The 2022 Cadillac Blackwings Have Finally Landed

Now that the 2022 Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing models are finally arriving into the hands of owners and dealer showrooms, the performance reviews coming in from automotive journalists have been nothing but stellar.

Below, is an excellent summary that appeared in GM’s TechLink publication outlining just what these new high performance Cadillacs bring to the table as well as the track:

– By Blake Streling

The 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing (Fig. 1) and CT5-V Blackwing (Fig. 2) are, simply put, the most track-capable Cadillacs ever. Boasting power, handling, refinement and luxury that leverage a Cadillac racing history that began in 1949, the Blackwing models were developed to excel in driver engagement and performance.

Fig. 1

Based on the precision dynamics of the CT4-V and CT5-V, the Blackwing models are capable of delivering extreme performance. The CT4-V Blackwing has an estimated top track speed of 189 mph while the CT5-V Blackwing has an estimated top track speed of over 200 mph.

Fig. 2

Both Blackwing models went through intensive track validation to ensure consistent performance in challenging conditions, including:

• 24-hour continuous track testing with the available automatic transmission, available carbon fiber aero package, aluminum wheels and available carbon ceramic brake package
• 12-hour continuous track testing with the standard manual transmission, available carbon fiber aero package, aluminum wheels and available carbon ceramic brake package

Powerful Performance

The CT5-V Blackwing features the 6.2L supercharged V8 engine (RPO LT4), which generates 668 horsepower and 659 lb.-ft. of torque. Each engine is hand-built at GM’s Bowling Green Assembly facility and includes a signed engine builder’s plate. (Fig. 3)

Fig. 3

The cast aluminum engine block is a cam-in-block, deep skirt, 90-degree V-configuration. The cylinder heads are cast aluminum and have pressed-in-place powdered metal valve guides and valve seats. The lightweight pistons are forged aluminum with a recessed top and barrel-shaped skirt. The piston pins are a full-floating design and are treated with a thin, very hard, DLC (Diamond Like Coating) coating that reduces friction and protects the piston pin from wear.

The structural dry-sump oil pan is cast aluminum. It incorporates an oil filter mounting boss, drain plug openings, oil pump screen, and internal oil passages. An external oil cooler assembly is mounted directly to the left side of the oil pan.

The compact, high-output 1.7L four-lobe Eaton supercharger uses small-diameter rotors that enable boost to be generated earlier in the RPM band for instantaneous response. The lower intake manifold housing has an integrated intercooler to enhance the effectiveness of the supercharger.

The 3.6L twin-turbo V6 engine (RPO LF4) (Fig. 4) in the CT4-V Blackwing produces 472 horsepower and 445 lb.-ft. of torque. The cylinder block is unique to the LF4 engine due to the need for specific turbocharger oil and coolant connections and PCV flow, and is constructed of aluminum alloy by precision sand-casting with cast-in-place iron cylinder liners.

Fig. 4

The twin turbochargers are controlled by solenoid-controlled vacuum-actuated wastegate and recirculation valves. The valves manage the engine’s boost pressure and torque response for consistent performance across the RPM band. The wastegates regulate the boost pressure of the engine by providing a bypass path for the exhaust.

Two Transmission Options

A Tremec 6-speed manual transmission is standard on both models; a 10-speed automatic with paddle-shifters is available.

The standard Tremec 6-speed (RPO MG9) manual transmission incorporates an aluminum case and fully synchronized gearing with an enhanced synchronizer cone arrangement.

The transmission features Active Rev Matching – adjusting engine speed to match anticipated downshifts automatically – and No Lift Shifting – enabling gear shifts without releasing the accelerator pedal and allowing the turbos to remain spooled for faster lap times.

Clutch and brake pedals are positioned for optimal driver ergonomics while shorter shifter ratios than previous generations provide more precise shifts. (Fig. 5)

Fig. 5

The 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission (RPO MHU) uses four planetary gear sets, two brake clutches and four rotating clutches. The shift-by-wire system of the Electronic Transmission Range Selector (ETRS) eliminates the shift cable and helps reduce noise and vibration.

The automatic transmission also offers Tap Shift/Manual Mode, enabling the driver to use the integrated magnesium paddle shifters to select a gear and hold it until selecting the next gear, up or down. (Fig. 6)

Fig. 6

Pushing performance further is the Dynamic Performance Mode, which is calibrated specifically for the V-Series Blackwings to deliver track-focused shift patterns. The system automatically activates when high g-forces are experienced in Sport or Track mode.

An Electronic Limited Slip Rear Differential is standard on both models and features a light-weight aluminum housing and enhancements designed to improve track performance. The system increases road grip by automatically allocating torque to the rear wheel with the most traction during hard cornering.

