With the imminent release of the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V and CT4-V Blackwing, new information has been leaking out left and right. What was intended to be a sales-boosting secret, has now become the first and last word on the lips of every enthusiast since that initial steering wheel teaser photo almost a year ago. The hype for the cars is at a high due to the debut of the cars which aired during the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
To begin with the CT4-V Blackwing, we’ll start with the extensive exterior and visual upgrades. Clinging to a reshaped bumper with new intake vents is a splitter sporting a distinct lower lip. To help keep this supercharged beast on the ground, the trunk is fitted with a considerable ducktail spoiler. Keeping the drag under control, there are panels under the body that allow for increased airflow. Of course, black trim is also used throughout the car to help fit with the “Blackwing” name.
The good looks are not only limited to the exterior, but also the interior. On the inside, carbon fiber plays an extensive role in the form of carbon-fiber trim. Heating is available to the 18-way adjustable performance seats, which are featured in the front. Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and wireless phone charging are options that come standard on all of the various interior trim levels. Manual options also come equipped with a 3D-printed metal shift knob, reinforcing the CT4-V as not only a luxury vehicle but also a performance monster.
Zipping from 0-60 mph comes at a wicked 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 189mph. This is achieved through the use of a 472 horsepower twin-turbo V6 that also sports an impressive 445 lb/ft of torque. Mated to the engine is either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic. Power is sent to the 18” wheels which are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport S4 tires, 255/35R18 in front and 275/35ZR18 in the rear.
While the CT4-V is extremely impressive, the real attention is centered on the car’s “evil twin”. With a 200mph top speed, the car needs something to keep it on the ground. Just like the CT4-V, the CT5-V sports a reformed wind-tunnel tested front-end, splitter, rear valence, and a ducktail spoiler. Cadillac also added an underwing to stabilize the car at extreme speeds.
With 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque, the car shoots to 60 in just 3.7 seconds. Understandably, a tenth of a second faster may not seem like a lot but the real focus is on the 200mph top speed. That incredible performance is provided by a 6.2L V8 LT4 mated to a 6-speed manual or, once again, a 10-speed automatic. All of that power spins a full set of 19” wheels, which have a width of 10” in the front and 11” in the rear. Fortunately, the car stops with the assistance of a 15.7-inch rotor with 6 piston calipers in the front and 14.7-inch rotors with 4 piston calipers in the rear. Another option is the carbon-ceramic brake package, which allows for lighter weight.
Handling is accomplished via magnetic ride control, which allows the car to float around the track with agility and comfort. Stiffer spring rates, tougher bushings, and hollow stabilizer bars help to keep the car stable and rigid. As a result, it can obtain and sustain the extremely high speeds that it can achieve. The Comfort and stability of the CT5-V Blackwing don’t just relate to the suspension but also extends to the interior. The front seats are a pair of performance-oriented semi-aniline leather seats with carbon-fiber backs, heating, and ventilation both come standard with these seats and all of the info you might need is displayed on a 12 inch HD instrument cluster. Sound beats through an incredible 15-speaker AKG stereo setup and 3 layers of further customizable interior trim.
The Debut at Daytona in the Rolex 24 has upped the hype for these luxury performance vehicles. From the looks of it, that hype seems to be well deserved and may very well create a new age of Blackwing “super-sleeper” sedans and coupes. Delivery for the cars should start-up in the summer, and is sure to be the defining moment for the Blackwing brothers. Will the cars live up to the hype?
Elizabeth is a hardcore horsepower enthusiast with unmatched intensity for making things faster and louder. She wakes up for power and performance and only sleeps to charge up for the next project that’s heading to the track. From autocross to drag racing, Elizabeth is there with you, so stay tuned for her unique perspective on horsepower news, builds, tech info, and installs — with her, it’ll never be boring!
