As a replacement for the CTS-V, the brand-new Cadillac CT5-V is perhaps a bit underwhelming. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6, the new V manages a modest 360 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque - hardly numbers that will set the motoring world on fire, and certainly a far cry from the 640 horsepower offered by the third-generation CTS-V.

However, there is another V on the way - one that promises to not only meet, but exceed, the high expectations set by the last one. And the best news of all: according to Muscle Cars & Trucks, the top-spec CT5-V will offer a manual transmission option.

The final-generation CTS-V didn't even offer a stick, limiting customers' choices to only one powertrain, which coupled GM's supercharged LT4 V8 with an eight-speed automatic. That engine is tipped to return in the top-tier CT5-V, which could be called "Blackwing", but with a choice between six-speed manual transmission or ten-speed automatic.

There's more good news, too, because according to MC&T, the top-spec version of the smaller CT4-V will offer the same transmission options, giving that car's customers the same six-speed stick access. There, however, they will be partnered with a twin-turbocharged 3.6L V6 - essentially the same mill that powered the Cadillac ATS-V that it will replace.

In all of this, it's important not to forget where the name "Blackwing" comes from: the Cadillac CT6-V's twin-turbocharged DOHC V8. Sadly, multiple reports maintain that that engine will be retired along with the CT6-V, partly due to the difficulty of fitting the engine into additional products. Being a pushrod design, GM's LT series is externally compact by comparison.

It's an unfortunate end to a promising engine that was never given its due time to shine. Still, the LT4's anticipated use in the CT5-V Blackwing means it will offer 640 or more horsepower, which we'll gladly take. The six-speed manual option? That's just icing on the cake.