The all-new Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing come standard with a six-speed manual transmission – setting them apart from competing performance models that only offer paddle-shift automatic transmissions.
While the presence of a standard six-speed manual transmission will surely elevate the image of the new Cadillac Blackwing models in the eyes of hardcore performance enthusiasts, the vast majority of buyers will opt for the available 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters instead. Speaking to Autoline After Hours in a recent interview, Cadillac chief engineer Tony Roma said he expects the take rate for the manual transmission in the CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing will not exceed 35 percent.
“Historically we’ve been in the roughly 25 percent range when we’ve offered both [a manual and automatic transmission] before on V-Series,” Roma said. “So we do expect it will be in that 25 to 35 percent range [for CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing].”
The six-speed manual transmission in the V-Series Blackwing models is supplied by Tremec and features carbon fiber accents and a 3D-printed medallion cap. The available 10-speed automatic transmission, meanwhile, was engineered by Cadillac’s parent company, General Motors, and includes magnesium steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
As a reminder, the CT4-V Blackwing gets a twin-turbocharged 3.6L V6 engine (production code LF4), which is good for 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. The CT5-V Blackwing, meanwhile, is powered by a supercharged 6.2L V8 (production code LT4), which produces a stout 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque. Both super sedans are standard with rear-wheel-drive, and all-wheel-drive is not available on either model.
The 2022 CT4-V Blackwing and 2022 CT5-V Blackwing will go into production this summer at the Lansing Grand River assembly plant in Michigan.
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