2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing And CT5-V Blackwing Manual Transmission Will Use 3D Printed Parts
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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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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.