Cadillac CT4-V, CT5-V Blackwing revealed

UPDATED 2/02/2021: Full details of the Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing have emerged today, revealing that the rear-drive sports sedans will pack an even bigger punch than expected with evolutions of the 3.6-litre twin-turbo V6 and 6.2-litre supercharged V8 respectively – and a manual transmission as standard on both.

GM might be moving towards EVs, but in 2021 the big-bore combustion engine still rules in its home market, where the Cadillac CT5-V stands as the most powerful Caddy ever built.

With a higher-flow air-intake and revised exhaust system, the 6.2-litre blown V8 produces 668hp (498kW) and 893Nm of torque, sending the CT5-V from 0-60mph (96.5km/h) in 3.7sec on its way to a top speed of more than 200mph (322km/h).

It’s paired with either a six-speed Tremec manual – an increasingly rare sight these days – or a 10-speed automatic.

The same transmission combo is also available on the Cadillac CT4-V, which is now described as the most powerful and fastest Caddy ever in the subcompact class.  

Revised control system software and an improved air-intake system sees its force-fed 3.6-litre V6 develop 352kW/603Nm, enabling the CT4-V to reach 60mph in just 3.8sec before maxing out at 189mph (304km/h).

Other V-rated highlights include standard fitment of Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 (billed as “the world’s fastest-reacting suspension technology”), an electronic limited-slip rear differential and a customisable integrated digital instrument cluster with Custom Launch Control and Performance Traction Management settings.

The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing features Cadillac’s largest-ever factory-installed brakes, with 398x36mm rotors up front (clamped by six-piston Brembo callipers) and 373.5x28mm rear discs (with four-piston grippers). A carbon-ceramic braking package is also available.

The CT4-V Blackwing, meanwhile, is similarly fit for purpose with front rotors measuring 380x34mm and the rears 340.5x28mm.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE PUBLISHED 1/02/2021: General Motors luxury brand Cadillac has revealed its new ultra-performance Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing models for the first time in full light and undisguised.

The sneak peek came during a 60-second video on the NBC television network’s telecast of the Daytona 24-Hour sports car race at the weekend, in which a Cadillac prototype finished second and another was denied a shot at victory by a puncture.

The video starts out as a tribute to the brand’s racing heritage and finishes with the Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V in full view.

Complete vehicle details are set to be revealed Tuesday morning Aussie time.

On sale mid-year, the Blackwings are further developments of the CT4-V and CT5-V that are the fourth generation of V-Series Cadillac has developed. Think of V-Series as Caddy’s equivalent of AMG.

Blackwing is the track-ready further development of those models. Initially, just 250 of each will be made.

US media is full of speculation about the engines driving these two cars. Car and Driver magazine suggested the compact CT4-V will get either the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 in the current CT5-V or the twin-turbo 3.6-litre V6 that was in the previous ATS-V, while the mid-size CT5-V Blackwing could see a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 with 650hp (485kW).

A series of teasers have revealed the bespoke steering wheel and performance seats the Blackwings will get, as well as confirmation the transmission choices will be six-speed manual and 10-speed auto.

The question is whether the new General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) organisation would be interested in sourcing either or both these vehicles for Australian consumption.

There’s some real attractions here given our traditional love for powerful rear-wheel drive sports sedans. But landed cost plus local right-hand drive Walkinshaw Group conversion could see the retail price escalate into nosebleed territory.

The locally-converted Chevrolet Camaro struggled because of that very cost impediment compared to the Ford Mustang.

Of course, the Cadillac Blackwing models would be going up against Mercedes-AMG and BMW M machinery, giving them a whole lot more pricing leeway.

And it’s worth noting the Cadillac name has been officially registered in Australia.

But bottom line? Don’t hold your breath. More likely headed our way years from now are Cadillac electric vehicles as the brand makes the switch away from combustion engines.