Cadillac has just announced that the upcoming 2022 CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing models will offer magnesium wheels.
Cadillac DPi-V.R race car
According to the luxury marque, the forged magnesium alloy wheels – which will be optional on both models – will help reduce the unsprung weight of the vehicle, improving ride and handling as well as the overall driving experience. The decision to offer the wheels was inspired by the championship-winning Cadillac DPi-V.R race car.
Additionally, the 2022 CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing will be the only products offered by Cadillac parent company, General Motors, to offer magnesium wheels.
In its press release, Cadillac provided the following five facts about magnesium:
- Magnesium has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of all commonly available metals.1
- Magnesium wheels absorb road vibration and transform it into heat, which is dissipated.1
- Magnesium was first discovered in 1755 and is the eighth most abundant element in the Earth’s crust.2
- Formula 1, MotoGP and World Endurance Championship teams use forged magnesium wheels to improve acceleration times and enhance safety.1
- Magnesium is a mineral needed by every cell in the human body.3
Legend
- According to MagnesiumWheels.com
- According to The Royal Science of Chemistry
- According to the National Institutes of Health
Cadillac Society rendering of the CT5-V Blackwing
Available starting summer 2021, the 2022 CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing will be flagship performance models of the CT4 and CT5 sedans, respectively. Despite using the Blackwing name, neither model will use the twin-turbo 4.2L V8 DOHC Blackwing engine used in the discontinued CT6-V and CT6 Platinum.
Cadillac Society rendering of the CT4-V Blackwing
Instead, the CT4-V Blackwing is expected to be powered by the twin-turbo 3.6L V6 engine carried over from the ATS-V, where it made 464 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the CT5-V Blackwing will be powered by a supercharged 6.2L V8 engine similar to the LT4 used in the third-gen CTS-V, where it made 640 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Both models will feature a 10-speed automatic transmission as well as an optional six-speed manual.
Besides the Magnesium wheels, the upcoming V-Series Blackwing models will also several other unique features, including carbon fiber seats and a 12″ marker on the steering wheel. The steering wheel will also feature carbon fiber fiber accents.
We’ll be here to cover everything there is to know about both super sedans, so stay tuned and subscribe to Cadillac Society for more Cadillac CT4 news, Cadillac CT5 news and around-the-clock Cadillac news coverage.
Jonathan
Lets just start calling them Blackwing and leave the V off …..Cadillac has made a letter that use to mean something basically mean nothing
Alex Luft
V has always stood for performance. The V Blackwing models will continue delivering just that.
In what way does “V” now mean “nothing”?
George Shanks
Thanks for the explanation of Magnesium. I had not realized the importance of that feature.
Dave
“…and a 12″ marker on the steering wheel.”
I believe you meant to say, “12 o’clock marking.”
John Engelman
It’s the “Blackwing” name that seems stupid since it’s the Supercharged Corvette engine they are using. Why the hell not offer CF wheels like Mustang, and upcoming ZO6 instead of magnesium. It would be better used there than on the steering wheel, dashboard, and door trim……
John Engelman
I was told today by the GM of my Cadillac Dealership that they have so many customers complaining since they cancelled the CT6, and I imagine other Cadillac dealers are feeling this, that Cadillac is now considering importing CT6’s from China. How stupid! How incredibly stupid! I will NEVER buy a Cadillac made in China, or any other pos from China for that matter. I will, however, consider a RR or Bentley made in the UK……Having said that, and since I already have several Cadillac CT6’s as well as a CTS-V,I went to a Chevrolet dealer yesterday, who put in writing that he would not do an ADM, and gave him a check for a 2022 ZO6..
Marshall Sumner
Exactly how much weight is saved by using magnesium wheels?
Greg
If there were as many people BUYING the CT6 as there are those supposedly “complaining” about its cancellation it would still be in production, and you wouldn’t be posting your usual diatribe in threads that have nothing to do with the subject. Like this one. As you say: “How incredibly stupid!”
PS: I highly doubt Cadillac is considering importing the CT6. Don’t believe everything a dealer says.
Mike Hartman
Customizers and hot rodders have been using magnesium wheels since the early ’60s. First for racing and then we put them on our custom cars.
Clem
I’m not sure what the weight/cost/performance values are between Magnesium and Carbon Fiber, but would be interesting to compare. I love the look of Carbon Fiber, but if the cost was less and durability equal, the Magnesium may have a more refined/elegant look for a Cadillac.
I agree on the V moniker…first they came out with a lesser model called “V-Sport” which didn’t really bother me. Now with the CT4 & 5-V’s, I don’t like the fact that they aren’t the top tier model. I don’t mind the Blackwing name (even though the engine’s not officially a Blackwing), but I think it will confuse some buyers until they view the sticker price.
Clem
Something else…I believe Magnesium is almost impossible to extinguish if they catch fire, but at that point, is moot.