Skip to main content

Cadillac’s CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwings Mark the End of an Era

If you’re hanging out at home, crack open a beer, because Cadillac’s done it again. The American luxury brand recently debuted two of its most-awaited vehicles: the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing. Both sedans, on paper, look far superior to their successors, the ATS-V and CTS-V, respectively. Enjoying that beer you’re drinking? Well, it’s time to pour some out. Shortly after the two Blackwing models were introduced, Cadillac made another shocking announcement – these will be the last performance cars to wear a V badge to solely be powered by an internal-combustion engine. In every sense of the words, these two truly do represent the end of an era.

2022 Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwings
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Before we get too sappy, here’s the rundown on the two sedans. The compact CT4-V Blackwing (finished in red) is the smaller, more affordable of the two. Under the hood, the sedan utilizes a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 engine that’s good for 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. Over the old ATS-V, the CT4-V Blackwing has grippier Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, an updated version of magnetorheological dampers as standard equipment, larger brakes, and aluminum housing for the electronic limited-slip differential. Of course, the cabin is filled with modern equipment, like a special AKG audio system and a digital gauge cluster, but these are secondary points to the performance.

Related Guides

 

Recommended Videos

The real star of the show is the CT5-V Blackwing (the white sedan). The monstrous sedan comes with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that’s putting out 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque. Each of these engines are built at the Corvette assembly plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky by a single technician. Each technician signs the engine as a mark of their craftsmanship.

2022 Cadillac CT4-V
Image used with permission by copyright holder

 

Beyond the power, the CT5-V Blackwing features Brembo brakes, 15.7-inch front rotors, an electronic limited-slip differential, forged 19-inch wheels, sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, and coolers for the transmission and rear differential. New carbon-ceramic rotors are available for the first time, while the steering wheel features a Performance Traction Management switch. Carbon-fiber backed seats are optional, and there’s a 12-inch digital gauge cluster.

 

Both of these Blackwing models are rear-wheel drive only and both are available with six-speed manual transmissions. God bless Cadillac. Of course, these vehicles aren’t cheap. The CT4-V Blackwing is priced at $59,990, while the CT5-V Blackwing starts at $84,990. Still, they undercut the competition by a wide margin. No wonder Cadillac’s books were flooded with pre-orders within a few hours of their debuts.

2022 CT5-V Blackwing
Image used with permission by copyright holder

 

It’s hard to explain what makes these vehicles so special, but they’re exactly what enthusiasts have been asking for. The last time a sedan with a V8 engine was available with rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission was the Chevrolet SS. Even high-performance sports cars – ahem, the Corvette – ditched manuals a long time ago in their pursuit of quicker zero-to-60 mph figures and lap times. Yet, the fun dissolved. The need for the driver to play a pivotal role in getting the car around a stretch of corners became muted. All of these things, driver engagement, V8 engines, manual transmissions, rear-wheel drive, are on the chopping block with the rise of electric vehicles and self-driving technology. It’s the price of progress.

 

For General Motors, Cadillac’s future is EV and semi-autonomous-tech heavy. The CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing have no place in that future. By today’s standards, the pair are actually dinosaurs. That’s what makes them so special. Not only do these vehicles come with the holy trinity of features – rear-wheel drive, a manual transmission, and incredibly powerful engines – they do so at a time when few others do. Know how many sporty cars Chevrolet offers with rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission? One. It’s the Camaro.

2022 CT5-V Blackwing
Image used with permission by copyright holder

 

It’s not just GM that’s looking down a barrel with its V8 engines. In an earlier interview with CNBC, Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis stated that “the days of an iron block supercharged 6.2-liter V8 are numbered” because of compliance costs. Not only that, but V8-powered vehicles simply can’t match electric cars these days. The recently refreshed Tesla Model S is now pushing out over 1,100 horsepower and has a zero-to-60 mph time that’s below 2 seconds. The Porsche Taycan Turbo S has 750 horsepower and can get to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds. Upcoming pickup trucks like the GMC Hummer EV and Rivian R1T are expected to arrive with more horsepower and better performance than the Blackwing models.

