The Cadillac CT5-V made its debut back in May, becoming the mid-level sporty model as part of the luxury brand’s two-tier V-Series strategy. Now that we know what that’s all about, our attention has shifted to the next-level CT5-V performance model, which will likely be called the CT5-V Blackwing. Based on recently-captured spy video footage of prototypes undergoing testing, it would seem that the super sedan will continue to follow in its predecessor’s footsteps by housing a supercharged V8 powerplant under its hood.
The exhaust note heard in this clip sounds awfully similar to that of the supercharged LT4 V8 engine, which can be found under the hood of the now-discontinued CTS-V, where it makes 640 horsepower and 640 pound-foot of torque. If the same LT4 is used in the CT5-V Blackwing, it will be very interesting to see how the model compares to the CTS-V it indirectly replaces. We expect that the results will be indicative of the many improvements of the new CT5, including the all-new Alpha II platform, all-new 10-speed automatic transmission, and updated suspension.
Prior to our finding of this video footage, rumors have pointed to the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing using the familiar supercharged 6.2-liter V8 LT4 engine, albeit with more power. Specifically, Motor Trend reporter Jonny Lieberman has stated that the motor will make 670 horsepower, or 30 more than it made in the CTS-V. Lieberman also believes this model will not even have the Blackwing moniker altogether, which is contrary to what our sources told us in the beginning of the year.
We hope that Cadillac pulls back the covers on this new super sedan sooner rather than later. Until then, subscribe to Cadillac Society for more Cadillac CT5 news and around-the-clock Cadillac news coverage.
One of four new colors for the 2025 model year.
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A curious sighting from a video of the Cadillac design studio.