Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: Performance Review

MichaelC · 2022-12-19T02:46:28Z

Explore MichaelC's journey to acquire the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, a rare super-sedan with a 6-speed manual. Discover why collectors value its driving dynamics over rivals.

MichaelC

WPS member · Automotive forum

49 replies9254 views6 photos

MichaelC's detailed account of acquiring the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing offers a rare glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of securing a highly allocated, enthusiast-focused vehicle. His journey, marked by navigating dealer allocations and comparing it to other performance sedans, provides invaluable insights for collectors considering a modern American performance icon. This article distills the community's reactions and MichaelC's own reflections on what makes this 'final internal combustion engine' V-Series Cadillac a truly special machine.

Allow me to share this magnificent beast, which arrived 1 month ago. I initially ordered the car in September 2021. I had much to learn about ordering such a rare vehicle (less than 1800 produced in 2022, the first production year). Not quite as bad as say a first time AP buyer who walks into a boutique and asks if they have a 16202 available, but there is a process here. For Cadillac, these V series cars are allocated to the dealers who sell the most. So if you are in market with small demand, as I am in Colorado, there are no dealers getting multiple units in short order. The dealer I originally ordered through in 9/21 has received (2) CT5-V Blackwings to this date. I was #9 on their list. Luckily, I learned early on it would not happen there, and ordered a 2nd car from a dealer in Texas 12/21.

Along the way, I had brief 2 month ownership periods with both a 2022 CT4-V Blackwing (magnificent machine) and a 2022 M4 Competition xDrive (maybe most "perfect" car I ever tried, but also the reason I sold it, very devoid of driving character). The smaller Blackwing I knew I would not keep, the BMW was a very intriguing car but in the end not what I was looking for.

If Patek is "an old man's watch", Cadillac is certainly perceived as that for car brands. I am still a bit South of 50, so I am not yet retired in Florida going 25mph in a 30 with a line of cars behind me ;-) The V-Series is really not made for that client anyways, but rather for the person chasing driving dynamics. This car has that in spades.

The styling is simple but sinister, at least to my eyes. Nothing as polarizing and head turning as the front of the M4, but I have always been drawn to under-the-radar things.

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This baby got back...

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And the real treasure of the "final internal combustion engine" V-Series Cadillac? A 6-speed manual transmission!

A very robust unit too, built to handle the outrageous 668 HP and 659 FT-LBs delivered from the supercharged LT4 V8 engine. And all of this power is delivered only to the rear wheels; no AWD option is offered on Cadillac Blackwing. That is a good thing for driving dynamics.

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I have only today pushed through 500 miles, which is a somewhat magical moment as the full RPM range can then be utilized and the dash displays as much. I feel I have hardly pushed it yet, and still the torque is so prodigious it is easy to spin tires in the first 3 gears. The electronics have very advanced traction systems suitable for many different environments, including track use, where Cadillac has achieved incredibly impressive lap times with this 4100+ LB behemoth. The Blackwing is supposed to represent the very best of what Cadillac Racing engineers could offer in a car, and my initial impression is they have created a future legend with this setup.

Key Points from the Discussion

The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is considered one of the most compelling 'super-sedan' offerings, especially when compared to rivals like the BMW M5, which is often perceived as too comfort-oriented despite its advanced suspension.
The BMW M4 Competition xDrive, while blistering fast and featuring a premium interior, is described as 'clinical' and 'sterile' with vague steering, lacking the engaging driving character sought by true enthusiasts.
Owners of new Cadillac V-Series vehicles are offered a complimentary two-day driving class at Spring Mountain, Nevada, providing an opportunity to learn to confidently push the car's limits on a track.
The 6-speed manual transmission in the CT5-V Blackwing is highly praised for its precision, short throws, and solid action, contrasting sharply with the 'rubbery' and 'mushy' feel of BMW's manual gearbox.
The CT5-V Blackwing's value is expected to remain strong, particularly if production is discontinued soon, making it a potentially sound investment compared to BMWs which tend to depreciate rapidly.
The Blackwing comes standard with proprietary Michelin tires, which are highly regarded but will be expensive to replace, and the car's powerful V8 engine and rear-wheel drive make it prone to spinning tires in lower gears.

The Discussion

John-E-Mac

Dec 19, 2022

What a beast! Did not know of such a wonderful car (I drive a Prius). Please share more.

MichaelC

Dec 19, 2022

I promise more thoughts to come.

TeutonicCarFan

Dec 19, 2022

That engine and manual. The tops. Thanks for sharing!

patrick_y

Dec 19, 2022

I like V8s and I cannot lie! And this is THE CADILLAC that speaks to me the most! I've never had the pleasure of driving the CT5 (at least I don't think so - I did have the pleasure of driving a Cadillac CT something with AWD as a rental car in San Diego and I did not like it) but I've been told by many car journalists that this is a wonderful and underrated machine. Big congrats on being able to find one of these beasts! My E-Class AMG says Howdy! Keep it easy through break-in and you've got al

MichaelC

Dec 19, 2022

The base CT5 is an under powered car, and let's be honest, GM materials always trail competitors. The regular V steps up to a turbo charged V6, but the Blackwing model is a whole different animal, made for and focused on serious driving dynamics. You nail the BMW M4 - "clinical". It was blistering fast, less than 3 seconds to 60. But it felt sterile. Steering feel is vague, or maybe I should say I did not feel the front end so much. The interior was to die for, so wonderfully executed. The mater

ArmisT

Dec 19, 2022

Congratulations! I never would have thought a Cadillac could come with such specs. And the manual shift totally floored me! I would like to hear more about that choice/preference. Have your M3 and other previous cars all been manual? I’m glad you were able to make this happen. Enjoy it in great health.

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