Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing To Get Supercharged 6.2L LT4 V8
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The Cadillac CT5 range is set to receive a new ultra-high-performance variant dubbed the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. Now, details on the upcoming super sedan have emerged that appear to confirm what will be found under the hood.
The big ticket item here is the supercharged 6.2L LT4 V8. The LT4 is the same engine was used in the third-generation Cadillac CTS-V, not to mention the C7 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
News that the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing will come equipped with the LT4 contradicts initial early reports that the hot-to-trot sedan would come equipped with the eponymous twin-turbo 4.2L LTA V8 Blackwing. Unfortunately, production of the Blackwing engine will come to an end in the next few months as Cadillac discontinues the Cadillac CT6 line, including the CT6-V and CT6 Platinum trim levels in which the Blackwing engine is currently equipped.
As we covered months ago, early Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing prototypes were spied with a distinctive V8 rumble that very much sounded like the LT4, while rumors persisted that the LT4 would indeed be the engine of choice. The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing will keep the Blackwing moniker going forward.
Equipped in the 2016 – 2019 Cadillac CTS-V, the LT4 makes 640 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. That’s quite a bit more than the standard Cadillac CT5-V, which comes with the twin-turbo 3.0L LGY V6 and produces 355 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. It was later revealed that the CT5-V actually produces 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque per SAE test standards.
What’s more, our sister publication, Cadillac Society, has confirmed that the Cadillac CT5-V Black will offer two transmission options, including a 10-speed automatic and a six-speed manual.
Output in the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing will peak in the 600-horsepower and 600-pound-feet-of-torque range. Complementing the prodigious muscle will be bigger wheels, wider rubber, sharper suspension, bigger brakes, and more aggressive styling cues.
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing will slot in above the “standard” CT5-V as the flagship model in the CT5 model cadence. As such, it will indirectly replace the ATS-V and CTS-V, and rival competing performance models like the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, Audi RS4/RS5, BMW M3, and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.
Look for a reveal sometime later this year, with an on-sale date in 2021.
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Source: Cadillac Society
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There are not enough words and phrases to describe how stupid the Blackwing saga is/was.
As a Cadillac fan it’s quite frustrating and disappointing. Oh well.
GM’s engines are “the standard of the world “ They are the #1 Choice among performance shops for engine swap outs. They are also used by many other companies tike Polaris to power their vehicles.
Johan de Nysschen is the one who pushed Cadillac into developing its own engines. The 4.2L Blackwing is a good engine, but it’s not a stand out engine in GM’s engine line. One of the many reasons JDN got fired.
Peter,
Shops use the LS because they are dirt cheap and Polaris no longer use GM engines as they now build their own.
The 4.2 probably cost too much and expected warranty costs were likely calculated to be sky high. The LT4 is obviously a much cheaper engine. It all comes down to costs.
Cheap is GM’s Middle Name. The 6.2 will live on till the V-8 is history. What has GM done new? I just honestly ask that question
Salmen/Robert Tiscione
Or it could be that mechanics deal with enough problem solving in their daily lives. They don’t want to also have to solve the BMW vanishing oil mystery.
GM is putting out powerful smooth running power dense reliable engines at a reasonable price. The questions you should be answering are:
1. Why does Cadillac need its own line of engines
2. Why do other companies charge so much for their engines.
Peter G – This is simply another GM cost cutting measure. They’re such cheap ba$tard$ they’re cutting the Omega platform AND this new mill what a huge waste of money…
Why does Cad need its own engines – perception IS reality and Cadillac has been rendered “nicer Chevy”…. having its own, hand build engine says exclusitivty and THAT is one thing luxury buyers want. Why do you thing every single CT6-V sold out in minutes? I doubt everyone was a collector but that vehicle IS extremely special… why can ALL Cadillacs be special and aspirational?
