Just a few hours ago, we published a post highlighting a video that captures the up-and-coming Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing out on public roads for a little benchmarking action. In addition to the next-level CT5-V, we also managed to snag a video that shows a duo of Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing prototypes out doing the same thing. Not only does this new video give us a fresh take on the exterior styling of the new performance four-door, but it also confirms previous speculation with regard to the model’s powerplant and transmission options.
In the video, we see a Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing prototype in the same blue-and-black camo job as the model teased at the Detroit Grand Prix, as well as a second prototype in black-and-white camouflage. The two vehicles were part of a group that included a BMW M2 and Cadillac ATS-V, all of which were included for GM’s benchmarking purposes.
The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing prototype at the Detroit Grand Prix
Critically, it looks and sounds as if the new CT4-V Blackwing will indeed offer a manual transmission option. Watch closely at the first clip of the blue-and-black car as it moves down the road – notice the nose dip when the car shifts? A three-pedal set-up looks like it’s in our future, folks.
Meanwhile, the black-and-white Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing sounds as though it comes with an automatic transmission, as evidenced by the smooth, quick-shift sounds it makes as it accelerates away.
The engine note is also quite interesting. To our ears, it sounds a good deal like the twin-turbo 3.6L LF4 V6, the same engine that’s found in the ATS-V, although the exhaust sound seems to have been tuned slightly by comparison. In the ATS-V, the LF4 produced 464 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque.
Meanwhile, the blue-and-black prototype is equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S rubber sized at 255/35/R18 up front and 275/35/R18 in the rear, which is identical sizing as the ATS-V. For reference, the standard Cadillac CT4-V is equipped with 235/40/R18 tires at all four corners, which means the next-level CT4-V will have the extra stick to match the extra go.
As a side note, it’s unclear whether or not the next-level Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V will carry the Blackwing name in production.
Stay tuned, because we’ll have loads more content on both go-faster sedans very soon. In the meantime, subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac CT4 news, Cadillac news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
The CT4’s exhaust does sound a little raunchier…that’s a good sign! Can hope that it’s partially resulting from a higher state of tune on the engine, too.
Good to see that Cadillac are using the ATS-V & CTS-V as benchmarks as both models were excellent and world beaters.
It’s a poorly hidden secret that the LF4 can make a good bit more HP with only a tune. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear about it making 510+ with minimal changes.
According to almost every editorial account, the LF4 was the weakest part of the ATS-V (that or the 90s Buick instrument cluster). It puts out horsepower, but sounds like a garbage disposal and no one would buy one after driving a german competitor. Why would they keep it and not use the smoother, more advanced LGW? Compared to a company like VW, GM seems to have the inertia of an oil tanker. Why can’t they move forward quicker? Why can’t their design ever be a step ahead, instead of (at least) two steps behind?
Sounds really good and much more sport than the ATS-V! It is critical that Cadillac has better advertising this time around because there is no way they can’t make a dent in the segment with the great value proposition. Especially considering some of its competition has its engines mounted the wrong way and only all wheel drive. This should be a great drivers cars.
I hate to say this but there really isn’t anything exciting right now about Cadillac they have detuned the v series an they still haven’t step up to compete with Lincoln I can see pretty soon they are going to be getting rid of some cars an people losing more jobs because Gm is not trying to be number 1
I beg to differ man. The next generation BOF suvs from GM sound very promising, since it sounds like GM is listening to customers about more brand differentiation. Although I am not a fan of the XT4 and XT6 these are two completely new products that the brand spent a lot of money on! Also I am happy that Cadillac/gm just did not let the ats and cts die without replacements, shows that GM is committed to making Cadillac a very balanced luxury brand. The new CT4/CT5 show that Cadillac listened and tried to improve the cars overall. What do you propose? If Cadillac only had the new escalade coming, recent updates to xts, and xt5 then I would agree with you. Cadillac has just been mismanaged over the years but at least now GM is investing big money into it now.
It sounds like an LF4 with a nicer tone in my opinion. Shifts sound fairly quick too. My guess would be it houses a slightly updated LF4 with updated exhaust and the newer 10L90 trans.
Wonder what the pricing is with basic C8 Corvette just under $60K? Would I pay that for a CT4V, not personally. I would expect the price would have to be $10K less to interest me.
Corvette and CT4 V are not in the same segment. Very few people will take Corvette over CT4 V. If it was my money i would get CT4 V, just because of usability.
Different car buyers. Just like someone who buys a bmw m5 competition today could buy Porsche 911 turbo. Just depends on what one is after.
For what it’s worth, a 2019 CTS Vsport started at $61,695, and the full V started at $86,995. The last ATS-V sedan in 2018 started at $61,595. The coupe started at $63,795. (For 2019, they went to coupe-only starting at $68,790 with the carbon fiber package added as standard). Of course, fully equipped ATS-Vs pushed $80,000 and CTS-Vs pushed $100,000. There is an assumption that the CT4 pricing will be less than the ATS across the board, as the pricing that has been released for a base CT5 is comparable to ATS pricing and substantially less than CTS pricing. (The CT5 starts at $37,890. The last ATS sedan in 2018 started at $35,495, and a 2019 CTS started at $46,995). It will be interesting to see how the pricing structure plays out with the new Blackwing models.
Sure it looks like it would carve out the corners better then my 17 Acadia
All I ever wanted was a ATS V with a V8 and stick shift. Basically a Camaro without visibility problems and the Camaro owners stigma. Was really hoping the CT4 V Blackwing Super Car Whaterv GM is Now Calling the Old V would finally answer that. Nope. It’s just a rehashed ATS V
In reference to the person that said the lf4 engine was the weak point in the ats-v. I’m sorry but you need to stop reading editorials and actually experience the car. That engine was the strongest thing in that car. The weak point was the crappy 8 speed transmission. It was very capable of handling much more power then it’s stock configuration.