Key Takeaways
- The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is the only remaining manual, V8, rear-wheel drive sedan in America, offering a unique and cherished driving experience.
- With a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 668 horsepower, the CT5-V Blackwing combines raw power with advanced handling technologies for thrilling performance.
- Unlike its hybrid and AWD competitors, the CT5-V Blackwing retains the pure, tactile feel of a traditional performance sedan, making it a standout choice for enthusiasts.
In a world where electric powertrains and autonomous driving technology increasingly define vehicles, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing stands out in the eyes of petrolheads for a contrasting reason — it’s the last of a dying breed.
The CT5-V Blackwing combines what’s great about yesterday’s automotive tech with a modern shell for modern times. It’s the only sedan in America with a V8 engine, a manual gearbox, and rear-wheel drive—a combination that used to define performance sedans but is now almost extinct. This makes the CT5-V Blackwing a unique and cherished gem in the automotive space.-
But what exactly makes the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing such a standout in the current market? It’s not just about nostalgia for a bygone era of motoring. The Blackwing still has cutting-edge technology and performance features that put it head and shoulders above its competition. And if you’re someone who simply appreciates a powerful and practical machine, the CT5-V Blackwing is a car worthy of your attention.
Here, we’ll dive deep into what makes this American sedan so special. By the end of this piece, you’ll understand why the CT5-V Blackwing is not just a great car but one of the most important enthusiast vehicles available today.
Background
Cadillac’s V-Series line represents the pinnacle of the brand’s performance capabilities, blending luxury with high-octane thrills. The CT5-V Blackwing is this philosophy’s latest and arguably greatest embodiment.
The V-Series began in 2004 with the introduction of the CTS-V, a model that shocked the industry by proving that Cadillac could compete with the best performance sedans from Europe. With its potent V8 engine and refined handling, the CTS-V set the stage for future V-Series vehicles. Over the years, Cadillac continued to refine and enhance this formula, culminating in the CT5-V Blackwing.
The development of the CT5-V Blackwing was a complex process aimed at creating the ultimate performance sedan. Cadillac’s engineers were tasked with crafting a car that could stand toe-to-toe with the most revered names in the automotive world, like the M5 and AMG E63. The result is a vehicle that combines raw power, precise handling, and cutting-edge technology in a way that few cars can match.
Float Like a Cadillac, Sting Like a Beemer
The heart of any great performance car is its engine, and the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing does not disappoint. At the core of the CT5-V Blackwing is the LT4 engine, which is one of the most exciting of its kind. This supercharged 6.2-liter V8 produces a jaw-dropping 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful engines ever fitted to a Cadillac. The supercharger ensures immediate throttle response and a surge of power across the rev range, providing an exhilarating driving experience that few sedans can match.
Transmission Options: Manual vs. Automatic
The CT5-V Blackwing offers two transmission options, each catering to different driving preferences. The standard six-speed manual transmission is a purist’s dream, featuring No-Lift Shift functionality and Active Rev-Matching. These features allow drivers to shift gears without lifting their foot off the accelerator and ensure smooth downshifts, respectively. The manual transmission enhances driver engagement and preserves a tactile connection to the car that many enthusiasts crave.
For those who prefer an automatic transmission, Cadillac offers a quick-shifting 10-speed automatic. This transmission is designed to maximize the engine’s performance, enabling the Blackwing to achieve blistering acceleration times. In fact, the automatic-equipped Blackwing can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
But let’s be honest: you choose the CT5-V for the endangered manual gearbox.
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Advanced Handling and Suspension
The CT5-V Blackwing is equipped with Performance Traction Management (PTM), a system that allows drivers to optimize the car’s performance based on their skill level and driving conditions. PTM includes five distinct modes that adjust the car’s throttle response, suspension settings, and traction control to suit different driving scenarios, from daily commuting to spirited track driving.
Another key feature is the magnetorheological dampers, which continuously adjust the suspension stiffness in real-time based on road conditions and driving style. This tech provides a perfect balance between comfort and performance, ensuring the Blackwing is just as capable on a twisty mountain road as it is on a long highway cruise.
For those who love straight-line speed, the CT5-V Blackwing’s launch control feature is a game-changer. This system allows drivers to achieve maximum acceleration from a standstill by optimizing engine power and traction. Paired with the limited-slip differential ensuring power is evenly distributed to the rear wheels, the Blackwing can launch off the line with minimal wheel spin and maximum grip — thus the supercar-like 0 to 60 figure.
Real-World Fuel Economy
While performance is a priority, the CT5-V Blackwing also delivers respectable fuel economy for its class. The automatic transmission variant achieves EPA ratings of 13 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. The manual version is slightly less efficient on the highway, with a rating of 21 mpg, but in real-world testing by Car and Driver, it managed to achieve an impressive 24 mpg on a 75-mph highway route. This balance of power and efficiency makes the Blackwing a practical choice for enthusiasts who also need a daily driver.
Busy Styling, But It Gets the Job Done
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing makes a bold statement with its design and aesthetics. From its aggressive exterior styling to its luxurious and technologically advanced interior, the Blackwing is a car that commands attention and exudes sophistication. Cadillac has carefully crafted every detail to ensure the Blackwing is as visually striking as it is thrilling to drive.
Exterior Design
The CT5-V Blackwing’s exterior design is a blend of elegance and aggression. For the 2025 model year, Cadillac has introduced several updates that enhance the car’s visual appeal. The front end features a wider, reshaped grille that gives the car a more assertive presence on the road. This new front, while it may feel a bit crowded, is flanked by updated daytime running lights that extend in a continuous line down to the restyled lower grille, creating a sleek and modern look.
