Rising from the ashes of the ATS-V, the 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing represents the last word (within the purest sense of the phrase) in compact efficiency from GM’s luxurious model. The identify Blackwing was initially utilized to a stillborn, twin-turbocharged V8 destined for a brand new technology of luxurious sedans, however has been repurposed as a logo for Cadillac’s cussed insistence on doing proper by its efficiency heritage, proper as much as the tip. Sure, the finish. The final gasp. The grand finale. Swan music. Farewell tour. No matter model of finality works greatest for you, apply it right here, as a result of Blackwing represents the gasoline-powered Cadillac’s last type.
There are two key elements to a sport sedan: a kick-ass powertrain and a chassis than can wrangle it. Examine and examine. A contemporary and highly effective twin-turbo V6 resides underneath the CT4-V Blackwing’s hood, and it rides on the most recent and biggest revision of GM’s world Alpha platform, which advanced from the identical fundamental underpinnings of the ATS, CTS and Chevy Camaro. A stretched and widened model is the inspiration for the CT5 (search for our evaluate of that automobile’s Blackwing subsequent week).
In transitioning from ATS to CT4, Cadillac determined to reposition and worth its smallest sedan towards Europe’s subcompacts. Within the grand custom of Cadillac’s sporty four-doors, this makes it a dimension mismatch. It’s nearly as giant on the surface as a BMW 3 Collection or Mercedes C-Class, fairly than the front-wheel-drive primarily based 2 Collection Gran Coupe and CLA-Class with which the CT4 nominally competes on worth.
This generational re-branding additionally resulted in a brand new, very totally different strategy to high-performance fashions sporting the letter V. Earlier than, they represented the top of their respective nameplates, however now, a -V represents the mid-grade providing. Upgraded actually (limited-slip rear differential, extra energy, adaptive suspension) however positioned towards Audi’s S and BMW’s M-Sport fashions. Cadillac even calls it “CT4 V Collection” in sure locations as a result of the scenario wasn’t complicated sufficient.
And though there’s nothing ambiguous in regards to the Blackwing’s place atop the CT4 hierarchy, Cadillac’s have-their-cake-and-eat-it-too strategy to the CT4’s positioning nonetheless makes issues slightly hinky. The CT4-V Blackwing and its twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 packs 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque, figures that rival the BMW M3 and others within the compact section fairly than something within the subcompact section (the bonkers CLA 45 tops out at 382 hp). Equally, the Blackwing’s 0-60 occasions of three.9 seconds with the automated and 4.1 with the handbook additionally match properly, as does its 189-mph prime velocity. The handbook is rated at 15 mpg metropolis and 23 mpg freeway; the automated at 16/24.
And yeah, how about that? A six-speed handbook transmission is commonplace with a 10-speed computerized elective. It’s additionally rear-wheel drive in addition. Don’t trouble trying on the child European efficiency sedans for a row-your-own possibility; they’re all automatic-only. So are many of the compacts nowadays.
Between the engine and the pushed wheels sits an electronically managed limited-slip differential (a real mechanical unit; not a brake-based setup) and maintaining all of it in examine is the most recent model (4.0) of Cadillac’s Magnetic Trip Management (MRC). Whole curb weight with the handbook: 3,860 kilos. That’s simply 100 kilos greater than the a lot smaller and much much less sensible Camaro 2SS.
Caddy’s engineers went to nice lengths to save lots of weight, a few of which (18-inch wheels on a high-performance automobile) are extra apparent than others (no accessible sunroof). These 18-inch wheels are wrapped in summer-spec Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires in 255/35ZR18 (entrance) and 275/35ZR18 (rear). The rear brakes had been additionally transformed to a dual-caliper setup with a devoted clamp for the parking brake, which each lowered un-sprung mass and allowed for higher airflow (and thus cooling). They bought an improve to a four-piston setup within the course of, too, which provides an additional layer of confidence.
On the street, the additional tire sidewall pays big dividends. In Touring mode, the Blackwing stays planted and nimble however rides, nicely, like a Cadillac. It’s supple and soothing even over damaged pavement, offering suggestions at a whisper fairly than a roar. “Sport” tightens the steering and the damper response, however nonetheless doesn’t punish. It’s not till you get into the Observe-specific modes that issues get actually flinty.
As with nearly all people else, Cadillac allows you to customise the CT4-V Blackwing’s drive modes just about exhaustively, with many classes providing greater than easy binary decisions. Steering, suspension, engine response — you identify it, you’ll be able to customise it. Shift packages are additionally selectable in automatic-equipped automobiles.
