Nothing beats the connection and driving feel of the tried-and-true manual transmission. Though one may dispute that statement, we’re sure many readers will agree that shifting with three pedals and a gear lever heightens the experience behind the wheel to totally different heights. Unfortunately, with the proliferation of lightning-quick automatic gearboxes, not to mention declining take rates of vehicles with manual transmissions, the stick is becoming increasingly less popular. But Cadillac will do its part in keeping the stick shift alive, at least for the foreseeable future, thanks to at least one upcoming V-Series Blackwing model.
That’s based on recent statements made by the President of Cadillac’s parent company, General Motors, Mark Reuss, who told reports on the sidelines of the 2020 Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V debut event last May the following: “Cadillac will make manuals in V-Series.”
Sounds pretty clear, no?
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing prototype at Detroit Belle Isle on June 1, 2019
Reuss is known for being a straight shooter, and given that he directly oversees Cadillac (Cadillac President Steven Carlisle reports directly to Reuss), there’s a lot of weight behind those words.
Of course, there’s still some ambiguity left to untangle. Namely, which Cadillac V-Series model, or potentially which models, will receive a manual transmission. Going forward, we have reason to believe that the only Cadillac V-Series model that will offer a manual gearbox would be the next-level Cadillac CT4-V, which will be called Cadillac CT4 Blackwing (or Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing). As a refresher, this model will slot above the standard CT4-V as the range-topping performance model, adopting the Blackwing name as Caddy spins it into a sub-brand.
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Prototype testing on June 26, 2019
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing prototypeMeanwhile, the CT5-V and CT5 Blackwing / CT5-V Blackwing will most likely not offera manual. Frankly speaking, it doesn’t need one. After all, competitors like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which is a direct rival to the CT5, do not offer a manual transmission in any model variant, while selling extremely sell. In fact, no modern AMG-spec Mercedes vehicle is offered with a manual transmission in North America, but that’s beyond the point.
So, here’s to enjoying the manual gearbox as much as we can while they’re still available. Speaking of enjoyment, make sure to subscribe to Cadillac Society for around-the-clock Cadillac news coverage.
John Borgia
How is CT5 production coming along?? What is anticipated arrival date at my dealership McGuire Cadillac in NJ?
Raymond Ramirez
Cadillac would might as well remove the electric starter motor to save weight, and return the hand crank so those “classic” drivers will really feel what it is to manually drive that car.
anonymous guest
I hope OEMs commit to developing manuals, not just hanging on for another little bit.
This is one of those areas an alliances can benefit. I love that Aston-Martin is using a dog-leg, with 2/3/4/5 in a square. Hyundai’s new active shift control in a manual instead of a hybrid could speed up the synchros and maybe delete a physical reverse. I’d love to see the VSS-R gen of models with a transaxle manual and a Nissan GTR style AWD. The scale from a wide alliance can only help and reduce the need to rely on Tremec only.