CONTROL Freaks
Cadillac's new CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing elevate driver engagement like few other luxury sport sedans. Their performance is simultaneously quantifiable and subjective.
The quantifiable is comparatively easy to interpret. Max horsepower and torque; zero-to-60-mph acceleration; lateral acceleration and lap times; and even power-to-weight ratios. It's all in the numbers.
The subjective, however, is more elusive. It's how performance feels.
It's more than the 0-60 time itself; it's the satisfying shove in your back that it generates. And it's not the lap time itself that's impressive, it's the feeling of control engendered by it – and whether it induces a grin.
There is no deficit in options for sport sedans that are quantifiably quick, but the field narrows considerably when it comes to the sort of engaging and rewarding driving experience that comes with a higher level of driver control. Indeed, many will say that the feeling of maximum control can only be satisfied with a true manual transmission, which allows drivers to make a vehicle an extension of their reflexes and intuition.
The list of luxury sport sedans offered with a do-it-yourself gearbox is very short, with Cadillac's new, track-capable and quantifiably quick CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing each available with a six-speed manual transmission – a performance feature that was introduced on the very first Cadillac V-Series model nearly 20 years ago. In fact, the 2022 CT4-V Blackwing is the only vehicle in its segment to offer a manual, while each V-Series Blackwing model is also available with an advanced 10-speed automatic transmission.
“For nearly two decades, enthusiasts have told us how important the control of a manual gearbox was to them in their performance sedan,” notes Mirza Grebovic, Cadillac performance variant manager. “It's one of the most important ways they feel connected with the vehicle and the new CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing models absolutely deliver in that regard.”
The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing represent the pinnacle of Cadillac performance and craftsmanship. They leverage championship-winning racing heritage to create the most track-capable Cadillacs ever. And to get back to the quantifiable for a moment, the CT5-V Blackwing is the most powerful and fastest Cadillac production model in history – with a top track speed of more than 200 mph – while the CT4-V Blackwing is the most powerful and fastest-ever Cadillac subcompact.
Details, Details
The CT5-V Blackwing uses an upgraded 6.2-liter supercharged V8 rated at 668 horsepower (498 kW) and 659 lb-ft of torque (893 Nm), while the CT4-V Blackwing is driven by an evolution of the Cadillac 3.6-liter Twin-Turbo V6, which is rated 472 horsepower (352 kW) and 445 lb-ft of torque (603 Nm). The turbos' low-inertia turbine wheels enable more precise and responsive application of torque throughout the rev range.
Both models feature advanced high-performance braking systems that have been extensively track- and road-tested. Additionally, an available carbon-ceramic brake package for the CT5-V Blackwing delivers several benefits including weight savings, durability and heat management.
The new V-Series Blackwing models also feature an enhanced Electronic Limited Slip Rear Differential, optimized for each driving mode and each Performance Traction Management setting, as well as fourth-generation Magnetic Ride Control (MR 4.0). Additional improvements to the front and rear suspension systems, compared with previous models, further isolate drivers from road imperfections, while also supporting more precise, engaging connections with the road or track.
All-Day Performance, On and Off the Track
The CT5-V Blackwing and CT4-V Blackwing build on Cadillac's racing heritage and were developed to be trackcapable. That includes an intensive validation program to ensure consistent performance during the most challenging track conditions.
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 models contribute to their balance of track capability and road comfort.
It has all paid off with some impressive track numbers, including a quick 2:52.5 lap time around VIR's Grand Course, for the CT4-V Blackwing, and an even quicker 2:50.6 time around the Grand Course for the CT5-V Blackwing. Both cars are also capable of more than 1 g in lateral acceleration.
“These are sport sedans that you have to experience to appreciate what visceral control really feels like,” adds Grebovic. “The more time you spend in them and the harder you press them, the more they reward – with exceptional thresholds of control.”
Indeed, it all comes down to control. It's what the new CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing deliver like almost no other sport sedans, and it's what Cadillac engineers continue to refine for the brand's future electric vehicles, with knowledge gained from a stored racing history.
For More Information
The 2022 CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing are on sale now with limited availability. The CT4-V Blackwing starts at an MSRP of $59,990* and fully configured at $87,775*. The CT5-V Blackwing has a starting MSRP of $84,990* and a fully configured MSRP of $125,980*. Customers can build their own V-Series Blackwing online at cadillac.com
*Price listed includes $995 destination charge. Tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment are extra. Optional equipment is extra.