The 2022 Cadillac CT5 Blackwing and 2022 Cadillac CT4 Blackwing stand as the epitome of Cadillac’s prowess in performance and artistry, drawing upon a rich racing heritage marked by championship victories. These models manifest the most track-capable Cadillacs to date and establish new benchmarks for opulence and comfort.

Rooted in Cadillac’s racing legacy, which traces back to 1949 and has consistently triumphed over the past two decades, the V-Series Blackwing models were meticulously crafted with a paramount focus on driver engagement and performance.

Brandon Vivian, executive chief engineer at Cadillac, emphasized, “V-Series Blackwing epitomizes the utmost level of execution from Cadillac, embodying a distinctly American perspective on performance: an amalgamation of extraordinary power and opulent craftsmanship without any compromises. We delved into our championship-winning racing background, applying unwavering attention to detail to craft two vehicles that elevate the V-Series experience.”

These V-Series Blackwing vehicles build upon the already stellar performance dynamics of the CT5-V and CT4-V, establishing themselves as the pinnacle of the Cadillac sedan lineup.

Highlights include:

• Evolutions of the track-ready Cadillac 6.2L Supercharged V8 in the CT5-V Blackwing and 3.6L Twin-Turbo V6 in the CT4-V Blackwing
• Upgraded TREMEC six-speed manual transmission standard
• Available 10-speed automatic transmission
• Electronic Limited Slip Rear Differential enhanced to reduce mass and improve on-track reliability
• Advanced suspension refinements providing greater body control and a more agile feel
• Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, the world’s fastest reacting suspension technology, sharpening the balance between daily-driving comfort and high-performance track capability
• Unique structural enhancements improving steering response and handling on the track
• Cadillac’s largest ever factory-installed brakes, available on the CT5-V Blackwing
• Extensive validation including 12-hour and 24-hour track testing
• Customizable integrated digital gauge cluster with Custom Launch Control and Performance Traction Management settings

Liberating performance
Under the hood, the CT5-V Blackwing boasts an enhanced 6.2L supercharged V8, distinguished by a higher-flow air intake and a revamped exhaust system. This powerhouse is officially rated at an impressive 668 horsepower (498 kW) and 659 lb-ft of torque (893 Nm), positioning it as the most potent production Cadillac ever manufactured. Each of these high-performance engines undergoes meticulous hand assembly at GM’s Bowling Green Assembly facility in Kentucky, a process culminating in including a signed engine builder’s plate.

On the other hand, the CT4-V Blackwing is equipped with an evolved version of the Cadillac 3.6L Twin-Turbo V6. This iteration features upgraded control system software and an enhanced air intake system, resulting in a formidable output of 472 horsepower (352 kW) and 445 lb-ft of torque (603 Nm). Noteworthy are the low-inertia turbine wheels of the turbos, constructed from titanium-aluminide, facilitating a more precise and responsive delivery of torque across the entire rev range.

Highlighted features and output:

• CT5-V Blackwing: 6.2L Supercharged V8 – 668 hp, 659 lb-ft of torque
  • GM-estimated top track speed: over 200 mph
  • GM-estimated 0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds (automatic transmission)
  • Most powerful Cadillac ever
  • Air intake airflow is improved by 46 percent vs. the CTS-V
  • Compact, high-output 1.7L four-lobe Eaton supercharger with small-diameter rotors that enable boost to be generated earlier in the rpm band for instantaneous response
  • Rotocast A356T6 aluminum cylinder heads are stronger and handle heat better than conventional aluminum alloy heads
  • Lightweight titanium intake valves
  • Track-capable wet-sump oiling and vent system with external oil separator and drain-back
• CT4-V Blackwing: 3.6L Twin-Turbo V6 – 472 hp, 445 lb-ft of torque
  • GM-estimated top speed: 189 mph
  • GM-estimated 0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds (automatic transmission)
  • Most powerful and fastest Cadillac in the subcompact class
  • Air intake restriction is improved by 39 percent vs. the ATS-V
  • Turbocharger compressors matched for peak efficiency at peak power for optimal track performance
  • Titanium connecting rods (manual transmission only) and revised crankshaft counterweights reduce main/rod bearing reciprocating loads
  • Re-targeted piston oil squirters, which direct engine oil at the bottoms of the pistons, for improved temperature control
  • The manifold-integrated water-to-air charge cooling system contributes to a more immediate torque response
  • Airflow routing volume is reduced by 60 percent when compared to a conventional design that features a remotely mounted heat exchanger

Track-capable braking systems
The V-Series Blackwing models showcase state-of-the-art high-performance braking systems, rigorously tested on both track and road surfaces. Notably, the distinctive V-Series Blackwing wheel designs allow for an expanded rotor size compared to the preceding CTS-V, establishing the braking system of the CT5-V Blackwing as the most extensive factory-installed brakes in the history of Cadillac.

