Cadillac's two hottest models are called Blackwing, though they don't come with the engine that gave them that name. Don't worry about it, though, because what you need to know about the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and the CT5-V Blackwing is that they both offer impressive performance in four-door form and that one of them is the most powerful production car to ever wear a Cadillac crest in the grille.
We'll start with the CT5-V Blackwing, which stuffs a supercharged 6.2L V8 under the car's long hood, complete with 668 hp and 659 lb-ft of torque. The hand-built V8, made at the same factory where the Corvette comes together, gets a supercharger designed for quicker response and is fitted with rotocast heads GM says can better handle the heat.
To help handle that power, the nose of the CT5 has been redesigned and all of the visible vents are functional to feed the engine and cool the radiators, intercooler, and brakes. The V8 gets a special (wet-sump) oiling system that's been set up for high-G track work.
Boosting the CT4-V Blackwing is a 3.6L twin-turbo V6 making 472 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque which, at just 3.8-seconds, is only 0.1-seconds slower to 60 mph than its bigger sibling. This V6 gets new turbochargers and re-targeted piston oil squirters, while stick-shift cars get titanium connecting rods.
Yes, that said stick-shift cars, as both of these Blackwings will come with a six-speed stick as standard, and Cadillac expects around a quarter of buyers to keep it. The Tremec manual has a twin-disc clutch for better feel, active rev-matching, and no-lift shift, as well as pedals positioned for better heel-and-toe.
For the majority of buyers who only want two pedals, the 10-speed auto was tested for 24 hours of constant track use (just 12 hrs for the MT) and that lead to a special oil pan and valve changes to ensure it can handle the power, torque, and lateral acceleration. An auxiliary pump primes the gearbox for better cold performance before you even get in, and there are multiple shift control modes including magnesium paddles for DIY.
Exterior appearance changes include full LED lighting and widened fenders, plus larger grilles and a new mesh design for better airflow. Inside, AKG premium audio us standard as is a new performance steering wheel. Both Blackwing models will offer three trim levels starting with 18-way adjustable seats but Level 1 and Level 2 performance seats available, while CT5's come with ventilation. A new 12.3-inch digital dash cluster has track modes and various display configurations and the cars include Performance Data Recorder 2.0 telemetry.
Both Blackwing cars use the latest version of GM's fancy Magnetic Ride Control dampers, the version first introduced on the standard V cars that Cadillac says is the world's fastest reacting suspension. On Blackwing it has stiffer springs, special stabiliser bars, and new bushings, all to deliver track-ready without the punishing ride. Shock tower braces, stiffer rear cradle mounts, thicker cross members, and an underside shear plate all work to stiffen the cars.
Lastly, rubber, with both cars offering staggered setup Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires in a compound designed specifically for the Blackwings. Cadillac says they use an "R compound" for most of the tread, a term usually used by track-day and autocross enthusiasts and reserved for race-ready tires that just happen to be street legal. The CT5 version gets 275 front, 305 rears on 19-inch wheels, while CT4 has 255 and 275 on 18s.
Order books open tonight with deliveries expected to start in the summer. The 2021 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing stats from $67,198, while the CT5-V Blackwing is from $89,898, both including destination.
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