Brakes and Suspension

Both V-Series Blackwing models feature advanced high-performance braking systems. The CT5-V Blackwing uses 15.67 x 1.42-inch (398 X 36 mm) front rotors and 14.7 x 1.1-inch (373.5 x 28 mm) rear rotors and the CT4-V Blackwing uses 14.96 x 1.34-inch (380 X 34 mm) front rotors and 13.4 x 1.1-inch (340.5 x 28 mm) rear rotors.

The CT5-V Blackwing also offers an available lightweight carbon-ceramic brake package featuring cross-drilled rotors, which provides enhanced durability and heat management under extreme conditions while reducing unsprung mass and rotating mass.

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires were developed exclusively for the V-Series Blackwing models for a balance of track capability and road comfort. The mold shape of each tire has been specifically engineered for Blackwing models to optimize contact with the road and deliver outstanding wet traction, street and track durability, and rolling resistance.

The performance tires are mounted to forged aluminum alloy wheels with staggered widths, front to rear. (Fig. 7) The forged wheels are stronger and lighter than conventional cast aluminum.

Fig. 7

Enhancements to the Macpherson strut front suspension and five-link independent rear suspension include stiffer spring rates, unique hollow stabilizer bars and higher-rate bushings the provide a driving experience that isolates the driver from road imperfections.

Providing a further balance between daily driving comfort and high-performance track capability is the Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 system with Blackwing-specific tuning. New accelerometers and an inertial measurement unit transmit and process changes in road conditions four times faster than the previous generation system. Plus, the secondary temperature maps compensate for changes in damper fluid temperature for more consistent performance.

To achieve even greater performance on the track, Custom Launch Control and Performance Traction Management settings are available through the customizable, integrated digital gauge cluster. (Fig. 8)

Fig. 8

Aerodynamic Design

The functional exterior design elements of the Blackwing models add to their performance capabilities on the track as well. The specific grilles, rear spoiler, front splitter, mid-body panels (Fig. 9), rear diffuser, fender vents, and rocker extensions help reduce lift on a track or support propulsion system cooling.

Fig. 9

Available carbon fiber packages further reduce lift on a track, compared to the models’ respective standard aero packages — including a 214 percent reduction in lift on the CT4-V Blackwing. (Fig. 10)

Fig. 10

Interior Technology

There are three levels of premium interiors, each with unique trim, appointments and technologies, which offer functionality, finish and refinement, including available carbon fiber seatbacks and trim components. (Fig. 11)

Fig. 11

The CT5-V Blackwing features standard Surround Vision with recording and a Head-Up Display (HUD). The HUD is themed to match each of the three display personas, including different notifications, such as a tachometer reading on the Sport setting and shift lights with the Track setting.

Adding to the sights and sounds for the driver to enjoy are an available premium AKG audio system with 14 speakers (CT4-V Blackwing) or 15 speakers (CT5-V Blackwing) and a configurable instrument cluster with a 12-inch-diagonal HD display. The instrument cluster includes unique V-Series Blackwing graphics and customizable performance settings, such as a Track screen with performance timers for 0-60 mph, quarter-mile acceleration, lap timer and more. (Fig. 12]

Fig. 12

In addition, the available second-generation Performance Data Recorder provides improved recording capabilities and new levels of driving analysis. It allows drivers to record every aspect of their driving, including real-time audio and front camera video, as well as 34 channels of performance data for detailed analysis. (Fig. 13]

Fig. 13

Limited Edition Matte Paint Finish

A limited production run of the 2022 CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing feature a low-gloss matte Dark Emerald Frost paint finish (RPO G7W). (Fig. 14) The matte finish is completely unique from other automotive paints and requires specific care. It uses a distinct coating that diffuses and absorbs light to create a unique “flat” finish. The result is an appearance that distinguishes itself. While the clear topcoat chemistry is the same high quality clear used for high gloss vehicles, special care must be taken to preserve the unique low gloss appearance.

Fig. 14

To maintain appearance of the matte finish, do not rub the paint surface, only wipe lightly. Rubbing the finish will create bright spots and an uneven appearance. Refer to the updated PDI form before washing or servicing vehicles with the matte finish. Liquid car wash soap and water as well as mild, non-abrasive bug/tar removers are the only cleaning materials that should be used to clean the low-gloss matte paint. For more information on care instructions for the unique matte finish, refer to Bulletin #15-NA-034

TIP: A Dark Emerald Frost delivery packet will be shipped to the dealership that includes instructions for the PDI process, paint care tips and a Customer Care Guide. The paint care guidelines must be reviewed with the customer at the time of delivery.

Lifting the Vehicle

The vehicle should be lifted so that the hoist pads and/or lift arms do not contact the rocker panel molding. The hoist pad must be located in the designated area.

In the front location, place the lift pads on the rocker outer panel weld flange. In the rear location, place the lift pads on the rocker outer panel rear cradle brace. Care should be taken to ensure the hoist pad is inside the rocker panel molding cut out area (notch) to prevent damage to the vehicle.

Source:  GM TechLink

Additional Resources:

• Official Cadillac Blackwing Registry
• Blackwing Discussion Forums