The handbook transmission will not be a commuter’s ultimate alternative (or, assuredly, a preferred one), however the Blackwing’s 6MT is about as nice a handbook gearbox as there’s. The Tremec TR6060-based unit snicks obediently from gear to gear and comes with a rev-matching possibility that’s left off by default, however toggled with the press of a single button subsequent to the shifter. No drive mode requirement. No menu looking. Only a easy “sure” or “no.”
No-lift shift can be commonplace, permitting you to maintain your proper foot planted as you energy by the gears, and pairs properly with launch management that will help you hit Caddy’s advised 0-60 occasions, which media had been capable of casually reproduce even with heat-soaked engines within the Virginia Worldwide Raceway paddock. Oh, yeah; I bought to drive this pet at VIR.
There, Cadillac had each computerized and handbook Blackwings on the prepared, all of them showroom inventory aside from a monitor alignment (which Cadillac consists of within the proprietor’s handbook, earlier than you protest). For hours, a small group of journalists escaped the 97-degree afternoon with repeated air-conditioned sizzling laps, completely pounding on the little Cadillacs with out even a touch of criticism.
We ran VIR’s full course with just one exception – the tiny bus cease on the again straight was included as a chicane to examine our speeds going up the hill into the Curler Coaster, however VIR is a thirsty beast, consuming each scrap of horsepower you’ll be able to throw at it. Even with the chicane in place, 130 was doable on the again straight, and the pit straight invited us even deeper into the revs earlier than braking onerous into Flip 1. In my favourite spot – VIR’s well-known climbing esses – the Blackwing was an absolute kitten even with mid-corner speeds pushing 110, which was in regards to the restrict of my consolation in a wierd automobile on a monitor I have not pushed since earlier than the eponymous oak tree fell at what actually no one refers to as VIR’s flip 12.
The Blackwing rotates like an absolute dream, and even with the Michelin’s tall-ish sidewalls, there’s no lag in its steering. In need of getting completely ham-fisted with the controls, the entrance finish affords prodigious, dependable grip earlier than in the end surrendering to predictable, secure understeer that vanishes with simply the slightest raise. GM’s Efficiency Traction Administration completely shines right here, permitting the motive force to rapidly dial in simply the correct quantity of intervention – or help, relying on the way you’re utilizing it.
That is the half the place I’m imagined to let you know what the catch is. Nicely, it’s a Cadillac, so if that issues to you, I suppose that’s a downside. The Blackwing does endure from a few shortcomings inherent to the each CT4 (and the Alpha platform usually), reminiscent of a considerably awkwardly cramped footwell for some, a too-low-and-far-back seating place for others, scarce rear passenger legroom for all and a tiny trunk. These all persist on this software, however I actually can’t consider some other significant nits to select which are unique to the Blackwing. Or deal breakers.
It is also a stupidly whole lot. Because the Blackwing is actually a CT4-V with a ridiculous efficiency bundle stapled onto it, it just about is available in two varieties: loaded and extra loaded. The bottom mannequin comes with artificial leather-based and fundamental sport seats, which could be upgraded to extra aggressively bolstered Nappa leather-based buckets with composite entrance seat backs should you’re so inclined. The tech bundle is sort of sturdy too, together with wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, together with AKG premium audio as commonplace gear.
The one notable omissions from the bottom mannequin are adaptive cruise management and computerized emergency braking; they’ll solely be optioned with the automated as a part of the $900 Driver Help bundle. The Efficiency Knowledge Recorder carries over from the ATS-V as nicely, but it surely’ll set you again $1,600.
Outdoors, you’ll be able to select from a few different wheel finishes (matte grey and brass) and add carbon fiber trim. The bottom carbon fiber bundle consists of track-spec aero parts (splitter, wheel nicely deflectors, dive planes and enhanced rear spoiler) that really generate usable downforce. They’re expensive ($4,350 for the essential stuff; one other $2,650 for the additional beauty bits), however don’t muddle up the outside too badly they usually are purposeful.
That’s about it. Consequently, the Blackwing’s base worth of $59,990 (together with vacation spot) doesn’t require a lot inflation except you’re choosy in regards to the high quality of inside supplies or really need that additional downforce. Mechanically, there’s just about nothing to chase. Besides maybe some BMWs.
And that’s what Cadillac has been doing for the reason that first CTS-V debuted method again in 2004. The genesis of the V badge was outsized for its class (sound acquainted?) however nonetheless fantastic to drive. Whereas the CT4-V Blackwing might not keep on the CTS’ heavyweight legacy, it hits the bullseye Cadillac has been zeroing in on for almost 20 years: it does what we wish a BMW M3 to do – arguably higher – with none significant penalty.
The unhappy half is that the CT4-V Blackwing represents the perfect of what Cadillac used to do. The model’s future is in Lyriq and SuperCruise and the remainder of what GM’s luxurious department is pursuing within the post-de-Nysschen period of electrification and automation. I can consider no higher observe to finish on.
