The Most Analog V-8 Powered Sports Sedan That Money Can Buy Today

The CT5-V is a luxury sports sedan, that comes with all the bells and whistles you could possibly want. It packs a supercharged V-8 under the hood with an optional manual transmission. Cadillac’s answer to the BMW M5, the CT5-V Blackwing, is the pinnacle of its performance V-series. 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the V-series, and the Blackwing is a celebration of everything that makes the brand great. To mark the milestone, the Blackwing will be available in four new colors – Coastal Blue Metallic, Cyber Yellow Metallic, Velocity Red, and a limited Black Diamond Tricoat. There will also be commemorative badges which will appear on the digital instrument cluster, grille, and rockers.

The Blackwing offers unparalleled performance enshrouded in top-of-the-line luxury, which makes it a formidable choice in a market space filled with European performance sedans. This year for the first time ever, Cadillac also came out with an Escalade-V series, a full-size flagship SUV, something that they should have done a long time ago. The Escalade has always been one of Cadillac’s most successful nameplates, and the V-Series Escalade is their most powerful version yet. There will be a V-8 under the hood in the SUV as well, producing 682 horsepower. So clearly Cadillac is sending off ICE cars with a bang, and it’s a sight to behold.

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What’s Under The Hood Of The Blackwing?

The Blackwing is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine, which is handbuilt at the General Motors Performance Center in Kentucky. The Blackwing shares this engine with the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and the C7 Corvette Z06. On the Blackwing, this engine produces a mighty 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque.

This powerful engine helps the car accelerate from 0-60 mph in around 3.5 seconds, which is spectacular for a car with four doors. One of the best things about the Blackwing is the standard six-speed manual transmission, which makes it a dream for enthusiasts. In a world where cars like the BMW M5 no longer offer a stick, the Blackwing is like a breath of fresh air. Cadillac also offers the CT5-V Blackwing with a 10-speed automatic.

Engine Performance Specifications

The CT5-V Blackwing is aggressively styled with strong lines and plenty of functional air vents, along with a large grill up front to direct cold air to its massive engine. There is also a front splitter and a rear spoiler that work together to minimize lift and enhance traction. The Blackwing also comes with the option of the second-generation Performance Data Recorder (PDR) camera within the front grille.

Initially introduced in the 2014 Corvette Stingray, the first-generation Performance Data Recorder, often referred to as “PDR,” enables users to effortlessly capture onboard videos. It also offers data overlay features, displaying engine RPM, ground speed, corner g-forces, and more. The Cadillac handles sharply with respect to its performance, but in no way compromises on comfort.

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Unparalleled Elegance: CT5-V Blackwing’s Opulent Interior Enhancements

The Blackwing comes standard with GM’s MagneRide suspension, which is one of the most advanced suspension technologies in the world. MagneRide dampers follow the structure of conventional passive dampers but are filled with magnetorheological fluid—a mixture of oil infused with minuscule iron filings. Within the damper, electromagnets in the piston generate a magnetic field that shifts the orientation of the iron particles, modifying the fluid’s viscosity and adjusting damping stiffness.

In the absence of an electric current, an MR damper behaves like a standard passive damper. Furthermore, adjusting the current regulating the fluid enables rapid changes in stiffness. This system continuously analyzes the road surface at a remarkable rate of 1000 times per second, enabling near-instantaneous responses to changes. This rapid processing speed enables the MR system to reduce body roll without subjecting passengers to the discomfort associated with rigid stabilizers.

The CT5-V Blackwing features a comfortably spacious cabin, which it shares with the standard CT5. However, Cadillac upgrades the CT5-V Blackwing’s interior with leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats with 18-way power adjustments to match its significantly higher price point. All models also feature a head-up display and ambient lighting.

The interiors also feature a high-performance steering wheel featuring visually pleasing carbon fiber trim and a distinctive serial numbered plate that corresponds to the individual Vehicle Identification Number. This steering wheel adds a touch of luxury and enhances your driving experience with convenient quick-access buttons for V-Mode and Performance Traction Management.

The CT5-V Blackwing offers a host of advanced driving aids to ensure driver and passenger safety. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high-beam headlights. Adaptive cruise control isn’t part of the standard package offered by GM but is available as an optional add-on.

Unfortunately, GM’s Super Cruise highway driving technology is unavailable on the Blackwing model. The car’s infotainment system is controlled through a user-friendly 10-inch color touchscreen. It comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making connectivity a breeze. Cadillac’s native multimedia interface is intuitive, keeping the system straightforward without overwhelming you with excessive menus and submenus to navigate.

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How The Blackwing Compares To The Competition

The competition when it comes to the Blackwing are truly spectacular super sedans in their own right, namely the BMW M5 CS, the Mercedes AMG E63, or the Audi RS7. All of these cars are established names in the luxury automobile space. However, the Blackwing outshines its rivals in more than one way:

• It is significantly cheaper than the competition at a starting MSRP of $91,995. A car with the performance to go toe to toe with super sedans but costs less, is a winning formula for sure.
• It has the option for manual transmission, which none of the competition offers. Explosive performance, paired with a six-speed manual and RWD, what more can one ask for in a modern performance sedan?

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The Perfect Swan Song To The Four Door Manual Super Sedan

The CT5-V Blackwing gives you the experience of being strapped onto a luxurious roller coaster, thrilling yet comfortable. The epitome of American luxury and power, the Blackwing could be one of the last of its kind. The era of the growling combustion engine is coming to an end, as we look to a future that will be dominantly electric. The good news is that like every manufacturer looking to bid goodbye to their ICE models, Cadillac is doing it with style and substance.

Rare are the sedans that can evoke true fire in our hearts, especially those with four doors and five-person seating. GM’s super-sedan effortlessly merges mind-blowing performance, engaging driving dynamics, and everyday usability into a single, captivating package. Whether embarking on a long family road trip, ripping through a racetrack, or cruising around urban environments, this car excels in every scenario.

But what truly sets it apart is the promise of an analog driving experience. It is a front engine rear-wheel drive V-8 performance sedan with the option of a manual. In fact, it is currently the only surviving V-8-powered sedan that offers a manual transmission. While the absence of all-wheel-drive might deter some, GM has nearly perfected the RWD formula. In essence, the CT5-V Blackwing stands as one of the finest vehicles you can invest in today, as it is already a future classic in the making.