The tale of Cadillac's Blackwing name and engine is a long one, but basically the company created a sweet, 4.2-liter turbocharged V8 for the next iteration of its V cars. The stellar powerplant didn't last besides a few applications in its CT6 sedan, but the name lived on, for its highest performance vehicles. Enter the Cadillac CT4 and CT5.

These two sedans will get quicker V models, but they'll also get V Blackwing models to top out the range. In the CT5 that means a 6.2-liter supercharged V8. And in the CT4 it means an evolution of the ATS-Vs 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 making 472 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque. Cadillac took the new V Blackwing to Virginia International Raceway to lay down some hard numbers.

Cadillac says the CT4-V Blackwing has a top speed of at least 189 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds (with the automatic), though we didn't see that here. Power is routed to the rear wheels through a Tremec-sourced six-speed manual or an optional ten-speed automatic, which we do have here. That ten-speed features magnesium shift paddles and a sport mode, "providing real-time interpretation of driving conditions, adjusting the transmission to reduce shift busyness and improve performance, while retaining aggressive driving dynamics."

Additionally, the new sedan gets GM's Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, a bunch of structural enhancements, bigger brakes and a rear limited slip differential.

With a lap time of 2 minutes, 52.5 seconds around the 4.2-mile Grand Course, the CT4-V Blackwing falls in with some heavy hitters like the Nissan GT-R. It also beats the previous BMW M4 GTS, as well as the insane KTM X-Bow. It's behind, but also within spitting distance of the Mustang Shelby GT350, Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera and the 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S.

It goes on sale this summer and starts at $59,990. It's set to do battle with the current BMW M3, Mercedes-AMG C-Class variants and probably an Audi or two. It rides on the same platform as the old ATS-V, internally known as the Alpha 2 platform, which also underpins the Chevy Camaro. That chassis is great anywhere GM puts it. And with lap times like these, we'll barely miss that Blackwing engine at all. Okay, maybe a little.