Cadillac’s been quietly developing two track-focused performance cars that, according to the latest press release, should be arriving on dealer lots at the end of this summer.
And if our calculations are correct (checks watch), that means right about now.
What Are the Cadillac CT4-V & CT5-V Blackwing Sedans?
Born out of the successful Cadillac Racing program, the CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing are high performance luxury cars that feature a host of track-ready enhancements, and (GASP!) both come standard with a Tremec six-speed manual transmission and LuK twin-disc clutch. (You can also opt for a 10-speed automatic if you don’t want to row your own.)
Cadillac’s making quite a name for itself in performance circles lately—a trend that started with its LS-powered RWD CTS-V sedan (AND WAGON!) over a decade ago. The earliest Cadillac CTS-Vs ran a 5.7L LS6, later versions got the 6.0 LS2 and eventually the same 6.2L LSA used in the Camaro ZL1.
These Blackwings also represent the last of the gasoline-powered V-Series Cadillacs. The company has previously announced that all future V-series automobiles will be electric vehicles.
Cadillac CT4-V & CT5-V Blackwing Engines, HP, Torque & Other Key Details
The CT4-V is slightly smaller than the CT5-V, about five inches shorter and three inches narrower.
While both cars are rear-wheel drive, they don’t share powerplants. Under the hood of the CT4-V is a twin-turbocharged 3.6L V6 that’s making 472 horsepower and 445 lb.-ft. of torque.
The larger CT5-V gets a 6.2L supercharged LT4 V8 from GM’s LT family. The LT4 cranks out a eye-popping 668 horsepower and 659 lb.-ft. of torque. (And if you’re keeping tabs at home, that makes it the most powerful production Cadillac engine ever made.) Each Cadillac LT4 engine is hand-built at GM’s Bowling Green factory and comes with a numbered and signed engine builder’s plate.
Both cars get performance-oriented suspension tuning, magnetic ride control, and an electronic limited-slip differential standard too.
As you’d expect, the Blackwing cars get a track-tailored exterior makeover as well, but Cadillac’s clear that it’s more than an appearance package. For instance, the CT4-V wears plenty of carbon-fiber aero bits to achieve what Cadillac says is the “highest level of aerodynamic downforce ever produced by a Cadillac V-Series production car.” Heck, even the Blackwings’ unique mesh grilles have been optimized for better airflow.
Each car also wears staggered Brembo six-piston calipers in front and four-pot calipers out back.
2022 Cadillac CT4-V & CT5-V Blackwing Performance
OK, so tarmac-tearing power and slippery aero kits aside, what’ll these cars do?
Cadillac estimates the CT4-V Blackwing will top out around 189 mph and will dash from zero-to-sixty in 3.8 seconds.
And it gets even better with the CT5-V. Cadillac says that, flat-out, the bigger Blackwing should top 200 mph, and will beat its stablemate’s zero-to-sixty time with a 3.7-second run.
2022 Cadillac CT4-V & CT5-V Blackwing Availability
While Cadillac makes it clear that many of the initial production run cars have already been pre-ordered, there are still a few available. You can get more details here:
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