2022 Cadillac CT5 V-Blackwing — Insanely high-performance sport sedan



By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 14, 2022) For years we’ve been hearing rumors of a powerful phantom Cadillac sedan by the name of Blackwing. Of course, we’ve been well acquainted with Cadillac’s CTS-V sedan which has been among the luxury brand’s offerings for several years. That vehicle was discontinued when the Blackwing was finally launched for 2022, available in two flavors: a compact CT4-V and a midsize CT5-V.


Previously, we reviewed the smaller and less powerful, but delightful, CT4-V Blackwing powered by a 472-horsepower twin-turbo V-6, but what we longed for was the fire-breathing, asphalt-ripping CT5-V Blacking powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged 668-horsepower engine with a whopping 659 lb-ft of torque. I recently got the chance, and spent a week behind the wheel with a perpetual ear-to-ear smile on my face.

The CT5-V Blackwing is the most powerful production Cadillac ever and also the fastest. Our Blackwing was paired with the standard Tremec six-speed manual shifter with a twin-disc clutch and silky smooth short-throw shifter good enough clear our way through the quarter mile in 11.4 seconds at 126 miles per hour. Getting from zero to 60 mph took just 3.6 seconds in our best time. Top speed is 200+ mph. This is the same powerplant that powered the outgoing CTS-V.

There’s an available 10-speed automatic transmission that’s a tick or two quicker than the manual shifter, according to the folks at Cadillac. Blackwing is rear-wheel drive and there’s selectable rev matching and driving mode selection options, and wet, dry and sport settings.

Sedans of all types, in general, are falling from favor these days as car shoppers across the spectrum flock to SUVs and crossovers in droves. Still, this unicorn of a sedan is in high demand and production is limited. That despite the starting price of $83,995, and, with options, a total vehicle price eclipsing $104,000.  Further, Cadillac has already gone on record as saying this is the last gasoline powered “V” vehicle; the just introduced Escalade-V SUV is the lone exception. Cadillac’s future is destined to be all-electric.

Sharing the same platform as the Chevrolet Camaro, Cadillac engineers added the faster-responding Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and the largest brakes ever on a Cadillac to deliver a brilliant ride and advanced performance handling to go along with its explosive acceleration.

The Blackwing shares its cabin with the standard CT5 Cadillac sedan which is reasonably spacious and with no shortage of creature comforts, infotainment choices and luxury appointments. Our test Blackwing came equipped with the optional ($6,090 ) sport interior trim package that included two-tone black and tan semi-aniline leather seats with custom quilting and full-carbon fiber front seatbacks, an option we highly recommend. It also includes nearly $10,000 in optional carbon fiber twin packages, extra for the must-have electric blue exterior color to go along with the optional 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels with satin graphite dark finish and bronze brake calipers. This combination turned heads everywhere we went during our week of testing.

Technophobes with be pleased with the 10.0-inch touchscreen display and Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment interface, the same system in the standard CT5. There’s a secondary rotary controller on the center console for those who’d rather not use the touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, along with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless smartphone charging. Audio entertainment is delivered via a 16-speaker AKG system. There’s also a 12.0-inch digital gauge display with unique V-series specific screen animation and a head-up display.

With hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles are all the rage, the CT6-V Blackwing may be the last of its kind… honest-to-goodness Detroit muscle. It’s amazingly fast, extremely well balanced and an overall seriously exciting car with tremendous capabilities. It’s a special vehicle to be sure, likely the last V8-powered Caddy and perhaps the last of a dying breed.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $83,995
Price as Tested: $104,440
Engine/Transmission: 668-horsepower 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with 659-lb-ft. of torque paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
EPA Fuel Economy: 13/21/15 – City/Highway/Combined
Seating: 5

Crash Test Safety Ratings: The 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing does not have an overall crash test rating by either the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as of this writing.

Where Built: Lansing, Michigan

Competes With:
Audi RS7
BMW M3, M5
Mercedes-AMG C63S, AMG GT63

Fab Features:
Amazingly fast with explosive acceleration