When the sported-up Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V models hit the market two years ago, they failed to live up to the glory of their predecessors, the ATS-V and CTS-V. Could the new Blackwing series redeem for that frustration? Let’s find out!
Both cars come powered by their predecessors’ engines and tech. In the case of the CT4-V Blackwing, this means a 3.6-liter turbocharged V6 rated at 479 hp (357 kW). The ATS-V was marginally less powerful with 470 hp (350 kW). he torque stays unchanged at 603 Nm (445 lb-ft). Getting from zero to 97 km/h (60 miles per hour) takes 3.8 seconds, and the top speed lies at 304 km/h (189 mph).
The CT5-V Blackwing borrows its 6.2-liter V8 from the Corvette. It also packs an upgraded version of the 1.7L Eaton supercharger, which helps it produce 677 hp (505 kW) and 893 Nm (660 lb-ft) of torque. For comparison, theold CTS-V had 649 hp (484 kW) and 854 Nm (630 lb-ft). The standard sprint takes 3.7 seconds to complete, and the top speed lies at 322 km/h (200 miles per hour). While kind of impressive, there’s no avoiding the fact that the BMW M5 CS makes it to 60 mph in three seconds flat.
Six-speed Tremec transmission comes standard, and you can pay extra to get a ten-speed auto gearbox instead. The drive is on the rear axle, and the differential has an electronic lock on it.
The CT4-V ships with 18-inch wheels and its big brother with 19-inch ones, both wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. Brembo brake calipers feature six pistons on the front axle and four pistons in the back. Carbon-ceramic brakes can be obtained for the CT5-V Blackwing if you don’t mind paying premium.
On the outside, you will tell the performance sedans from their mundane counterparts by larger air intakes, diffusers, massive exhaust finishers and extra air intakes behind the front wheels. A carbon-fiber spoiler and splitter are available, too.
The interior makes use of bucket seats and a 12-inch digital dashboard with an updated GUI. You can use steering wheel controls to switch between Sport and Track modes, and there is a V-Mode button for an easy switch to a “no-holds-barred” manner of driving. The CT5-V Blackwing can be purchased with lightweight carbon-fiber seats.
Pre-orders are already running, with shipments scheduled to begin in the fall. Cadillac promises to build 250 units of each model until the end of the year. The CT4-V Blackwing starts from U.S. $60,000, and the CT5-V Blackwing is considerably more expensive at $85,000 before options. To put things into perspective, $70,000 buys you a BMW M3 in North America, and $104,000 nets you an M5.