GM is adopting alot of “extra costs” like other lux brands but Cadillac ISN”T a luxury competitor to any BMW, Audi or Mercedes. Every magazine reviewer places Cad against Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus… Cadillac needs to provide value and include MORE in order to gain share. On the CT6 they dogged it with a 4 cyl… are you kidding??? Now Cad is charging extra for paint… I”m shaking my head… could they not offer more and increase the value … NO they ding customers and cheap their way to profits. This mgt is a bunch of @$$holes…
THere is no question the CTS-V 640bhp engine is fantastic but the Blackwing said more about the brand and going back to this mill ALSO says something. While I lust for the CTS-V the CT5 isn’t a car that is going to conquest buyers… I’m afraid the brand is in real trouble again…. the bone heads at corporate say Cad doesn’t have many more chances…
I couldn’t have said it better. The “boneheads” are going to run GM into yet another bankruptcy, only this time the American taxpayer isn’t going to bail them out. It will be China……..
Actually the Omega platform lives on as the CT6 will still be manufactured in China. There were some ramblings about importing it to the U.S. once domestic production ceased but I wouldn’t hold my breath.
I think you’re spot on with the CT5 not winning over buyers. There’ll be some early adopters for sure but if sentiment from current CTS owners is used as a gauge, the CT5 isn’t compelling and with the CT6 going away, there isn’t much in the way of vehicle offerings – save for wanting a CUV/SUV – to return to the brand.
You said it all here brother. Case closed
Shops use LS engines because they are lighter, smaller and have the same power output as hemis, or Ford v’8’s or even Ecoboost, all of which are cheaply built motors. The LS engine is just the king of the hill till someone reinvents the engine again.
The LT4 is cheaper, more reliable, and more powerful. Meanwhile, GM needs to spend money to upgrade the 4.2 to make it better than the LT4. My one question is, why not the LT5? It is already fully developed, and coupled to the C7s 7 speed manual, would tear the competition to shreds, while staying american.
I actually have no issue with the LT4 but from a company that cut corners on their bread and butter truck interior only to put effort into a mysterious performance engine that went straight to the shelf is ridiculous especially when they already have the best performance V8 lineup on the planet. If they just came out and said the new cars will have the LT4 it would’ve been fine minus those who would prefer the exclusivity of a Blackwing type engine. I just don’t get GM’s thought process on this.
Peter, spot on! The gm small block is by far the foremost best engine in the world today! Unparalleled reliability, smoothness and torque at any rpm! Look at any BMW engine or Toyota engine and you’ll find more recalls, less refinement and less power in almost any application. A camaro as can beat a freaking M5 for Pete’s sake! Ford Ecoboost don’t even beat them for real life fuel economy. The whole blackwing engine was garbage in my mind, sure people like fancy features like duel overhead cams and turbos, but your basic small block still overpowers it all day long, with better fuel economy, lighter weight and less parts to fail.
Compare apples to apples? M5 is a family sedan while camaro sports coupe. Real competitor is CTS-V which is slower than M5. Considering that CTS-V is smaller, lighter, and has more power, it is still comes in last in straight line or track time.
Now BMW sells these cars around the world where CO2 regulations are really strict. Cadillac offers their V models only in the hand full countries and can afford having corporate 6.2 V8.
That’s why the 2.0 and 3.0 were important because of displacement taxes. In nations where’s there no DT, either Caddy don’t sell the 6.2 or Cadillac isn’t there.
There are not enough words to describe just how much of a hater you are.
gm steve I hope you can put together a coherent thought as to why this makes me a hater. I doubt you can but try anyway.
How dare you. Blackwing is the greatest engine.
Guys,
Im happy with supercharged and anything over 650 HP.
I won’t be surprised if the next Z06 flat plane crank engine is under consideration too.
Does anyone know which auto show we might see a debut in? 2020 NY, might be too early.
Cheers,
Sean
Someone here who had a connection to the owner of a large Cadillac dealer said Q2. So I’m thinking NAIAS in Detroit (June), just because a reveal on their home turf right after they moved back to Detroit would make good PR sense for Cadillac.
