The days of gasoline-powered Cadillac models are coming to an end, when that may happen exactly is in flux. The brand has committed to going all-electric but is promising its dealer network to continue producing these enthusiast V Blackwing models for years to come.
The last official notice from the brand is that these CT4V Blackwing, and corresponding larger CT5V Blackwing models, will be the last generation of performance V models from the brand. With the demise of the Chevrolet Camaro (built on the shared platform with these Cadillac models), we are curious exactly what Cadillac and General Motors are up to.
This particular CT4V Blackwing model is a one-of-99 special edition commemorating the 2022 Cadillac podium sweep of the 12 Hours of Sebring IMSA race that the brand shows off their racing capabilities. To that end, the CT4V Blackwing Sebring Special Edition is finished in a special Maverick Noir Frost paint, a flat but metallic black celebrating the middle of the night finish to the 12 Hours of Sebring Race.
Additional aero, special graphics, and bronze wheels and brake calipers add to the unique look of this particular special edition. Cadillac even displays the course map on the rear windows of the vehicle to show exactly what kind of track Cadillac is capable of winning.
Only 99 of these models will be made which makes this one a special vehicle for collectors for sure. Outside of the unique touches for the Sebring Special Edition package, which adds an eye-watering $22,500 to the window sticker, this is your typical CT4V Blackwing. It has GM’s twin-turbocharged 3.6L V6 under the hood mated to either a 10-speed automatic like our model or a 6-speed manual. Power is sent rearward through an electronic limited-slip differential and to the grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S summer tires. The engine generates 472 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque and is capable of 3.9-second runs from 0-60 mph (with the automatic, 4.1 for the stick). The top speed is over 189 miles per hour, though Cadillac stipulates that is on the track. Brembo brakes help slow you down, and the tires and magnetic ride suspension are good enough to help the CT4V Blackwing reach a 1.04 lateral G Force in corners…this thing grips.
We have it on good authority that track drivers that have put this and the larger, more powerful CT5V Blackwing around the same track back-to-back prefer this CT4V Blackwing. Perhaps it is because more of the power can be used more often in this smaller, lighter, and less powerful TTV6 than the CT5V Blackwing’s V8. We have yet to test that one on the street or on a track, so we can’t tell you for sure.
Inside, this is every bit a Cadillac. A new Cadillac. Many claim that GM is cheap and cannot produce a luxury vehicle worthy of competing on the global stage. This proves otherwise. This interior is really top-notch. Yes, the 8-inch CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment is on the small side by modern standards, but it is rather quick to respond and is not too bogged down by menu overload. The seats in our Sebring Edition are two-tone Nappa leather-wrapped bits that have heat, ventilation, and massage. The driver’s seat has 2-person memory for multiple drivers. The torch red seatbelts are a nice touch to set off the interior a bit more, which are even in the backseat. Sitting in the rear is a rather tight spot. At 5’10” I barely had any headroom and my knees were on the back of the carbon fiber front seat backs. This really is a driver’s car, not a chauffeur’s car.
With multiple drive modes, and that aforementioned magnetic ride control, this Caddy is just as comfortable driving around town as it would be on the track. I could definitely see this being someone’s commuter if they didn’t mind putting the miles on something this rare.
Our brief time in this CT4V Blackwing made me want more for sure, and you can see more on our new GT Premium Reviews YouTube Channel that features the best and most luxurious vehicles and sports cars in true cinematic fashion.
We would love to have more time in a Cadillac performance vehicle, whether it be another CT4V Blackwing, or the CT5V Blackwing, or another run in an Escalade V. Stay tuned for more.
2023 Cadillac CT4V Blackwing Sebring Edition Specs:
3.6L Twin Turbocharged V6 Engine
472 Horsepower
445 lb-ft of Torque
10-Speed Automatic Transmission (6-Speed Manual Available)
6 Driver-selectable Drive Modes:
Tour
Sport
Snow/Ice
Track
My Mode
V-Mode
Quad-outlet Exhaust
Magnetic Ride Control 4.0
Reads the road up to 1,000 times per second
Electronic Limited-slip Rear Differential
Brembo Brakes
18-inch Aluminum Alloy Wheels in Tech Bronze Finish
255/35 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S Tires
Cadillac-estimated 3.9 Second 0-60 mph with 10-speed (4.1 sec with Manual)
189 mph Top Speed
1.04g of Lateral G Force
Curb Weight
6-Speed Manual Transmission: 3,860 lbs.
Avail. 10-Speed Automatic Transmission: 3,900 lbs.
12-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
Performance Data and Video Recorder
Unique Carbon Fiber Aerodynamic Package
Racing Bucket Seats
Torch Red Seatbelts
Power Driver and Front Passenger Seats with Lumbar
Heated, Ventilated, Massaging Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Seating for 5
8-inch Cadillac User Experience Color Infotainment with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Color Head-Up Display
Qi Wireless Phone Charger
AKG Premium 15-speaker Premium Sound
Adaptive Cruise Control
Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking
Air Ionizer
HD Backup Camera
Cadillac Safety Seat
Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control
LED Headlights
LED Taillights
Power Sunroof
Proximity Key with Push Button Start
EPA Fuel Economy 16/24/19 (city/hwy/cmb)
Starting Price: $60,995 (CT4V Blackwing)
Price as tested: $92,640
