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We’ve seen Tesla & Porsche push the limits of what’s possible with super sedans, but Cadillac is fighting back with the 668 horsepower CT5-V Blackwing.
The Swan Song For ICE Super Sedans
It’s a strange time to be an automotive enthusiast and the 2022 Cadillac CT-5 V Blackwing only serves to make the lines more blurry. We’ve all watched as EVs went from clunky odd-looking city dwellers to outright performance machines that are unmatched in terms of straight-line performance. To that end, GM has promised to go all-electric by 2035. Still, just four days after making that announcement, they released the most powerful internal combustion engine (ICE) Cadillac ever – the CT-5 V Blackwing. What’s perhaps the most shocking about this monster of a super sedan is that, while it’s clearly the most advanced Cadillac ever, it’s decidedly archaic in the way it delivers smiles. That’s a good thing.
2022 Cadillac CT-5 V Blackwing Specs
Clearly, the figure most will focus on first is the 668 horsepower supercharged 6.2L V8 under the hood of the CT-5 V Blackwing. 659 lb-ft of torque is enough to help push this car to over 200 miles per hour. Pricing starts at $84,990 and every base CT5-V Blackwing will come with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard. No numbers for MPG have yet to be released, but if you’re reading this, that’s likely the least of your concerns.
2022 Cadillac CT-5 V Blackwing Driving & Performance
While nobody has had the chance to actually slip behind the wheel of this sedan, it’s easy to surmise what the driving experience will be like thanks to the data on hand and drawing on past V-cars. If ever there was a spiritual successor to the very first CTS-V, this seems to be it. Not only will this car come with a manual transmission, but it’s sending all of the available power straight to the back wheels.
That combination is the reason for a claimed 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds, which is objectively slow. Cadillac has listened to so many that wanted it and they’ve valued that desire over chasing specific performance numbers. Using 6-speeds rather than 7 also provides drivers with a more simplistic and distilled way to track down faster laps times. Using magnetic ride control will also provide a near-instantaneous response to the road and allow the sedan to manage everything from broken roadways to racetracks. Ultimately, we can’t wait to get behind the wheel and see what this thing feels like when at full throttle.
Considering that this is the most powerful Cadillac ever, it’s important that drivers can slow this freight train down. To make sure of that, the CT5-V Blackwing will have the largest brakes ever fitted to a Cadillac as well. Owners will have the option of either steel or carbon ceramic, the latter of which will save some 50lbs over the standard braking system.
2022 Cadillac CT-5 V Blackwing Comfort & Interior
While the performance might remind us of the original CTS-V, the interior is completely different. Back then, Cadillac was creating interiors from the general parts bin at GM. Today, they’re leading the way with incredibly plush materials like sueded-microfiber, real carbon fiber, and even 3D printed parts.
While a quick look at the interior of the CT5-V Blackwing seems to show some plastic climate control buttons, it should be noted that in recent years the same buttons in the current CT5 have been extremely high-quality. The gear shift has a large open space around it to allow for easy ergonomic use. The seats look very similar to the current CT5-V and those are well-bolstered and comfortable even after a dozen laps of a track or more.
2022 Cadillac CT-5 V Blackwing Trims & Features
No specific trims for the CT5-V Blackwing have been released, but as it’s the highest trim level of the CT5 we don’t necessarily expect it to be further broken down. Options and features will be plentiful though. Once seated behind the wheel, drivers will notice the 12-inch reconfigurable HD cluster. Set it up to help you focus on track specific parameters like boost pressure, launch RPM, and more. The car also uses a heads-up display and features an optional integrated performance data recorder so that you can watch your most recent laps and learn where you’re losing time.
If you’re planning on being on public roads for a long while, you can configure the dash for information more helpful there. Then you can also enjoy another feature, the 15-speaker AKG premium audio system. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will be standard. 19-inch wheels and tires will be standard, but a 20-inch forged aluminum wheel package will be available.
Finish your CT5-V Blackwing with carbon accents all over the place. Inside you can add sport seats with carbon accents and a performance focused carbon accented steering wheel. While no specifics have been given, Cadillac says that two different carbon exterior packages will be available and both will add real-world performance to the car.
Possibly the Last Great ICE
Appreciating the combination of features that will be found in the CT5-V Blackwing won’t come easy to most. The combination of power, rear-wheel-drive, a manual transmission, and ultra-luxury features is incredibly unique in 2021. Tack on a nearly $90,000 price tag and it’s clear that this isn’t a car for the mass market.
This sedan is for the few, for the discerning, and for those who actually care far more about the experience of driving than they do about data. It’s incredibly rare that a vehicle arrives that can dominate on a racetrack and then drive home with 3 passengers in tow. If the CT5-V Blackwing is the last great ICE enthusiast sedan, it will be a loud and clear reminder of how good these cars could be.