That being said, I have to agree on the LT4. Now I get it, the whole Blackwing saga was such a pathetic blunder that at this point, its become the beating of a dead horse with a 2×4. But in all honesty, I’d much rather the LT4 than the Blackwing. You’re guaranteed at least 600 hp (which the Blackwing couldn’t give you), you maintain the spark of the beloved CTS-V (pushrod engine with proven reliability and massive power), and you provide something unique to the Germans.
Going from 650 hp to 550 hp would always feel like such a major step back imo, so I’m excited for the new LT4-powered CT5. Instead of bashing Cadillac for the Blackwing, I’m gonna be looking forward to a lighter sedan with a supercharged V8 out front, around 650 hp to (supposedly) all four wheels…and now, even a STICK! A manual?!? How could you not be happy about that news? Especially with how rare they’re becoming today, ESPECIALLY among CT5-V Blackwing competitors (hint…it doesn’t exist).
Can’t wait to take the fight back to the Germans with our new gun. God bless America.
Nice! Detroit?
I have an AMG engine now for a few years, im not sure of how it showed up on my profile picture here.
Anyways, the linear acceleration from a supercharger is awesome. My next one is probably gonna be a Cadillac.
Im back on this board and will probably wait for the dealer Markups to go away, and discounts to come in before pulling the trigger.
So maybe 3 years, we will see. No Rush Cadillac, if your reading this!!
I wish — but I highly doubt that they will put in the effort to offer all wheel drive in the top-tier CT5 V
I thought I read somewhere that they had an AWD system as optional, but I could be wrong there.
You can’t compete without AWD, so it will have it as everybody else does. Building a car now is the same as building a puzzle, you call a supplier, exchange specs and voilà you have AWD from Magna, ZF or Continental.
80% of tech comes from suppliers. That’s why companies like Kia/Hyundai can do the same as everybody else as long as the money is there.
How do you know they are not using a supercharged version of the LT2 instead ?
I’m happy with this. GM pushrods are powerful and easy to fix compared to the german cars.
Develop a world class engine (Blackwing) Name it and the special cars it goes in Blackwing. Abort Blackwing engine at birth, kill CT6 after one cycle. Brag about BOLD decisions. GM is always late to the party and first to leave. CT6 out sold all cars in its class exept S class. This is a stupid move! S class and 7 Series became Iconic because MB and BMW dont have short sighted bureaucrats trying to run them GM sadly does. Why arnt MB BMW, Lexus, Audi, Genesis as smart as GM and kill there large prestige cars?????? Why??? They are coming out with all new 2020 models! Whats wrong with them???? (sarcasm). The wrong people are running GM . This gang will never reach the light at the end of the tunnel being cheap foolish penny chasers.
Patrick,
The whole naming system has been abandoned. So the only lead or reference point we have now is the CT5V Blackwing. The car could be named something completely different. We might see the Escalade Touch Screens 4k definition like Mercedes MBUX with 650 Horses and undercut the E63s by a large amount? What more could we ask for?
Thats what I am thinking keeping up with the news online.
Gm/Cadillac has the talent and resources to do incredible wonderful things. But the power lies with finance wonks that would run a type writer replacement part company the same way they run GM standing in the way shouting NO NO NO it cost too much to compete! GM motto… How can we do it cheaper!!! Not how can we do it better!!!!
Still being nursed by Chevrolet!
Has anyone announced the BOLD cancellation of CT4 and CT5 yet?
It’s coming. I give CT5 a year and maybe two for the CT4. Neither is compelling enough to make sufficient inroads into the shrinking sedan market for GM to justify keeping them around.
Going to be quite the performance spread between the V and V Blackwing. Like all things at Cadillac, I see this strategy changing yet again.
If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. Besides that’s probably one of the V’s main selling point, a s/c small-block in a luxury car.
if this isn’t all wheel drive it won’t sell any better than the previous CTSV. Performance would be interesting with the LT4 and AWD
You can get one in black, but it won’t come with wings.
9 people who understand humor, and five with the brains of a baked potato.
Awesome!