To differentiate the Blackwing from the standard CT5, Cadillac has added more diagonal creases and cutlines, giving the car a dynamic and purposeful stance. Fake air vents below the new stacked headlights add a touch of sportiness, while the black rear spoiler enhances the car’s aerodynamic profile. Additionally, three new metallic paint options—Deep Space, Typhoon, and Drift—offer buyers the chance to personalize their Blackwing with a unique and eye-catching finish.
Interior Features
Step inside the CT5-V Blackwing, and you’re greeted by a cabin that attempts to balance luxury and performance. The centerpiece of the interior is the new 33.0-inch curved display that integrates the infotainment and instrument panel. This high-resolution screen looks stunning and provides a seamless and intuitive user experience.
The interior is upholstered in premium materials, including leather and microfiber, which provide a comfortable and luxurious environment. The front seats are ventilated and offer massaging functions with 18-way power adjustments, ensuring both driver and passenger can find their ideal seating position. Ambient lighting, including light animations on the climate controls, adds a touch of sophistication to the cabin.
However, despite these high-end features, the overall interior quality leaves something to be desired, especially considering the car’s price tag. While the materials are an upgrade from the standard CT5, they still fall short of the true luxury experience expected from a vehicle in this price range. Some elements, such as certain trim pieces’ design and material quality, feel more like those in a Chevy. This discrepancy may leave some buyers questioning the value proposition of the Blackwing’s cabin.
Customization and High-Tech Features
That said, Cadillac offers a range of customization options to suit individual tastes. High-performance sport seats with leather and microfiber upholstery are available as an upgrade, and these come bundled with matching door panel inserts. These seats look great and provide excellent support during spirited driving.
Despite its performance credentials, the CT5-V Blackwing doesn’t sacrifice practicality. The trunk offers the same size and shape as the standard CT5, easily accommodating five carry-on cases during testing. This makes the Blackwing a viable option for those needing a car to handle daily duties and weekend adventures.
In addition, The CT5-V Blackwing is packed with advanced technology to enhance the driving experience. The infotainment system features a secondary rotary controller on the center console, providing an alternative to the touchscreen for those who prefer physical controls. Cadillac’s newly available apps display a dyno-style graph of power and torque, as well as additional readouts for tire temperature and engine performance information.
The Performance Data Recorder adds a lap analysis function, allowing drivers to save their best laps and analyze their performance with detailed data. Wireless smartphone charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, onboard Wi-Fi, and a 16-speaker AKG stereo also come standard.
The Last of Its Kind
Needless to say, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is a rare gem in today’s automotive landscape, where the trend increasingly leans towards electrification and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems. Its unique combination of a supercharged V8 engine, manual transmission, and RWD setup makes it an exclusive offering in the market. This configuration delivers a visceral driving experience and harks back to the golden era of high-performance sedans.
Priced around $96,000, the CT5-V Blackwing offers exceptional value for its performance and features. Its affordability, relative to European competitors, makes it an attractive option for enthusiasts seeking an engaging driving experience without breaking the bank. Cadillac’s decision to retain a manual transmission has resonated with a dedicated segment of the market, as evidenced by the nearly 50 percent take rate for the manual-equipped models in 2023.
The Blackwing vs The Paradox of Choice
To appreciate its unique position, let’s compare the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing with some of its main competitors in terms of performance, value, and driving experience.
2025 BMW M5 Hybrid
The 2025 BMW M5 Hybrid represents a significant shift for the M5 lineage, combining a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine with an electric motor to deliver a total of 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. This plug-in hybrid system allows the M5 to achieve a 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds. The M5 also offers an electric-only range of approximately 25 miles, catering to those looking for improved efficiency without sacrificing performance. However, the M5’s AWD system and 8-speed M Steptronic transmission, while enhancing grip and stability, lack the pure driving engagement of the Blackwing’s manual and RWD setup. Additionally, the M5’s higher base MSRP of $119,500 plus destination and handling fees places it in a more expensive segment compared to the Blackwing.
2025 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4-Door
The 2025 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4-Door combines a handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with an electric drive unit, producing an astounding 805 horsepower and 1,047 lb-ft of torque. This allows the AMG GT 63 to rocket from 0-60 mph in just 2.7 seconds, making it one of the quickest sedans available. Despite its impressive performance, the AMG GT 63’s luxurious features and higher price tag make it less accessible than the CT5-V Blackwing. Moreover, the focus on straight-line speed and luxury diminishes the driver engagement found in the Cadillac’s more traditional performance sedan setup.
2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid
The 2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid features a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine paired with a 150kW electric motor, generating a combined 670 horsepower and 686 lb-ft of torque. This setup enables the Panamera to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds, with a top speed of 174 mph. The Panamera offers a blend of performance and practicality, with a spacious cargo capacity of up to 44.3 cubic feet. However, like its rivals, the Panamera’s AWD system and automated manual transmission do not provide the same level of driver involvement as the CT5-V Blackwing’s manual and RWD configuration. Additionally, the Porsche’s starting price is significantly higher, placing it in a different market segment.
Last Words
Looking to the future of high-performance sedans, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing stands as a reminder of a bygone era. Its rivals may boast hybrid technology and outpace it in a straight line, but the Blackwing retains the pure, unfiltered soul of a true performance sedan.
Much like the revered E60 M5 with its V10 engine and manual transmission from almost 2 decades ago, the CT5-V Blackwing offers an authentic driving experience that modern setups often dilute. It’s a rare blend of old-school charm and modern sophistication, a testament to what driving should feel like.
As these cars become rarer, the CT5-V Blackwing will be remembered as one of the last to offer such a genuine connection between car and driver. And while it’s rare for me to recommend a Cadillac to anyone hunting for something in this segment, I actually encourage you to give this one a try, because you may as well end up with one of the best driver’s cars you can buy this year that’s going extinct sooner than later.
Gallery: 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
