CT4-V Blackwing

Make
Cadillac
Segment
Sedan

After several teasers and revealing leaks, the 2022 Cadillac CT4 V-Series Blackwing and CT5 V-Series Blackwing have finally broken cover, setting new benchmarks for Cadillac sports sedans. If the underpowered CT4-V and CT5-V left you feeling underwhelmed, these new Blackwing models are the high-performance variants we've been waiting for. Cadillac gave us a tantalizing first look at new Blackwings during yesterday's Rolex 24 at Daytona, and now we know all the juicy details.

At the top of the range, the new CT5-V Blackwing is powered by an upgraded 6.2-liter supercharged V8 rated at 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque. When mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission, 0-62 mph takes 3.7 seconds before the CT5-V Blackwing tops out at over 200 mph. Boasting a higher flow air-intake and revised exhaust system, this makes it comfortably the most powerful production Cadillac ever. Compared to the CTS-V, air intake airflow is improved by 46 percent.

The CT4-V Blackwing, on the other hand, uses a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 472 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, propelling the performance sedan from 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds when equipped with an automatic and onto a top speed of 189 mph. As standard, both sedans are equipped with a new six-speed Tremec manual transmission with a short shift ratio, active rev-matching, and a twin-disc clutch. Manual transmissions are scarce in sports sedans these days, so we commend Cadillac for bucking the trend.

A new high-performance braking system provides superior stopping power. Unique wheel designs make room for a larger rotor over the previous CTS-V, making the CT5-V Blackwing's braking system the largest in Cadillac history with 15.67 x 1.42-inch front rotors and 14.7 x 1.1-inch rear rotors. The CT4-V Blackwing uses 14.96 x 1.34-inch rotors at the front and 13.4 x 1.1-inch rotors at the rear.

Both models also feature Brembo six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers and a lightweight carbon-ceramic brake package is available for the CT5-V Blackwing offering improved heat management, a 53-pound reduction in unsprung weight, and a 62-pound reduction in rotating mass.

Both V-Series Blackwing models also feature an enhanced electronic limited-slip rear differential that improves grip by automatically allocating torque to the rear wheel with the most traction during hard cornering. It can also send up to 1,475 lb-ft of locking torque across the axle. For a more engaging driving experience on the road and track, Cadillac has updated its Magnetic Ride Control and improved the front and rear suspension systems by adding unique hollow stabilizer bars, higher-rate bushings, and stiffer spring rates.

To make the new V-Series Blackwings the most track-capable Cadillacs ever, both models underwent 24-hour continuous track testing with the available automatic transmission, available carbon-fiber aero package, aluminum wheels, and available carbon-ceramic brake package, and 12-hour continuous track testing with the standard manual transmission.

Unique Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires developed exclusively for the V-Series Blackwing models enhance their track capability and road comfort. As standard, both Blackwings ride on forged aluminum alloy wheels measuring 19 x 10 inches at the front and 19 x 11 inches at the rear for the CT5-V Blackwing and 18 x 9 inches at the front and 18 x 9.5 inches at the rear for the CT4-V Blackwing.

Both cars have been aerodynamically optimized in a wind tunnel. Visually, Cadillac's new performance sedans sport a new mesh grille and larger secondary grilles improves airflow over the previous generation. A front splitter reduces lift to improve stability during high-speed cornering while a rear spoiler maintains rear-wheel traction. Mid-body panels improve the underbody aerodynamics, while the underbody panels are fitted with airflow-channeling strakes dubbed "the underwing." Rocker extensions and a rear valence diffuser are also fitted as standard. An available carbon-fiber aero package reduces lift by 214 percent on the CT4-V Blackwing and 75 percent on the CT5-V Blackwing.

Inside, a bolstered performance front seat is standard on CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing, with a high-performance front seat design included on the upper trim levels offering greater comfort and reduced weight. The standard seat features a slim headrest design, V-Series logos, and bolster ergonomics for more comfortable manual shifting.

Available comfort features include ventilation, lumbar massage and custom perforations, quilting or sueded microfiber trim. Mid and upper tier CT4-V Blackwing trims come with a 14.5-inch-diameter high-performance steering wheel that is standard for all CT5-V Blackwing trims, featuring carbon fiber trim, a quick-access V-Mode button and performance traction management switch. Magnesium shift paddles are included when the car is equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Reservations for the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing and CT4-V Blackwing are now open, with deliveries starting later this summer. Pricing starts at $59,990 for the CT4-V Blackwing and $84,990 for the CT5-V Blackwing excluding the $995 destination charge. As expected, this is a hefty premium over the regular V-Series models. For reference, the CT4-V starts at $44,895 and the CT5-V will set you back $47,795 before the destination charges.