Sour cream, much?
You got a thumbs up from me in the first comment, but a thumbs down in the second. Cheers.
Yeah. That makes sense. At least you’re honest!👍
If they’re not going to go toe to toe with the Germans in everything just don’t price it like you are. The biggest problem with Cadillac lately is they woke up one day and said their cars are just as good as the MB and BMWs so they will price them like them. Only they were the same cars they were before, they only told people they were just as good and good stuff was coming.
The v2 cts-v had the perfect formula. Tire shredding American luxury and power at a discount. The only problem is the difference between the 3.6 and 6.2sc was ridiculous. Sounds like they may address this.
Still don’t care if there isn’t a decent sized coupe though.
The CTS-V has always been substantially cheaper than the equivalent M5 and E63 AMG. In 2019, the CTS-V started at $86,995, and topped off at about $102,000 fully equipped. The M5 started at $102,700 (over $130,000 fully loaded), and the E63 AMG started at $105,000, and went to over $135,000 fully loaded. I have no idea where you got the idea that they’re priced similarly, because that’s totally false.
Cadillac in general. A lot of their vehicles have been unrealistic on what you’re getting for the price. Especially when the powertrains are also found in Malibu’s, Colorado’s and Traverses.
So MB’s $55K (starting price) midsize sedan with 4cyl and vinyl seats, is ok? A 4cyl found MB’s plumber’s van (albeit detuned) is found in your supposed “luxury” sedans, is that ok too? Criticize one but avoid the elephant in the room is just about the norm when talking about Cadillac.
When will Mary Bara introduce GM’s new clothing line – frumpy – since they are beginning to show again absolute incompetence –
Do I remember correctly that the CTS coupe was the best selling premium 2 door at the time it was CANCELED?
It may have been as it was about one of only a couple two door premium coups available.
Merc and BMW still has them.
MB and BMW, Lexus, had 2 doors maybe some others too and CTS out sold them. Now add Infinity multiple BMW’s and MB models plus multiple convertibles available right now. Cadillac says no not us we cant make a business case for it. Everyone else in the industry can but not GM/ Cadillac. What is every one else missing that Cadillac so clearly sees??????
Take a look at all their numbers and that is still not saying much.
You do realize they sold tons of coupe yeas ago. They in fact sold more Eldorado’s in one year more than all the coupes combined.
Eldorado could come as a 2 door.
Back then caddy was thought of (to the genral public) as something special. If the CT5-V blackwing is rebadged as a Chevelle SS it would be huge news. Not so much for a CT5-V Blackwing. Stupid management. They have ruined caddy so much that they would make more money badging them as buicks or high end chevys. You can’t be more german than the germans.
The confusion continues… do they think no one is paying attention? The Germans are positively LAUGHING at GM… Every other mfr is simple watching them and doing the opposite and gaining market share…. this company is a disaster and Mary Barra, Barry Soetoro’s appointee is to blame… Fire ALL of them…
Ok, what you suggest they should make since everything GM makes is bad?, do Lincoln have a performance sedan?..
It could be much too late. All they care about is Chevy Buick in China and the stock price. As for US buyers of Cadillac they could care less as long if it is one of their boring SUV’s. I’m a bit angry reading this.
Buick will die too. GM management will see to it.
Well said!!!!!
I call BS. BMW and Mercedes are losing share of the market on the 3 series and C class. Prove me wrong!
You’re whining that the new CT5 V Blackwing is going to have more than. 600 horsepower/torque? Meanwhile the M3 and C63 AMG both have less than 500 horsepower. The new CT5 V Blackwing will blow the doors off the equivalent BMW and Mercedes and likely be competitively priced. Seems to me they’re doing what you’re suggesting yet you bitch endlessly.
Cadillac management is making a great business decision by using the LT4. They’re saving huge development dollars and saving on certification costs with using this engine. If you cant see the logic in this, make sure you never run a business.
