The standard six-speed manual transmission in the upcoming 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing performance sedans will utilize a variety of 3D printed parts.
Cadillac says the all-new six-speed manual transmission for the two super sedans was produced using new additive manufacturing techniques, which helped reduce the cost to develop the transmission and will result in reduced material waste, as well. While only a cosmetic piece, the metal medallion that sits on top of the six-speed manual shifter is also manufactured using 3D printing techniques.
“A lot of work went into making the manual possible in both vehicles,” said Cadillac performance variant manager Mirza Grebovic. “It’s something we know V-Series buyers want and it’s something we knew we had to have, so we used innovative processes to make it happen. There are a few ways to really get that connected feel with the vehicle and the manual transmission is probably the most obvious one.”
The CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing will also feature other 3D printed parts, including two of the HVAC ducts and an electrical harness bracket.
While the six-speed manual transmission will come standard in both the CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing, a GM 10-speed automatic transmission will be offered as an option. Cadillac is confident the manual will still be popular among Blackwing buyers, though. It recently commissioned Harris to conduct a study on manual transmission popularity in the U.S., which found that sixty-six percent of American adults surveyed know how to drive a manual and more than half have owned a manual car in the past. Interest in learning how to drive a manual is higher among those with $75,000 or more in annual household income, as well, which includes potential Blackwing buyers.
The CT5-V Blackwing is expected to feature a supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 engine, which is currently offered in the 2020 Chevy Camaro ZL1, where it produces 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. The smaller CT4-V Blackwing, meanwhile, is anticipated to come with a twin-turbocharged 3.6L LF4 V6 engine, which produced 464 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque in the now-defunct Cadillac ATS-V. Both sedans will launch next summer.
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Comments
That shift knob coin is so nice.
Do we have an idea when these will be unveiled? I’m dying for information over here.
After over e year, STILL nothing official, which is beginning to drive me to Ford.
HAHA, just kidding! Can you imagine being that pathetic? 😉
With availability starting next summer, I’d expect a reveal early next year, likely January.
Yikes! Glad I read your second sentence as the end of the first made me mad for a second haha! What would you get from Ford at FWD biased Sedan from Lincoln lol?
Aw man dude, haven’t you seen the Taurus SHO? Thing’s a BEAST! FWD-based, slush-o-matic, and overweight, what’s not to like? V Series doesn’t stand a chance! Lol
BLACKWING REVEAL FEBRUARY 2ND
@Steven Tola
Really? How do you know this???
Ground Hog’s Day ? wash ,rinse ,repeat
It was reported that the US Air Force designed and built a prototype for a GEN 6 fighter jet and actually test flew the aircraft; this means that General Motors and Cadillac can theoretically design and build new cars without a conventional factory, just press buttons on a computer console and out comes a 3D printed car that needs only to be assembled.
Wut? 0_o
Your statement proves you obviously don’t know much about 3D printing, or aircraft assembly, since you’re engineering expertise appears to come from watching cartoons.
Is there a reason the 7 spd doesn’t get used in this application? Honest question.
I have read in other places that the TR-6070 (7spd Tremec) would not fit in the smaller cars. It seems advantageous to keep a tried and true TR-6060 (6spd Tremec) in both cars given its great form factor and commonality across the 6 Gen Camaro, ATS-V, CT4-V BW, and CT5-V BW.
Agree that the 7spd would be pretty cool inside a Cadillac.
I think the 7 spd is mainly an overdrive gear for fuel economy , I never seem to use it in my 19 ZR1 , except on the rare occasion ( mis shift 4 -5 when on track ) , then it really sucks going from 4th to 7th it really kills your drive down the straight , not to mention your lap times .
