The world is adjusting to the idea of a dual-tier V-Series strategy, wherein previous V-Sport models get the V-Series badge (like the CT5-V), while “true” next-level models are called V Blackwing (such as CT5-V Blackwing). The CT5-V was revealed in late May, and we recently caught a slew of prototypes of the upcoming Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing testing well ahead of the high-performance sedan’s debut.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen the CT5-V Blackwing in public. In fact, General Motors paraded the hardcore four-door out at the 2019 Belle Isle Grand Prix, where it briefly appeared on track alongside a CT4-V Blackwing prototype. These photos, first published by our colleagues at the Cadillac Society, give us a slightly better look yet at the car and more cleanly display the revised front air intakes and different grille.
The prototypes pictured here also feature wider alloy wheels with Michelin tires and what appear to be slightly widened wheel arches. Notably, the heat extractors present on the back of the front fenders of the prototype GM brought to Belle Isle are tough to make out on these cars, but they are still there, obscured by the concealing camouflage wrap. The test cars don’t feature the lip spoiler spotted on the Belle Isle car, either – but again, we expect the production model to offer a spoiler.
At this point, it’s not clear if the CT5-V Blackwing will feature Cadillac’s twin-turbocharged 4.2-liter Blackwing V8 engine, which serves in the Cadillac CT6-V, or another V8 engine from the vast GM powertrain line. A rumor we heard previously indicated that one of GM’s 6.2-liter supercharged V8s may appear in the car – though we’re sure that some would rather see the more modern twin-turbo mill under the hood.
A video captured by our spies in the summer gives us a look at the sound the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing makes while accelerating. In that video, a prototype emits an exhaust that appears to sound similar to other GM products with the supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 engine, like the outgoing CTS-V. However, others note that the engine and exhaust note is different.
In addition to a more powerful V8 engine, the CT5-V Blackwing will also feature performance suspension upgrades and more robust brakes. Rumors that a manual transmission will be on offer persist, though we can’t confirm it for this particular model. The most robust version of GM’s 10-speed automatic transmission will be present and accounted for.
Also of note is the fact that these prototypes were traveling in a convoy that also included the current-generation BMW M5 and the third-generation Cadillac CTS-V. The M5 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 190 mph with the top speed limiter removed. Meanwhile, the outgoing CTS-V was capable of 0-60 performance in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 200 mph.
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Source: Cadillac Society
Comments
I see you Cadillac!!
No doubt, it will be a burner.
Following the CTS-V,well…
…they better get it right.
No one respects “ progress” going backwards.
If its a D segment car, then why there is an M5 all the time around them?
I hope its a D segment car. Because Ct5’s interior is too weak for the E segment. Its ok for the D( excepts for that cheap @ss rear console), but for the E its simply not enough…
Who cares, this segment BS is a stupid argument! We now get the same car for less money and people are somehow upset? C’on man!
Now, weak interiors, that should always be on the forefront. A reasonable person will wait to see the materials before asserting a final opinion about segment vs quality vs price. I too have argued that for a luxury car, Cadillac should have been doing better. Cheap mainstream cars are leapfrogging in this area.
The lack of a hood vent should mean something, since the CTS-V has one.
NA V8 flat plane motor but can still perform with the FI V8 competition. Fingers crossed ??
GM Design always, always misses the mark lately. It’s time to fire their designers and start new. Hyundai, Kia, Aston Martin, and even Ford now are on fire design wise, Mazda too.
This generation of men and women like a high horse power car to look it. I showed my wife and her 3 friends the Camaro SS or ZL 1. Well they all wanted me to buy the ZL1 For its aggressive looks, power and sound. They love a strong hood bulge lol they all said, hood scoops or a more pronounced hood design counts.
Showed them the Mustang and then the Shelby. Ummm yep they wanted the Shelby so now I’m gonna pick a color on that too. Rrrr… Anyways GM PLEASE YOU CAN DO WAY BETTER… YOUR NEW TRUCKS ARE SO NOT COOL IN MOST VARIATIONS. YOUR SUVS ARE SLOWLY GETTING BETTER BUT FALLING BEHIND, DESIGN, CONTENT, TECHNOLOGY AND COLOR PALETTE WISE
YOUR CORVETTE C8 is a huge hit but I’ll wait for the ZR1.. ITS GORGEOUS, STUNNING. NOW GIVE THE CAMARO THE SAME ATTENTION. FIX CADILLAC DESIGN AND THE DANG TRUCKS
I’ll say it one time for you… THERES NOTHING WRONG WITH CADILLACS (GM’s) DESIGNERS. THERES SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOU!
There isn’t a Hyundai or Kia sedan that looks anywhere near as masculine and aggressive as the Cadillac CT6-V, CTS-V, CT5-V or CT4-V. The new Sonota looks so retarded and weird I can’t believe the design actually made it to production. It has the Mercedes-Benz S-Class reject steering wheel and the interior that wants to be luxurious but feels cheap as hell. It’s true quality will shine through in less than 2 years of ownership. I’m good.
Hyundai doesn’t even have a “horsepower car”. Your assessment is null and void. GM is who Hyundai/KIA aspire to be. Offering twin SUVs here in the U.S. specifically for the american market, that’s General Motors all day. Hyundai looks up to GM. The vertical LED piping on the palisade and rear of telluride scream cheap man’s Cadillac. GM is their daddy. That’s why Hyundai sales decreased for the third quarter of 2019 and GM’s sales increased.
They know what they’re doing. When the Cadillac CT5-V is in the building I don’t want to hear you mention Hyundai again. These are two different classes of brand. Please stop your shenanigans.
The Cadillac CT5-V looks absolutely bad ass, but too bad its fate is slim for a long lifecycle; however, the car maybe significantly less than the model it replaces, but the greed GM has is short patience and this may be a short-cycle-production-run car. GM is making the same mistakes rather than learning from them like Ford Motor Company has with its Lincoln brand. I gotta give GM credit when it’s due because the ATS, CTS, and XTS were all good cars in my opinion.
How and or why is the fate slim for a long life cycle? Seems like babble from someone who doesn’t get it.