For the CT5-V Blackwing, an optional carbon-ceramic brake package is available, featuring cross-drilled rotors. This package provides several advantages, including substantial weight savings, enhanced durability, and improved heat management. These innovations contribute to an overall braking performance that aligns with the uncompromising standards set by the V-Series Blackwing models.

Highlighted features:

• CT4-V Blackwing: 14.96 x 1.34-inch (380 X 34 mm) front rotors and 13.4 x 1.1-inch (340.5 x 28 mm) rear rotors
• CT5-V Blackwing: 15.67 x 1.42-inch (398 X 36 mm) front rotors and 14.7 x 1.1-inch (373.5 x 28 mm) rear rotors
• Staggered Brembo® six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers
• Available on the CT5-V Blackwing, the lightweight carbon-ceramic brake package significantly improves heat management, as well as greater resistance to wear under extreme conditions on the racetrack, while also reducing unsprung mass and rotating mass:
  • 53-pound (24 kg) reduction in unsprung weight
  • 62-pound (28 kg) reduction in rotating mass
• High-performance copper-free brake linings comply with California law and deliver superior fade resistance with an excellent pedal feel on and off the track
• Brake systems are integrated into each vehicle’s selectable drive modes, including brake pedal feel. Brake pedal feel can also be assigned within My-Mode and V-Mode

Manual transmission is standard
Uncommon in contemporary sport sedans, both vehicles come standard with a six-speed TREMEC manual transmission, a rarity that emphasizes the driver-centric focus of the V-Series Blackwing models. This transmission has been meticulously optimized for each vehicle in the lineup, ensuring an immersive and engaging driving experience, whether on the track or the open road. Some key details of this exceptional manual transmission include:

• LuK twin-disc clutch for high torque capacity and great pedal feel
• Active Rev Matching accessible via a console-mounted toggle switch to automatically adjust engine speed to match anticipated downshifts
• No-Lift Shift allowing the driver to shift gears without letting off the gas pedal. In the case of the CT4-V Blackwing, it allows the turbos to remain spooled, resulting in faster lap times
• Transmission and rear differential cooling – the manual and automatic transmissions use the same track-performance cooling system for greater track performance
• Clutch and brake pedals positioned for optimal driver ergonomics
• A physical barrier stop for the clutch pedal rather than a hydraulic master cylinder stop provides greater driver feedback during clutch operation
• A shorter shifter ratio than previous generations for more precise shifts

Ten-speed automatic transmission
The CT5-V Blackwing and CT4-V Blackwing are available with a 10-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. It is tuned to complement the dual-personality experience of each respective model.

Highlighted features:

• Tap Shift/Manual Mode allowing the driver to use integrated magnesium paddle shifters to select a gear and hold it until selecting the next gear, up or down
• Sport Mode providing real-time interpretation of driving conditions, adjusting the transmission to reduce shift busyness and improve performance, while retaining aggressive driving dynamics
• Twenty-four-hour track testing resulted in several improvements in response to the demands of a high-g track environment, including a unique oil pan design and priority valve changes
• Unique control systems with performance calibrations tailored for each model
• Ten forward gears offer the most available transmission speeds in each sedan’s respective segments, helping keep the engines within their optimal rpm bands, while also anticipating the next shifts
• Dynamic Performance Mode is calibrated specifically for V-Series Blackwing to deliver track-focused shift patterns and automatically activates when high-g forces are experienced in Sport or Track mode
• An auxiliary pump primes the automatic transmission system from the time the vehicle door is opened for improved cold-shift performance.

Both V-Series Blackwing models also feature an enhanced Electronic Limited Slip Rear Differential. It weighs less and has been optimized for each driving mode and each Performance Traction Management setting.

