Have You Heard About the New 600-Horsepower Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing?

What happened to driving? How did it lose its soul? The world may have forgotten, but Cadillac hasn’t, and they plan to connect drivers back with the road. The 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is everything right in the auto world and the most powerful Cadillac to date.

The 2022 CT5-V Blackwing has grabbed headlines with its crazy horsepower figures. So what’s powering it? Cadillac offered a revised version of their 6.2L V8 powering the CTS-V. It offers titanium intake valves, Rotocast aluminum cylinder heads, and a “track-capable wet-sump oiling and vent system with an external oil separator and drain-back.” There’s also an upgraded exhaust system and intake that offers 46 percent better airflow.

You can thank these modifications and hand-built engines for these impressive power increases. They produce a stomach-churning 668-horsepower and 659-pound-feet of torque, a 28-horsepower, and a 29-pound-feet of torque increase over the CTS-V.

It’s worth mentioning that the CT5-V Blackwing destroys the competition. Although the numbers produced by the BMW M3 (503-horsepower & 479-pound-feet of torque) and C63 S AMG (503-horsepower and 516-pound-feet of torque) are exceptional, the CT5-V Blackwing is just in a different league. It also produces more power than the E63S and BMW M5 CS, despite boasting a significantly more affordable price tag.

General Motors estimates that the CT5-V Blackwing will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds! You can do all of this with an optional 10-speed automatic transmission. Not that it matters too much in the United States (unless you’re in West Texas), keeping the accelerator in the floor will allow you to reach a top speed in excess of 200 mph. Trip to the autobahn, anyone?

Expect a Six-Speed Manual For the V-Series

Although previous generations of the CTS-V offered an eight-speed automatic, the CT5-V will come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, which we know car purists are celebrating. Are the newest automatic transmissions quicker shifting and more efficient? Yes. Does that matter? It depends on who you ask, I guess. The Blackwing will offer a twin-disc clutch that offers rev-matching and “no-lift shift” technology.

If you live in a city where manual isn’t feasible, you can also opt for a 10-speed automatic transmission. It’s tuned for the high-performance of this supercharged V8. It features a “Tap Shift / Manual Mode,” enabling a driver to use the magnesium paddle shifters to choose and hold a gear until they want to change it.

The automatic transmission behavior is adjustable through the cars driving modes. Cadillac claims that Sports Mode allows for “real-time interpretation of driving conditions” and will adjust the gearbox for a reduction of shifting to improve performance, but retain its aggressive driving dynamics. Dynamic Performance Mode is calibrated for the V-Series Blackwing to show what it can offer on the track with specific shift patterns that activate when high g forces are experienced.

Don’t Expect All-Wheel Drive

Despite the bells and whistles this beast is equipped with, only offering rear-wheel drive may be a turn off to some. However, Cadillac told journalists that all-wheel drive “didn’t improve track times and performance.” With that said, this performance sedan will not follow in the German’s footsteps.

Although it’s purposely absent of all-wheel drive, it’s equipped with an electronic limited-slip rear differential, and it’s developed for Performance Traction Management and each driving mode. It enhances the grip and sends torque to the rear wheel with the most traction in corners.

The rear end also eschews the cast iron housing and weighs 22 pounds less. It also has a high-performance integrate heat exchanger and differential cooler.

Expect the Biggest Brakes Ever Installed on a Cadillac

With great speed comes great braking, and Cadillac takes that seriously. Going fast means nothing if you can’t stop. Rounding out these impressive performance highlights are 19-inch forged aluminum wheels wrapped in specifically developed Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. Cadillac designed the wheels to accommodate the large rotors and enable the CT5-V to have the largest braking system in its history.

The Blackwing comes standard with six-piston Brembo front calipers that grab onto discs measuring 15.7 inches. In the rear, there are four-piston calipers and 14.7-inch discs.

Those who purchase the car can also opt for a carbon-ceramic braking package. It comes with crossed-drilled rotors that offer greater resistance to wear under extreme conditions and better heat management. They weigh significantly less than standard brakes and allow a 53-pound reduction in unsprung weight.

Expect a Purposeful Exterior

Although the CT5-V Blackwing offers a similar exterior to the CT5-V, there are several validated changes on the track. The most glaring difference is upfront as the Blackwing has unique mesh inserts and enlarged air intakes. It also offers extended side skirts, a front splitter, a unique rear diffuser, underbody panels, and ventilated front fenders.

If that’s not enough, you can opt for a carbon fiber package. Cadillac has remained quiet about it, other than it reduces lift by an estimated 75 percent.

Expect Carbon Fiber and a Sporty Cockpit

You’ll have the option of three interior trim levels. The base offers leather sport seats with ventilation, heating, massage, and 18-way power adjustment. You’ll also find a high-performance steering wheel with a serialized number plate, carbon fiber trim, and a V-Mode button with a Performance Traction Management switch.

You can expect other standard features, including a 10-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and a 12-inch digital instrument system. The CT5-V Blackwing also offers a wireless smartphone charger, carbon fiber trim, a 15-speaker AKG audio system, and a head-up display with a Surround Vision system.

Higher trim levels will include carbon fiber performance seats and slim headrests to accommodate helmets. The highest trim level will have classier door panels, a suede-like microfiber headliner, and an expanded color palette.

To sum it up, the CT5-V Blackwing improves on its predecessors by beefing up performance and technology. Cadillac has proven itself as an established player in this category, and its history of performance combined with luxury is unmatched. The car remains true to its roots by offering a manual transmission. Although pricing seems steep and starts at $84,990, it’s a bargain for what you get.