Finally, Cadillac needs to be sensible with spending in this shrinking segment. Keep spending low and work on developing EV to continue to shake up this segment. Create a product that will outdo Tesla and then they can truly take market share from BMW and Mercedes.
CT5 V is aimed at E63s and M5 competition. They are about equal in hp and have AWD. RS7 has around 550hp, but with AWD.
GM changes it’s mind like I change my underwear. Every time I read something about the V series of car there are changes. The 4.2 was a great start to something new, but no they poop their paints and get scared that it is going to cost. Now if I understand this correctly that the “NEW” CTS-V is in between the ATS-V and CTS-V? Is that correct. What happened to the CTS-4 and all that other BS. No matter how much I love my ATS-V Coupe I am embarrassed by the mental health of GM. They have no clue on how to market anything except Chevy and that marketing sucks. It screams Cheap. SMH
GM ruining Cadillac is like a giant fast food company trying to run a Michelin Star restaurant using the exact same business model. Stupid and out of touch.
Also saw Bloody Mary riding in a C8 and thought it strange she was not driving. It accrued to me she may not cnow how to drive or even have a license, Does any one know?
She has been seen driving Cadillac SUVs/Cuvs.
I don’t like the sound of the Blackwing engine discontinuing if true. But why, according to GMA, that the engine is going to discontinue in a few months if the CT6-V and its lesser models going to discontinue by the end of this month? Are there going to be extra Blackwing engines to spare?
Either way, I would like for the CT5-V Blackwing to get AWD.
If there are any BW left over they will sell them for scrap and congratulate themselves on the money they made from the scrappers….
Putting a a Chevy engine in here does not solve the real issues here.
We still have the lack of strong independent management.
We still have too many parts bin parts.
We still have a goo but still a Chevy engine in the car.
You want people to believe a Cadillac is the best car it needs to be all a Cadillac.
Back when a Cadillac was the world standard they had nearly all their own things. While today some thing need to be shared they need to be changed or hidden to the point that you can not tell. Things like a a Transmission.
Today we have a new DOHC TT V8 and they are not using it?
You want to set a standard and you want people to pay more you need to give them more than a Camaro engine.
GM killed a Pontiac by taking away everything that made a Pontiac a Pontiac. They became Nothing more than a Chevy or Holden with different styling.
Most people today if they were never around a older Cadillac or Pontiac have no clue how much different they were. If you think a 4th gen Trans Am or GTP was a Pontiac you need to find an older Pontiac or Cadillac to sample.
Go back and look at the V16 Cadillac and compare it to the Chevy of the same year. Go back and compare a 65 GTO to a Malibu SS. It was more than just styling.
You can settle for this or demand what should be.
Yes GM May make money here but they will not restore a Cadillac to where it needs to be and additional profits.
You can complain about names or numbers and other minor things but it is content and independents from the other GM divisions that will set Cadillac apart.
A Cadillac should never offer things from a cheaper sedan or coupe that can easily be identified.
Very well put! Thank you.
65 GTO- 389
65 Chevelle SS- 396
hmmmmmmmmmm….
I agree on the caddy V16 though
70 GTO- 455 400hp
70 Chevelle SS- 454 450hp
It’s interesting that they’ve eliminated the hood vent.
The LT4 is the better engine. It’s compact, better displacement, more power, more reliable with less moving parts.
Great engine. But that had nothing to do with it being chosen and the blackwing ditched. Only because its cheaper. if there were a cheaper alternative the SC 6.2 it would be gone too. The fools who made the decision to ditch the BW had no concept of what a V8 engine is all the same to them just that one was cheaper.
Boy you said it all. In the auto world refining is part of the trade. When GM finds something new and interesting the last thing they want to do is spend on refining it, they dump it and go to something invented 25 years ago. Sorry that is a disappointment to me. I guess things have changed forever.
The first commandment of GM cheaper. Like BMW and Audi they hide how they cut costs by their marketing and keeping the mantra of quality and have cars made for speed. Refining year after year even if its BS. Perception is reality
And horrible fuel economy. That’s why it has no future in the long-term.