Will My New CT4-V Blackwing Make Me Happy or Sad?

[allencarGTS]

Hello All,
I am ordering a CT4-V Blackwing 10-speed automatic on Monday and selling my pride of 25 years, a 2000 Grey Viper GTS. Am I going to be happy or sad??? I think both.

I love my Viper and I have had fun with it; I have 1K miles of track time at driving schools and 10 autocrosses. I only have 2 garage spaces and I want a happy home life so my wife's 2024 Lexus is not going out in the hot Houston sun. So one of my toys must go. I really can't get into the Viper like I used to and it stays in the garage way too much. I have a bad left knee and lost most feeling in my left foot so shifting a 6-speed with a very heavy clutch is not as precise as it used to be.

I probably will need at least a couple of driving schools to understand the performance of the Blackwing. Any suggestion about getting to know the CT4-V Blackwing?
Allen

 

[ngoni]

Well you'll get two days of training and track time at Spring Mountain with your purchase, so there's one school session.

 

[allencarGTS]

Thanks; I did not know that. I looked at Spring Mountain's website and I left a message asking for more information. Looks like I need to plan for a fall road trip.

 

[ngoni]

Thanks; I did not know that. I looked at Spring Mountain's website and I left a message asking for more information. Looks like I need to plan for a fall road trip.

You drive their cars so you can get there however is best for you. It's usually booked solid so if you're flexible they can put you on a short notice list to fill any vacancies. Otherwise you have 12 months from when you take delivery to do the course. It has been universally praised by everyone on this board. I don't think I've seen any negative comments other than they wish there was more track time; but don't we all?

 

[DonD]

One thing I know for sure is the Blackwing will get vastly better mileage.

I drive into San Antonio from Boerne routinely, a trip thats mostly downhill and get 31-34mpg. On the return trip last night, I got 26.9.

I love our Blackwing 4. Don

 

[Roadhawk]

I've never driven a Viper but I know that they are very special cars. So I imagine you will be sad giving it up....even if you don't drive it so much. But I think the CT 4 V Blackwing will surprise you WRT how good it is. Is it Viper fast? Probably not...but close enough in real world situations I imagine. Its ride and handling are magnificent and I think you'll really appreciate that. Its a pretty complete enthusiast driving experience....particularly considering its a modern car. Yeah its on the heavy side - but handles it very well...you really need to push it to feel it come alive....but it also excels at around town and on the highway cruising....a very comfortable car to be in.

Much is often said in the press (and from BMW fanboys etc) concerning the quality shortcomings of the Caddy's interior...while acknowledging it perhaps isn't up to current high end BMW (Bentley wanna-be) standards - I call these complaints rubbish. Back in the day - when BMWs could be considered driving enthusiast cars - no one complained about BMW interiors as lacking or compared them to luxury cars. Its not the most important thing in my book (as a driving enthusiast). That being said I'm overjoyed WRT the Caddy's interior, controls and overall layout. It speaks to the driver,,,,its got hard switched intuitively laid out, the seats are comfortable and supportive and I think it all looks great and classy. And a lot of the modern nannys can be turned off....as in off. Its near perfect IMO (back seat room aside). So yeah I expect you will enjoy it.

Shame, because of your physical issues (I empathize) you couldn't get the manual.....as the Tremec unit in the Caddy is a joy and is first rate. Reviews are positive concerning the auto and due to its 10 speeds there are certain advantages....so yeah...my prediction....you will be happy...

 

[RDATLTE]

My other car is a ZL1 1LE and my 4BW still scratches that itch.