CT4-V

Make
Cadillac
Segment
Sedan

What will happen to Cadillac's twin-turbocharged DOHC "Blackwing" V8 is, for now, up in the air. But whatever happens, its name will live on, thanks to Cadillac's new range-topping high-performance sedans.

In an announcement made this week, Cadillac confirmed that the most potent, most capable of its V-badged sedan models would be called the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. Those names have been rumored for quite some time, but this is the first confirmation we've received from GM's most luxurious division itself. Detailed information about both cars' respective powertrains remains scarce, but it's thought that both models will more or less carry forth the same engines from the discontinued ATS-V and CTS-V.

But Cadillac did divulge one crucial, enthusiast-pleasing detail about the new Blackwing models: both will offer a good old fashioned manual transmission - something scarcely seen throughout the rest of the segment. Long live the stick.

"The Blackwing name has come to represent the very best of Cadillac performance engineering, craftsmanship and technology," says Cadillac's Executive Chief Engineer, Brandon Vivian. "The new CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing build on the brand's respected legacy of ultimate-performance driving experiences and elevate them even further."

The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing will ship with specially tuned suspensions and chassis controls, the brand says, making them worthy high-performance stand-ins for the models they replace.

In the CT4-V Blackwing, we expect a twin-turbocharged V6 producing better than 464 horsepower and 445 lb-ft - the figures for the ATS-V's LF4 V6 - while the CT5-V Blackwing is expected to pack a supercharged, 6.2L small-block V8 producing roughly the same 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft as the CTS-V.

If that leaves you feeling unimpressed, consider this: Cadillac says it took both Blackwing models to Virginia International Raceway and set lap times seconds faster than what the ATS-V and CTS-V managed in their day. Those aren't slow cars by any means.

Expect more info on the forthcoming Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing in the coming months.