I have been driving manual transmission cars exclusively since 1970. I hate boring automatics. What concerns me is these Tremec transmissions have a low speed gear (reverse!) right next to a high speed gear (sixth!). There is no logical reason to do that. Reverse gear belongs next to the gear that it will always be used before or after. Normally you go from 1st to reverse, or most often reverse (backing out of the garage) to 1st. Why put it all the way across the shift pattern? I drive heavy trucks and ALL of them have Reverse right near 1st. To do anything else is not only wrong, but it is wrong headed. All you enthusiasts should take a look at my You Tube video “Shift a manual 6 speed like a pro” and let me know what you think.
REVEAL. IT!!!!
This is getting ridiculous, I’ve been waiting for over a year!
I want a manual in the CT4-V also. Won’t buy one with an auto.
Yay, save the manuals!
Who cares. Wasn’t over a year ago when they announced that there would be one?
Glad to see someone still enjoys to row their own.
Even though today’s automatic transmissions are faster in the ¼ mile, which barely any of these Caddys will see, there is nothing quite like being a “part” of the car like driving a stick.
Why do you think that they are still soooo popular?
Also glad that the decision makers at Cadillac found someone to help them pull the sticks out of their tight a$@%#/&’s and go with what works – a 6.2 supercharged LT4 – instead of going with their vanity choice of the Blackwing V8.
I never understood why they felt compelled to develop a ‘clean-sheet’ engine for a (very) select few vehicles, that produced LESS HP AND Torque than the proven, and (almost) infinitely upgradable LT, other than narcissism.
(Twin) Turbos aren’t new to GM.
Dual overhead cams aren’t new to GM.
They both (potentially) offer better efficiency and power than the pushrod V8s that have graced the engine bays of GM vehicles for going on eight decades, but when they can do it cheaper and more reliably than what is currently available they will then take over.
Which I’m sure they will in the (near?) future….
Until then, I’ll stick with what works.
The Coyote sure isn’t stealing ANY LS/LT lunch money. 🤭
I found it nearly impossible to believe that GM could have topped the LS platform – which is increasingly popular – until they unveiled the LT.
Pleasantly surprised and not surprised at the same time.
Once again Cadillac releases the ugliest cars in their class. Which cars do they hope to compete with? BMW M series? AUDI RS? AMG? MY 911? Impossible.
The CTS is like a fat girl who is kind, caring and smart – it’s what’s inside that counts. The GM LS/LT are powerhouses stuffed into lackluster shells.
Ford, GM, and Chrysler only stay afloat with North American government subsidies and government contracts. Auto-Welfare.
That is arguably the dumbest take I have ever read here. You do know this comment is visible to the public…correct?
Yeah considering the alpha platform is arguably the best Sedan chassis out there. Definitely bang for buck. I feel like the LT4 motor is cost cutting part of a cts v since it’s been put in multiple vehicles. World class chassis great motor oh and magnaride.
@ Seamus
I love how guys like you take the time out of their day to come here and attempt to troll with your terrible takes. How did GM hurt you? Did a guy with a V steal your girl away?
Production quantity so low that 3d printing parts becomes the cheap option. That’s truly inspired by jets.
If the CT5 has a LT4, my first though is why are they discontinuing the Camaro after 2023? Reports were there was no suitable platform for the a 7th gen Camaro.
Bill
I wouldn’t buy a new car with a manual transmission. The new Automatic transmission are faster than the manuals. Corvette found out that with there paddle shifters
If it took you guys 2-3 years to make the perfect Blackwing it should have AWD for its competitors, LT5 motor to push 680-720HP. if not than this car is a bust. although ive seen the steering wheel and thats a major part of interior also the Clusters and navigation screen is an upgrade… with the Carbon fiber full shell seating the the back of the spine. these M5 F90’s and E63s are no joke for competitors like ive always said. Im sure it has to be destroying on the tracks i have no doubt it that !
I guess Seamus prefers to drive Automatics as other than the 911, none of the German brands offer manuals anymore? But I guess DSGs are faster. Who f’n cares!
I hope the 3-D-“printed” knob is enclosed in a clear plastic, otherwise dirt would accumulate in it, which you wont get out because of the intricate construction.