A new generation of Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is on the way next year, but to send this one off in style the company created a special 20th Anniversary package for the 2024 model year including a special grille header, special rockers and a unique wakeup animation on the digital driver information cluster. But that's not what sells a Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. That honor goes to the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 making almost 700 horsepower.
The 2024 CT5-V Blackwing is the most powerful sedan in Cadillac's history with a 200-mph top speed and looks the part with accented brake calipers hidden under 19-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S high-performance tires. It's lower and wider than the standard CT5 and comes with a blacked-out grille and other accents so it will rarely be mistaken for its less powerful brother.
Like the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, the CT5 version stays in the customizable My Mode when the ignition is cycled. That means if the driver leaves the exhaust in its louder mode (customizable along with the steering weight, throttle response, brake feel and suspension with the drive modes) it will start up with a V8 roar before quieting down into a low burble, total output is a whopping 668 horsepower (hp) and 659 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque.
With the supercharger, power is available anywhere in the rev range, including in sixth gear when the standard manual transmission is chosen. The 10-speed automatic transmission is a $3,175 option above the $94,890 base price. The Blackwing is only available in rear-wheel drive. The CT5-V can be ordered with all-wheel drive.
The clutch pedal is heavy, which feels appropriate for the amount of power being sent through. There are several options for traction control, separate from the drive modes, to tailor the Blackwing to any surface and even rain with its Wet Mode. Where the CT4-V Blackwing feels fast but approachable, the CT5 is a more dangerous beast, requiring the traction control to be fully on. When off, a steady hand and a race helmet is preferred.
Again like it's little brother, the CT5 has a wide span of suspension adjustments from firm to soft. The softest setting is still sporty, but it doesn't feel like the wheels are being damaged over every expansion joint. The quick and direct steering, along with the power on tap, make the Blackwing feel a little bit smaller than it actually is and surprisingly nimble. Those Michelin tires do send road noise up to the cabin, and the wind isn't quite muted either.
There are three levels of premium interiors, all with standard wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless charging on a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The Blackwing also has Surround Vision for parking and a head-up display. A 12-inch configurable instrument cluster has special graphics and customizable screens with lap timers and g-force meters. All of it worked fine during the test including using wireless Apple CarPlay and the wireless charging feature.
The available high-performance front seats have 18-ways of adjustment and carbon fiber accents. In addition to looking racy it also makes the seats a breeze to clean off kids' footprints. Suede is available on the headliner and other interior spots and all Blackwings feature a serialized production number plate on the steering wheel.
Like the rest of the Cadillac lineup, the CT5-V Blackwing comes with the Cadillac Smart System including Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Rear Park Assist, Safety Alert Seat, HD Rear Vision Camera, Vehicle Diagnostics, Teen Driver and Rear Seat Reminder.
In the compact segment, the CT4-V Blackwing was bested in power by its German competition. Not here. The BMW M8 ($138,800) and Mercedes-AMG E63 ($113,950) are both down in power from the Cadillac, though up on price. The Audi RS7 might also compete at $127,800.
The Blackwing would surely beat any of those three in a drag race. At a weekend track day on a road course, it would be a closer matchup. Regardless, these hot rod sedans are sold on looks and emotion, as only a professional race car driver can eek out more performance on one of the other.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Jake Lingeman is the Managing Editor for the Autos team at Newsweek. He has previously worked for Autoweek, The Detroit ... Read more
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