The First Cadillac V-Series Blackwings Reach Customers

As we found out yesterday from a couple of our forum members, the first Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing models are finally getting into customer hands.

One of our members, Tall Steve, took delivery of his Blackwing yesterday.

Below is the official press release from Cadillac:

The V-Series Blackwings Have Landed

CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing — the fastest Cadillac production models ever — are available now, achieving new heights of performance, driver technology and craftsmanship

2021-08-10

The 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing luxury sport sedans are here and ready to soar – on the highway and track.

Leveraging the brand’s championship-winning racing heritage to create the most track-capable Cadillacs ever, the V-Series Blackwings represent the pinnacle of Cadillac performance, technology and craftsmanship.

“Driving is always a blend of the quantifiable and the subjective, and in both regards, the new CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing deliver like few other luxury sport sedans,” said Mirza Grebovic, Cadillac performance variant manager. “They’ve got the numbers to stand with the world’s best, but they also transcend the stopwatch with the sort of satisfying driver experience that cannot be defined by lap times alone.”

The CT5-V Blackwing is the most powerful and fastest Cadillac production model in history — with a top track speed of more than 200 mph — while the CT4-V Blackwing is the most powerful and fastest-ever Cadillac subcompact. The cars have also posted other impressive stopwatch results.

PERFORMANCE METRICS

The CT5-V Blackwing uses an upgraded and hand-assembled 6.2L supercharged V-8 rated at 668 horsepower (498 kW) and 659 lb-ft of torque (893 Nm) while the CT4-V Blackwing is driven by an evolution of the Cadillac 3.6L Twin-Turbo V-6, which is rated 472 hp (352 kW) and 445 lb-ft of torque (603 Nm). The turbos’ low-inertia turbine wheels enable more precise and responsive application of torque throughout the rev range.

Each model is offered with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or an available 10-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission.

“For nearly two decades, enthusiasts have told us how important it is to have the control of a manual gearbox in their performance sedan,” said Grebovic. “The ability to choose the driving experience they want is a luxury in and of itself, allowing them to feel more connected with the vehicle.”

The six-speed manual transmission used with each model features unique gear-cut changes that enhance quietness and durability compared to the previous generation. The available 10-speed automatic has been refined and aggressively tuned for performance driving, with calibrations specific for the power and torque curves of the models’ respective engines.

Crafted by Cadillac

The first 250 builds of each CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing sold out in only minutes. Cadillac is celebrating these first Collector Series vehicles and the people who built them with two special collector plates on the sills and B-pillars.

“The V-Series Blackwings are really special vehicles,” said Darci Marcum, Lansing Grand River Assembly plant director. “The first 250 CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing builds have collector’s edition touches. We are excited to reveal sill plates that have been signed by an employee directly involved in the development of these cars.”

Each sill plate features the signature from a member of the Cadillac V-Series team while the Collector Series plate found on the B-pillar corresponds to the serialized Performance Steering Wheel in each car. Also, the CT5-V Blackwing’s hand-built V-8 features a signed engine plaque from the master builder.

Designed to perform on and off the track

The CT5-V Blackwing and CT4-V Blackwing build on Cadillac’s racing heritage and were developed to be track-capable. That involved an intensive validation program, including wind tunnel testing, to ensure consistent performance during the most challenging track conditions.

In fact, functional aerodynamics, including an available carbon fiber aero package, contribute to the V-Series Blackwing models’ track prowess to support a variety of cooling needs for the cars’ respective engines, transmissions, axles and other supporting systems. The aero package on the CT4-V Blackwing delivers the highest downforce in V-Series production history.

Both models also feature advanced high-performance braking systems that have been extensively track- and road-tested, with the CT5-V Blackwing featuring the largest factory-installed brakes in Cadillac history, along with an available lightweight carbon-ceramic brake package offering weight savings, durability and heat management.

Additionally, the new V-Series Blackwing models feature an enhanced Electronic Limited Slip Rear Differential, optimized for each driving mode and each Performance Traction Management setting, as well as fourth-generation Magnetic Ride Control (MR 4.0). Additional improvements to the front and rear suspension systems, compared with previous models, further isolate drivers from road imperfections, while also supporting more precise, engaging connections with the road or track.

The V-Series Blackwings’ capabilities are conveyed to the pavement via MICHELIN® Pilot Sport 4S tires that were developed exclusively for the cars, contributing to their balance of track capability and road comfort.

“These are sport sedans that you have to experience to appreciate how linear, usable driver feedback really feels,” said Grebovic. “The more time you spend in them and the harder you press them, the more they reward.”

Craftsmanship and technology:

When it comes to additional luxury and technology integration, the V-Series Blackwing models deliver the following:

• Each offers three premium interior choices, with unique trim, appoints and technologies
• An 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen¹ is standard on CT4-V Blackwing and a 10-inch-diagonal color touchscreen¹ is standard on CT5-V Blackwing
• Wireless Apple CarPlay² and Android Auto³ compatibility, along with wireless charging⁴
• AKG premium audio systems, with 15 speakers integrated within CT4-V Blackwing and 16 speakers within CT5-V Blackwing
• Available second-generation Performance Data Recorder
• High-performance steering wheel with carbon fiber accents on CT4-V Blackwing
• Surround Vision⁵ with recording and Head-Up Display⁵ on CT5-V Blackwing
• Available carbon fiber-accented racing seats on CT5-V Blackwing

On sale now

While the first 250 sold out in record time, the remaining 2022 CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing are on sale now with limited availability. The CT4-V Blackwing starts at an MSRP of $59,990⁶ and fully configured MSRP at $87,775⁶. The CT5-V Blackwing has a starting MSRP of $84,990⁶ and a fully configured MSRP of $125,980⁶. Customers can build their own V-Series Blackwing online at Cadillac.com.

¹Functionality varies by model. Full functionality requires compatible Bluetooth® and smartphone, and USB connectivity for some devices.
²Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple® and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone® and data plan rates apply. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple, Inc. Siri, iPhone and Apple Music are trademarks of Apple, Inc, registered in the U.S. and other countries.
³Vehicle user interface is a product of GoogleTM and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and a compatible AndroidTM smartphone. Data plan rates apply. You can check which smartphones are compatible at g.co/androidauto/requirements. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
⁴The system wirelessly charges one compatible mobile device. Some phones have built-in wireless charging technology and others require a special adaptor/back cover. To check for phone or other device compatibility, see my.cadillac.com/learn or consult your carrier.
⁵Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Read the owner’s manual for important feature limitations and information.
⁶Listed price includes $995 destination charge. Tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment are extra.

Related Links:

Official Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing Registry

Chime in with your thoughts in the Blackwing Forum!