Many enthusiasts know that Cadillac's sportiest sedans come badged with the "V" moniker...well, until recently when the "V" name was watered down in favor of the "Blackwing" name accompanying their new flagship sports sedans.
Today, Cadillac is emphasizing the importance of the manual transmission with the announcement of details on the upcoming manual-equipped V Blackwing models. The CT4-V Blackwing & CT5-V Blackwing models will be the first GM production vehicles with functional 3D-printed parts...but not where their story leads you to believe: two HVAC ducts and an electrical harness bracket. In addition, a unique 3D-printed medallion will sit on the manual shifter knob. By leveraging additive manufacturing, the Cadillac team was able to reduce costs and waste when developing the manual transmission.
Gimmicky marketing aside, we love Cadillac for embracing the manual transmission for their performance vehicles.
Both the CT4-V Blackwing and the CT5-V Blackwing will come standard with a six-speed manual transmission and offer a 10-speed automatic transmission as an option. The CT4-V Blackwing will be the only sedan in its segment to offer a manual.
Cadillac’s introduction of the new 2022 CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing will also mark the revival of one of the most popular features for driving enthusiasts – the manual transmission. These manual transmissions were produced using new additive manufacturing applications that will bring 3D-printed parts into the upcoming ultra-high-performance sedans.
The V-Series Blackwing models will be the first GM production vehicles with functional 3D-printed parts, including two HVAC ducts and an electrical harness bracket. In addition, a unique 3D-printed medallion will sit on the manual shifter knob. By leveraging additive manufacturing, the Cadillac team was able to reduce costs and waste when developing the manual transmission.
“A lot of work went into making the manual possible in both vehicles. It’s something we know V-Series buyers want and it’s something we knew we had to have, so we used innovative processes to make it happen,” said Mirza Grebovic, Cadillac performance variant manager. “There are a few ways to really get that connected feel with the vehicle and the manual transmission is probably the most obvious one.”
This six-speed manual transmission is both quieter and more durable than the previous generation.
The Current Manual Market
In a recent Harris Poll study conducted on behalf of Cadillac about the current knowledge and adoption of the manual transmission found:
Sixty-six percent of American adults surveyed know how to drive a manual.
Of those who do not know how to drive a manual, roughly 40 percent are either somewhat or very interested in learning.
More than half (55 percent) of American adults say they have owned or leased a car with a manual transmission.
Interest in driving or learning to drive a manual is higher among those with $75,000 or more in annual household income (64 percent interested) and those between 18-34 in age (62 percent interested).
Cadillac V-Series Blackwing Previews Exclusive Magnesium Wheels to Enhance Ride and Handling
Cadillac unveiled one of the first uncamouflaged exterior images of its V-Series Blackwing vehicles, showcasing the cars’ exclusive magnesium wheels. The 2022 CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing will be the only GM products to offer magnesium wheels in the near future.
Inspired by the championship-winning Cadillac DPi-V.R race car, the optional forged magnesium alloy wheels will help reduce the unsprung weight of the vehicle, improving ride and handling, and the overall driving experience.
Five Fast Facts About Magnesium
1. Magnesium has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of all commonly available metals1. 2. Magnesium wheels absorb road vibration and transform it into heat, which is dissipated1. 3. Magnesium was first discovered in 1755 and is the eighth most abundant element in the Earth’s crust2. 4. Formula 1, MotoGP and World Endurance Championship teams use forged magnesium wheels to improve acceleration times and enhance safety1. 5. Magnesium is a mineral needed by every cell in the human body3.
The 2022 CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing will be available4 starting summer 2021.
1 According to MagnesiumWheels.com 2 According to The Royal Society of Chemistry 3 According to the National Institutes of Health 4V-Series Blackwing models will have limited availability
Upcoming CT5-V Blackwing to Feature Racing-Inspired, Carbon Fiber Seats
The 2022 CT5-V Blackwing will offer premium racing-inspired seats. The carbon fiber seat back will feature a precision book-matched design and laser-etched V-Series logo. The seats will also include other customer-centric innovations and features that will be announced at a later date.
The CT5-V Blackwing will be available1 starting in summer 2021.
Cadillac Teases V-Series Blackwing Performance Steering Wheel
Cadillac shared an early image of the 2022 CT5-V Blackwing and CT4-V Blackwing performance steering wheel. The wheel is meticulously crafted with leather and cut-and-sewn stitching, a 12 o’clock red racing stripe, carbon fiber trim and a V-Series emblem, ensuring that each vehicle reflects Cadillac’s championship-winning heritage on the track. Designed with driver ergonomics as a priority, Cadillac’s exclusive V-Mode and Performance Traction Management system can be quickly and directly accessed on the left- and right-hand side of the wheel, respectively.
Cadillac is in the midst of ushering in the next era of the V-Series sub-brand. Now in its fourth generation, V-Series has represented an elevated expression of design, technology and driving dynamics. V-Series Blackwing signifies the ultimate in Cadillac performance and craftsmanship by combining the brand’s racing heritage with luxury and comfort to create the most track-capable Cadillacs ever.
The CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing will be available1 starting in summer 2021.
Ultra-Performance Cadillacs Dubbed CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing
Cadillac today announced that the fourth generation of its V-Series sub-brand, currently spearheaded by the 2020 CT4-V and CT5-V, will eventually include ultra-performance variants that carry the Blackwing name. The future, track-capable vehicles will be called CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing, representing the apex of Cadillac performance and driver engagement.
“The Blackwing name has come to represent the very best of Cadillac performance engineering, craftsmanship and technology,” said Brandon Vivian, Cadillac executive chief engineer. “The new CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing build on the brand’s respected legacy of ultimate-performance driving experiences and elevate them even further.”
The V-Series Blackwing models1 will feature specially tuned chassis, vehicle control technologies and engines. Each model will also be offered with a manual transmission – a feature most luxury brands no longer offer but continues to be a strong desire for many performance driving enthusiasts.
The CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing have been undergoing testing that includes sessions at tracks and road courses around the country. Earlier this year, at Virginia International Raceway, each car set lap times seconds faster than the legendary ATS-V and CTS-V.
1 V-Series Blackwing models will have limited availability