After a quick peek presented during the broadcast of the Rolex 24 at Daytona last weekend, the long-awaited, high-performance variants of the luxury brand’s sedans have finally been officially revealed. The 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing builds on the standard V-Series car with a twin-turbo engine, track-focused handling and a more aggressive look.
First and foremost, and as we previously reported, the Blackwing is equipped with the brand’s twin-turbocharged 3.6L V6 engine (production code LF4) that was featured in the Cadillac ATS-V. However, the engine boasts a revised engine control system, a new air intake system and low-inertia turbine wheels, resulting in increased responsiveness, while output is rated at 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. That’s eight more horsepower than in the old ATS-V.
As expected, the CT4-V Blackwing will be available with a Tremec-sourced six-speed manual transmission, which has been reworked for enhanced quietness and durability, along with shorter throws than in the ATS-V. In notably includes Active Rev Matching, activated by a button on the center console, which automatically adjusts engine revs while downshifting, eliminating the need to master the heel-and-toe technique. In addition, the No-Lift Shift feature allows the driver to shift without easing off the accelerator, keeping the turbochargers spinning for quicker laps around the track.
A 10-speed automatic developed by parent company GM is also available, which includes a Sport and Dynamic Performance modes as well as magnesium steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. With the automatic, the 0-to-60 mph dash is estimated at 3.8 seconds, while top speed is said to reach 189 mph.
The revised suspension includes new MacPherson strut bushings up front and stiffer components in the five-link rear setup, in addition to an electronic limited-slip differential, with individual programming for the car’s various drive modes as well as all the configurable Performance Traction Management settings. The standard Magnetic Ride 4.0 system also gets stiffer spring rates, specific stabilizer bars and higher-rate bushings in order to elevate the driving experience without compromising ride quality. A rear-wheel drivetrain is fitted as standard, but as opposed to the tamer CT4-V, AWD isn’t offered.
High-performance disc brakes are matched with six-piston (front) and four-piston (rear) Brembo calipers, hiding behind 18-inch forged aluminum wheels wrapped in 255/35ZR18 (front) and 275/35ZR18 (rear) Michelin Pilot Sport 4S performance rubber. As previously discussed, magnesium wheels are available as well, which reduce unsprung weight.
From a styling standpoint, the 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing will be recognizable with its specific front fascia grille openings and air splitter, its rear spoiler and bumper diffuser, side skirts and fender vents. A carbon fiber package is optional, which further reduces lift while driving at a higher clip.
Despite its track-ready potential, the 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing’s cabin doesn’t skimp on comfort and luxury, with a choice of standard simulated leather, Level 1 cloth and leather or Level 2 leather and suede seating. A fully digital, 12-inch driver instrument panel with Blackwing-specific graphics, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, heated front seats as well as 14-speaker AKG sound system all come standard, while carbon fiber trim, ventilated and massaging front seats, a sueded headliner and a Performance Data Recorder are optional. The car’s interior is topped with a 3D-printed shifter cap and a wheel-mounted serialized plaque.
Pricing for the 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing starts at $59,990. Reservations are now open for the first 250 units with a $1,000 deposit, and the first units of the high-performance sedan will be delivered this summer. We’ll have more details very soon, so be sure to subscribe to Cadillac Society for more Cadillac CT4 news and around-the-clock Cadillac news coverage. We also invite you to join the latest discussions in our Cadillac forums.
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