Cadillac Announces Ultra-Performance V-Series Blackwing Models

Cadillac today unveiled Blackwing, an ultra-performance variant of the brand’s already performance-oriented V-Series line of vehicles. To be available with a manual transmission, Cadillac V-Series Blackwing models will be outfitted with specially-tuned chassis, engine, and vehicle-control technologies.

The Blackwing name is an homage to the original Cadillac crest, which featured the merlette black bird. A prominent symbol on the coat of arms of Detroit founder Antoine De La Mothe Cadillac, the merlettes were depicted with black wings but without legs or beaks.

Cadillac introduced its V-Series family of performance vehicles in 2004 with the ambition of going head-to-head with the established German powerhouses of BMW M and Mercedes-Benz AMG. From the original CTS-V and most recently with the ATS-V, V-Series vehicles initially boasted big V-8s and track-worthy equipment such as high-performance brakes and suspension systems.

For the new V-Series Blackwing lineup, Cadillac did not specify whether the engine would be the eponymously-monikered twin-turbocharged 4.2-liter V-8 that was featured in the now-defunct CT6-V model, or whether the new Blackwings would offer power resembling the CT6’s 550 horses.

Regardless of what winds up under the hood, track and road course testing continue as the automaker is committed to ensuring these latest V-Series vehicles are the most capable sport sedans the company makes. The all-new 2020 Cadillac CT4 and Cadillac CT5 sedans, which join the V-Series lineup for the first time, will carry the Blackwing banner when the sub-brand is introduced. And early tests peg the new vehicles as quicker around the track than the ATS-V and CTS-V they essentially replace.

Blackwing will signify a step above standard V-Series performance specification. Currently, the 2020 CT4-V is equipped with a 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder rated to make 325 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. It uses a 10-speed automatic, and the compact car offers an almost perfect front-to-rear weight distribution as well as features like a V-Series performance chassis, Brembo front brakes, a limited-slip rear differential, and customizable vehicle control V-Mode settings.

The CT5-V midsize sedan receives a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 for 360 hp and 405 lb.-ft. of torque. Also equipped with a 10-speed automatic, the CT5-V adds to the CT4-V’s equipment with a performance traction management system and electronic limited-slip rear differential. Both the CT4-V and CT5-V are rear-wheel drive with the option of all-wheel drive.

Expect availability for the V-Series Blackwing models to be limited. Additional specifications and an on-sale date will be announced at a later time.

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