The General Motors Global B digital vehicle platform (also known as VIP) is slowly making its way across the GM portfolio. Some of first vehicles to launch Global B were the Cadillac CT4 and CT5. By association, Cadillac‘s upcoming Blackwing models – the 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing will also utilize Blackwing. Anyone not familiar with the platform might wonder how it will benefit the ultra-high-performance luxury sedans. On their behalf, GM Authority executive editor, Alex Luft, posed this question to Mirza Grebovic, Chief Engineer of the Blackwing models.
“The VIP architecture enables extra features on the Blackwings, including PDR [Performance Data Recorder], Performance Traction Management, 4.0 MR [fourth-generation Magnetic Ride Control, shared with the other [regular V-Series models], our eLSD and our 10-speed [optional automatic transmission]” Grebovic replied.
“The ECM (engine control module) is also unique, so there’s a lot of modules and features that are unique to V-Series Blackwing.”
Grebovic added that the Global B architecture’s enormous processing power has allowed Cadillac to use high-definition cameras, including in the front, rear, mirror camera and PDR camera, while also running a lot of radar for active safety features. This is because it has a processing rate of 4.5 terabytes per hour, five times that of the earlier system, now referred to as Global A.
“So if you think about all that processing power, we were not able to do that with the previous architecture, and VIP allowed us to get there,” Grebovic concluded.
VIP is another name for Global B. It stands for Vehicle Intelligence Platform, which GM was filed to trademark on February 23rd 2021. The system is internally known as VIP.
The three vehicles to use Global B were the 2020 Cadillac CT5, 2020 Cadillac CT4 as well as 2020 Chevy Corvette. The system will be featured on nearly all GM vehicles due to launch in the coming years (though not the 2022 Chevy Bolt EV or 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV). The system’s performance allows GM to adopt cutting-edge electric vehicle powertrains, more advanced safety systems, new levels of vehicle cybersecurity, state-of-the-art infotainment features and ever-improving semi-autonomous driver assistance systems.
The latter include the Super Cruise system already offered on the 2021 Cadillac CT4 and 2021 Cadillac CT5 luxury sedans as well as the 2021 Cadillac Escalade full-size luxury SUV. GM’s upcoming Ultra Cruise system, which is expected to build on Super Cruise by being able to function on city streets, will also rely heavily on Global B. Though the modified GM Global A electrical platform used for the Bolt EUV is powerful enough to use an early version of Super Cruise, it’s not powerful enough for Chevrolet to be able to include the Automated Lane Change feature.
The 2022 CT4-V Blackwing is powered by a twin-turbo 3.6L V6 LF4 gasoline engine producing 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque, while the CT5-V Blackwing‘s supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 motor is rated at 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque. The 0-60 mph times are 3.7 seconds and 3.8 seconds, respectively, and the top speeds are 189 mph and over 200 mph.
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Comments
I wonder if the VIPER will be used in Cadillac’s electrical vehicles, too, beginning with the 2023 Lyriq.
CT4 Blackwing and CT5 Blackwing will utilize Blackwing??
It’s really confusing to see ‘global’ word in every second sentence knowing Cadillac and Chevrolet aren’t even close to global.
Wiring looks very Corrosion-Prone and Messy. Not a good sign when both my 2017 BOLT and 2019 VOLT both had center screen wiring problems and the ‘fix’ was to wiggle the wires around until the screen worked – which lasted 2 weeks until I had to demand of the dealer that they actually DO SOMETHING instead of just jiggling the wires.
How similar is the Alpha 2 platform used in the CT5 compared to the Alpha 1 used in the CTS. Did they just modify it to accept AWD? Is it improved?
The ATS and CTS ( Alpha Platform) were always available with AWD.
The main difference between Alpha 1 and 2 is that the 2 is capable of handling more electronics. Part of the reason why the new CUE system is more refined is partly due to what they have done to the alpha chassis. Structurely you can see the resemblance but be able to tell which is the more advanced chassis in terms of which can hold better tech.
You state that Super Cruise is offered on CT5-V.
When building and pricing on cadillac.com and then searching inventory nationwide, there are none available with Super Cruise.
Is Super Cruise lack of availability due to chip shortages?
I believe it’s due to model year. The initial year I dont believe it’s available with super cruise. I want to say it becomes available in the 22 MY.
Finally a car without a Gnormas Grill…it’s about time. Now if everyone else would follow suit! I can’t stand non turbo cars that look like the front of a 2000 WRX…there is no need for that big a grill unless you have a turbo or supercharger… maybe for cooling but how did cars years go get air cooled without big grills . It’s also refreshing that it does not look to angry like it eats small children! 😂
Ct6v only real blackwing… here comes the down votes from the ct4 ct5 v huggers but it’s true and these cars look cheap now. Would never buy one of these. Slap on tablet display zzzz integrated looks so much better.