Cadillac Blackwing history: CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing, and the CTS-V before them

Cadillac Blackwing history

Cadillac's V-Series performance line began with the CTS-V sedan for 2004, powered by a 400 hp Corvette-derived 5.7L LS6 V8 and sold only with a six-speed manual; a 6.0L LS2 of the same rating replaced it for 2006. The second-generation CTS-V of 2009 moved to a 556 hp supercharged 6.2L LSA V8, lapped the Nürburgring in 7:59.32 in May 2008, and added coupe and wagon versions for 2011.

The third-generation CTS-V of 2016 used the supercharged 6.2L LT4, rated 640 hp, with an eight-speed automatic. The CTS line ended after 2019, and the CT4 and CT5 sedans took its place.

Cadillac revealed the CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing on February 1, 2021, as 2022 models. The CT5-V Blackwing's 668 hp LT4 made it the most powerful production Cadillac to that point, and both cars came standard with a Tremec six-speed manual with active rev-matching, with a 10-speed automatic optional. The Blackwing name had earlier been used on a Cadillac twin-turbo V8, a separate engine that is no longer built.[1],[2],[3]

Years and production numbers

Generations and key variants

Engine and drivetrain facts

• Cadillac quoted 0–60 mph in 3.7 seconds for the CT5-V Blackwing (with the automatic) and a top speed over 200 mph; the CT4-V Blackwing was quoted at 3.8 seconds and 189 mph.
• Both Blackwings use fourth-generation Magnetic Ride Control; carbon-ceramic brakes were optional on the CT5-V Blackwing and cut 53 lb of unsprung weight.
• The first CTS-V was sold only with a Tremec six-speed manual; the second generation offered a manual or a six-speed automatic, and the third was automatic-only.

Sources:[1],[3]

What changed, generation by generation

1. 2004First CTS-V: 400 hp LS6 V8, six-speed manual only.
2. 2006LS2 6.0L replaces the LS6 at the same 400 hp rating.
3. 2009Second-generation CTS-V with a 556 hp supercharged LSA; 7:59.32 Nürburgring lap in May 2008.
4. 2011CTS-V Coupe and Sport Wagon added.
5. 2016Third-generation CTS-V with the 640 hp supercharged LT4 and an eight-speed automatic.
6. 2019CTS and CTS-V discontinued.
7. 2022CT4-V Blackwing (472 hp) and CT5-V Blackwing (668 hp) launch with standard six-speed manuals; revealed February 1, 2021.

Sources:[1],[2],[3]

What to check before you buy one

• Confirm the transmission: manual and automatic Blackwings drive differently and are valued differently.
• Check brake and tire condition; carbon-ceramic brake replacement on a CT5-V Blackwing is far more expensive than standard iron brakes.
• Ask about track use and modifications, including tunes and pulley changes on supercharged cars, and get receipts for any work.
• On supercharged LSA and LT4 cars, look for signs of overheating or coolant loss after a hard drive.
• Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and have a Cadillac dealer confirm open campaigns are complete.

Engine guides: LT4 supercharged 6.2L V8.

Cadillac Blackwing prices and values

Launch pricing (reported February 2021): the CT4-V Blackwing started at $59,990 and the CT5-V Blackwing at $84,990.[1],[2]

How to verify a Cadillac Blackwing's factory options

On a Blackwing, the options are much of the value: transmission, carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon-fiber packages and seats. The factory build record lists the ordered-option RPO codes for a VIN when licensed build data exists, which is a cleaner check than photos. It reflects ordered options rather than a complete parts list.