolling resistance
- CT5-V Blackwing tire size: 275/35ZR19 (front) and 305/30ZR19 (rear)
- CT4-V Blackwing tire size: 255/35ZR18 (front) and 275/35ZR18 (rear)
Both V-Series Blackwing vehicles feature standard forged aluminum alloy wheels with staggered widths, front to rear. These forged wheels are stronger and lighter than conventional cast aluminum.
Wheel sizes:
Reservations for both vehicles open on Feb. 1, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. ET on Cadillac.com , with deliveries later this summer. Pricing begins at $59,9901 for the CT4-V Blackwing and $84,9901 for the CT5-V Blackwing.
250 models of each vehicle were held out for reservation holders, and all 250 of the CT5-V Blackwing were spoken for mere hours after the announcement. If you act quickly, you may be able to snag one of the first CT4 V-Blackwings, a vehicle that if anything like its predecessor, will be quite the formidable track-car and daily driver as well.
We like what we are seeing from the current version of GM’s premium brand, but can only wonder what the next-generation of vehicles will look like across the entire lineup. As of now, we are waiting on the Lyriq crossover , the announcement of the Celestiq sedan, and have glimpses of what the brand could be with autonomous motoring from this year’s CES show…which leaves us craving news of a Tesla Model S or Model X Plaid competitors… one can dream, right?
Cadillac’s glimpse at the future of autonomous transportation leaves much for the enthusiast to desire:
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See the entire online announcement of these vehicles below:
CT4 V-Blackwing
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CT5 V-Blackwing
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What are your thoughts? Sound off below.
-Cory