 

Cadillac’s decision to come out with the CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing during this phase when performance cars are transitioning to the green side is astounding. The internal-combustion engine’s days are numbered. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid technology may extend the timeline a bit, but American V8s are on track to become extinct in the same way as the Western Black Rhino – painfully, slowly, and one poor creature at a time.

2022 Cadillac CT4-V
Image used with permission by copyright holder

 

This certainly seems like the end of the line. If it is, what a glorious send-off. Consumers that get to purchase one of these special sedans get to enjoy the best of what cars with internal-combustion engines could offer. Everyone should say a hushed “thank you” to Cadillac for going out in a bang and not a silent whirl of electricity.

Joel Patel
Former Freelance Writer
Joel Patel is a former contributor for The Manual. His work has also been featured on Autoweek, Digital Trends, Autoblog…
Jeep unveils the all-new Cherokee to debut late 2025
New Jeep Cherokee coming late 2025
Jeep Cherokee

When the Cherokee left Jeep's lineup at the end of 2023, it created a noticeable gap between the smaller Compass and the midsize Grand Cherokee, leaving a lot of potential buyers wondering what happened. The Cherokee has always been a strong player in a super competitive field, going head-to-head with big names like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox, and Hyundai Tucson. So, it was a bit confusing when Jeep pulled the plug on the last generation without having a replacement lined up. After two years of sitting on the sidelines, Jeep is finally bringing the Cherokee back.

Recently, Jeep shared the first teasers of the new SUV ahead of its big reveal and expected launch later this year. Fans of classic Cherokees might be excited about the new model’s design, which goes back to a boxier, more rugged look that feels true to Jeep's roots. To highlight this, Jeep put out a cool image showing the new model alongside the older XJ-series Cherokees from the '80s and early 2000s. The 2026 version sports a flatter front end and squared-off headlights that remind many of the classic models, and the roofline is more upright, giving it a tougher vibe.
“The all-new Jeep Cherokee headlines our efforts to deliver more product, innovation, choice and standard content to customers than ever before,” said Bob Broderdorf, Jeep CEO. “Jeep Cherokee will boast competitive pricing that strikes at the core of the largest vehicle segment and sits perfectly between Jeep Compass and Jeep Grand Cherokee to bolster our winning mainstream lineup.”
Right now, Jeep offers a mix of vehicles, including gas engines and plug-in hybrids with their clever 4xe technology available in models like the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler. There’s a chance the new Cherokee could include a basic gas engine—maybe the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder found in the Compass—alongside a 4xe hybrid model or even an all-electric version. For now, more details are still under wraps, but fans are eager to find out what Jeep has in store as the launch date gets closer.

Read more
The 2025 BMW X7 M60i may be the sportiest full-sized SUV on the market
Driving this, you forget you're in a full-sized SUV
Front 3/4 view of a a blue BMW X7 M60i

The luxury SUV market is a little crowded these days, so sometimes it’s difficult to stand out. There’s an argument that you should play to your historic strengths if you want to succeed, and that’s likely what BMW has done with the X7 M60i SUV. The vehicle is much larger than your average Blimmer, but at its core, it has all of the qualities that BMW customers tend to appreciate.

I recently spent some time looking at BMW’s biggest SUV, which has been enhanced with an “M” package. So, before hopping in the driver’s seat, I was already expecting a good amount of comfort paired with exceptional power. This is why the X7 M60i did not disappoint on either front.
It’s very aggressive, like a tiger on a leash

Read more
Bridgestone’s new touring tire comes with an 80,000 mile warranty
Bridgestone Launches All-New Turanza EverDrive Touring Tire
bridgestones new touring tire comes with an 80000 mile warranty bridgestone turanza everdrive  3

Since we started using a set of Firehawk Indy 500 tires a few months ago, Bridgestone has really impressed us with their dedication to quality and innovation in the tire scene. This week, they’ve introduced an exciting new addition—the Turanza EverDrive touring tire, and it's backed by an incredible 80,000-mile warranty, which is their longest yet.

These tires are designed for sedans, CUVs, and minivans, and they come with some really new and useful technology. The next-generation rubber compound helps fight against uneven wear, so you can expect them to last you longer. Plus, they’ll give you a smooth and comfortable ride, perfect for all your daily adventures with or without the family.

Read more