2021 Chevy Camaro customers who want the ultimate track experience can choose the ZL1 1LE Extreme Track Performance Package, which includes Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) dampers. By comparison, the upcoming Cadillac Blackwing ultra-high-performance luxury sedans will not be available with these. Instead, they will feature the fourth-generation Magnetic Ride Control (MRC, or MR 4.0).
Before investigating why the Cadillac and Chevrolet models differ in this way, we should first look at how the two systems compare. Similar to conventional dampers, the oil flow in the DSSV dampers is regulated by a stack of flexible steel disks. These disks can be arranged in several ways, each of which provides its own force-velocity curve for the damper. What makes DSSV unique is the use of spool valve technology, which offer spring-loaded cylindrical sleeves in place of the steel disks. The Multimatic units utilized by the Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE contain two; one for rebound and one for compression.
The oil in MRC dampers contains iron particles which flow freely in normal circumstances. However, if they are magnetized, they contribute more significantly to the viscosity of the oil. Essentially, the more they are affected by the electromagnets in the dampers, the stiffer the fluid becomes, with a corresponding increase in the damper rate.
Both systems have their merits, but concerns have been expressed (by some) about the harsh ride quality in Camaros with the DSSV technology. This could be considered acceptable in a high-performance coupe or convertible, but in a luxury sedan – even one as powerful as a Cadillac Blackwing – not so much.
Mirza Grebovic, Cadillac Performance Variant Manager, explained the situation more fully in a recent interview with GM Authority executive editor Alex Luft.
“MR [Magnetic Ride Control] allows us to run it as if it‘s a DSSV damper,” Grebovic said. “We can literally put all the metal in the fluid and make it higher viscosity, but we can also open it up for daily driving and have an amazing ride.
“This is all about how many people actually track their car. We did not want to make a compromise in a Cadillac.”
“Compared to the ATS-V, it will blow your mind how much smoother the CT4-V Blackwing rides. It does that even though we made all the springs and bars stiffer. In track mode, it’s like a full-on roller coaster.”
Although high ride quality was considered important in the development of the Cadillac Blackwing sedans, they are sure to be exceptionally capable on a track. The 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing will be the most powerful model GM’s luxury brand has ever put into production. Its supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 engine, previously used in the Chevy Corvette C7 Z06 and current Camaro ZL1, will appear in its most powerful form yet. It’s rated at 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 200 mph.
The 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing won’t quite match those figures, but its twin-turbocharged 3.6L V6 LF4 engine makes 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough for a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed 189 mph.
Starting prices are $59,990 for the CT4-V Blackwing and $84,990 for the CT5-V Blackwing. If all goes according to plan, production of both vehicles will start at the GM Lansing Grand River plant in Michigan on July 5th.
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Comments
Ummm, your understanding of DSSV dampers is incorrect. What makes DSSV special is the use of spool valves (the “SV”) which means they do not just use the deflection of metal disks to control fluid flow. Spool valves can be used to much more accurately and consistently control damping force as they operate of spring-controlled mechanisms. What you described in the article is just a run of the mill damper.
The ‘fact’ that they were referred to as ‘flexible disks’ is something you missed in your haste to flex. Conventional dampers have solid steel disks. If they’re flexing, that means they’re worn. Referring to a flexible disk as a hollow, spring-loaded cylinder is, perhaps more precise, but that doesn’t mean the ‘flexible disk’ terminology is incorrect.
We did revise it for clarity. Crisis averted.
Makes perfect sense that a Cadillac should ride like a Cadillac, not a Camaro and for every one of these being “tracked”, a hundred and seventeen of them will be parked in climate controlled garages and never taken out of the wrapper.
These guys have an excuse for everything. No awd because it wouldn’t make the cars faster, according to them. And now no DSSV because nobody tracks the cars. AlwAys excuses. If they wanted the fastest it would have AWD, would have DSSV, and would be automatic only. Considering none of those were met, they just like excuses and couldn’t care less about real performance.
Who needs AWD and DSSV? Needless added complexity and harshness thankfully omitted. This thing will be flat out bonkers satisfying with 6-speed and if you don’t believe what this car’s capable of is “real performance”, I’ll wager you’ve never experienced it yourself and you’re just crossing tech buzzwords off a list while stuck in the bystander world of cold hard numbers on paper with zero real life exposure to joyous mechanical pleasure. The market’s already saturated with soulless numbers cars. GM saved this one for folks who like to drive.
I told you last time, don’t wager against me. You’re living up to your name. I daily drive a 21 M550. I owned and tracked a CTS-V. Owned an X5M. Owned a pair of SRT8s. Owned an E39. I have plenty of “real life exposure”. I also have track experience. See, I’m not a troll like you. I speak from experience. So when I say something, you can take it as fact, not opinion.
Have a nice day.
I could care less, dude. You’re a snob and a blowhard. Cadillac doesn’t need you and your M550 is weak. Get a life. You’re far too impressed with yourself.
AWD is great for launching/street racing. It’s extra weight is a detriment on a road course for a street car. I may only track my ’17 CTS-V a couple of times/year but the reason I bought it over a BMW (I have a couple of those also) is because it gives better feel/response on a track and is lighter than competing cars. I’m happy my ’22 CT5-V Blackwing won’t be AWD.
🥱
I don’t get paid to race cars. I like to have fun. A 6 speed RWD fits that a hell of a lot better than an AWD auto.
I love the V cars, but these interviews:
Interviewer: Why MRC versus DSSV?
GM: DSSVs ride too harsh for these awesome street vehicles
Interviewer: Why not AWD?
GM: AWD would not be right for these awesome track vehicles
Interviewer: Why did you call them Blackwing again?
GM: …static….
I just bought a 23 MY 4 series blackwing and while ita not as smooth ride like the 2018 XTS I traded…well it is a sports sedan isn’t it. My question is is the magnetic ride control always on regardless of the selected drive mode. My reason for this question is because my 23 MY C08 has finally maybe 2 weeks from the order going to the factory, so I have some time to make changes and right now iam NOT getting the MRC, so this question will have a bearing on my decision.
Yes MRC is always on and there’s no way I’d ever order a GM performance car without it! It’s phenomenal tech which is why Ferrari licenses it and several other high-end brands have their own less mature version. If your prior car was a XTS and you’re getting a C8 I’d definitely say get MRC!