All the way back in 2020, GM Authority reported that the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing were poised to offer a new magnesium wheels option, promising a moderate performance boost thanks to substantially reduced unsprung weight. Unfortunately, the new option failed to manifest with the launch of the two V-Series sedans, but nevertheless, Cadillac indicated as recently as February of 2024 that the optional upgrade was still under consideration, as GM Authority reported previously. Luckily for those V-Series fans eager to swap in some ultra-light forged rollers of their own, it sounds as though they’re indeed still on the way.
In a recent interview, GM Authority Executive Editor Alex Luft asked Cadillac Executive Chief Engineer Brandon Vivian if Caddy was still interested in offering a set of magnesium wheels for the Cadillac V-Series Blackwing sedans.
“Stay tuned,” was the only answer Vivian gave us. While cagey at best, it certainly sounds as though the launch of a new magnesium wheel option is still under consideration.
For those readers who may be unaware, magnesium wheels offer several key benefits for performance cars, primarily due to their low weight and high-strength properties. One of the most significant advantages is reduced unsprung mass, which improves handling, acceleration, and braking performance. Magnesium wheels also have excellent damping properties that can reduce vibration across a range of different components, including the suspension, transmission, and engine. Yet another advantage is superior heat dissipation thanks to high thermal conductivity, which helps to manage the heat generated under braking, especially during extended driving sessions on a racetrack.
That all said, magnesium wheels can be very expensive, especially compared to the standard aluminum alloy rollers. Nevertheless, for those buyers considering the $18,000 Precision Package for improved handling on their CT5-V Blackwing, ponying up for a set magnesium wheels could definitely be in the realm of possibility.
As expected, we’ll stick with this story and report back any further updates as we receive them. Stay tuned, indeed.
Comments
Wouldn’t Carbon Fiber be a superior and modern alternative to Magnesium? Magnesium wheels have been available since the ‘60s, I always heard the disadvantages included that they were very brittle and easily damaged. Plus very expensive as is CF. Why the old technology?
……….so dealers and GM can make money and buyers can have another choice and bragging rights, it’s as American as apple pie
Nice color!