Highlighted features:

• More control of the rear differential compared to traditional open and mechanical limited-slip differentials
• Enhances road grip by automatically allocating torque to the rear wheel with the most traction during hard cornering — with the capability of sending up to 1,475 lb-ft (2,000 Nm) of locking torque across the axle
• High-performance differential cooler
• An aluminum housing replacing the previous generation cast iron housing, reducing mass by more than 22 pounds (10 kg)
• Exclusive integrated heat exchanger for enhanced cooling

Advanced suspension systems and strengthened chassis
V-Series Blackwing combines the fourth generation of Magnetic Ride Control (MR 4.0), with improvements to the front and rear suspension systems. Stiffer spring rates, unique hollow stabilizer bars, higher-rate bushings and more enable a driving experience that isolates the driver from road imperfections, while also providing a precise, engaging connection with the road.

MR 4.0 highlights:

• Immense performance envelope that gave Cadillac engineers the freedom to optimize everyday driving and aggressive track performance
• New accelerometers and an inertial measurement unit that transmit and process changes in road conditions four times faster than the previous generation system
• Secondary temperature maps that enable engineers to compensate for changes in damper fluid temperature for more consistent performance, even during performance driving
• Inertial measurement unit that provides more precise measurements of body motion relative to the wheel for more accurate readings under heavy braking, hard cornering and other driving conditions
• Improved magnetic flux control that creates a more consistent and accurate transition between rebound and compression
• Improvements to transient body control that allow the vehicle to remain more level while transitioning between corners

MacPherson strut front suspension:

• Ride link includes an all-new 100-percent elastomer bushing on the CT4-V Blackwing and a retuned hydro bushing on the CT5-V Blackwing, for improved ride response
• Handling link has cross-axis ball joints for improved lateral control and quicker steering response

Five-link independent rear suspension:

• Lateral link features stiffer bushings for faster response and increased cornering agility
• Toe link has cross-axis ball joints for increased stability and driver confidence
• Rear knuckles have increased stiffness for improved braking and better control during cornering
• Rear cradle mounts have been stiffened for optimum balance between road comfort and track performance

V-Series Blackwing models are built on Cadillac’s award-winning rear-wheel drive architecture and feature unique structural enhancements including shock tower braces, an underside shear plate and thicker rear cross members to improve chassis rigidity. Along with the unique suspension elements, the stiffer structure enhances steering response, handling and the everyday driving experience.

All-day performance, on and off the track
The CT5-V Blackwing and CT4-V Blackwing build on Cadillac’s racing heritage and were developed to be track-capable straight from the factory. That includes an intensive validation program to ensure consistent performance during the most challenging track conditions.

Validation for both models included:

• Twenty-four-hour continuous track testing with the available automatic transmission, available carbon fiber aero package, aluminum wheels and available carbon ceramic brake package
• Twelve-hour continuous track testing with the standard manual transmission, available carbon fiber aero package, aluminum wheels and available carbon ceramic brake package

Functional aerodynamics, including an available carbon fiber aero package, contribute to the V-Series Blackwing models’ track prowess to support a variety of cooling needs for the cars’ respective engines, transmissions, axles and other supporting systems.

Additionally, MICHELIN® Pilot Sport 4S tires developed exclusively for the V-Series Blackwing models contribute to their balance of track capability and road comfort. Highlights include:

• Unique, multiple-compound tread composition:
  • Contact patch composed of three unique tread rubber compounds
  • Racing “R compound” used for the majority of the tread
  • Compounds optimized for wet traction, enhanced street and track durability, as well as rolling resistance
• The mold shape of the tire has been specifically engineered for Blackwing models to optimize contact with the road
• Tire sizes:
  • CT5-V Blackwing tire size: 275/35ZR19 (front) and 305/30ZR19 (rear)
  • CT4-V Blackwing tire size: 255/35ZR18 (front) and 275/35ZR18 (rear)

Both V-Series Blackwing vehicles feature standard forged aluminum alloy wheels with staggered widths, front to rear. These forged wheels are stronger and lighter than conventional cast aluminum.

Wheel sizes:

• CT5-V Blackwing: Front – 19 x 10 inches / Rear – 19 x 11 inches
• CT4-V Blackwing: Front – 18 x 9 inches / Rear – 18 x 9.5 inches

The Cadillac CT4 Blackwing is one of the best compact luxury sedans in Kenya. At Ineax Motors Limited we offer a handpicked selection of high-quality cars all inspection-certified, professionally presented and competitively priced. Please browse through our inventory for a great selection of high-quality cars.