History of the V4 CTS-V
History Of The 4th Generation CTS-V/CT5-V (V4)
The Cadillac CT5-V is a performance variant of the CT5, which began production in 2019 for the 2020 model year. The CT5 was designed to be the sequel to the CTS, which ended production in 2019. The basic CT5 comes with a 2.0-liter LSY turbocharged inline-four that makes 237 horsepower. An optional engine for the CT5 on higher trims is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that makes 335 horsepower. The only transmission available for both engines is a ten-speed automatic.
The CT5-V was announced with another V Series car in the CT4-V for 2019. A 3.0-liter LGY twin-turbo V6 was the standard engine on the debut model of the CT5-V. This engine made 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. In early 2021, an even higher performance model called the CT5-V Blackwing was announced. This version is considered by many to be the real successor to the CTS-V. The Blackwing offers a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that makes 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque. For this car, a six-speed manual is standard and the 10-speed automatic is optional.
A CT4-V Blackwing was also announced at the same time. Cadillac revealed that both of these new models would be the last gas-powered V models made by the automaker. As this is the fourth generation of the Cadillac V models, it's safe to say that it's probably the last.
Fourth Generation V Series History
Even though the CT5 is only in its first generation, having debuted for the 2020 model year, the Cadillac V Series of cars is in its fourth. The Cadillac V series includes the CT6-V, the CT5-V, the CT4-V, and the V Blackwing models. The V series originally only applied to the CTS, but Cadillac extended it to several other models for this fourth and likely the last generation.
Cadillac also restructured the V Series in this generation to make the basic V model an entry-level performance variant. This ended up with the V Blackwing as the premium performance variant. Power ratings for the V Blackwing depend on the variant. The CT6-V Blackwing launched with a 4.2-liter Blackwing twin-turbo V8 that made 550 horsepower.
It featured an even smaller engine with a 3.6-liter V6 that made 472 horsepower. This makes the CT5-V Blackwing with its larger V8 the ultimate performance variant of the V series cars and the CT5-V.
Evolution of the CT5-V
The CT5-V and CT4-V came out for the 2020 model year as Cadillac sought to add to its V Series lineup. The CT6-V was already on the market, having come out in 2019. The CT5-V was built on the RWD Alpha platform and was designed to combine performance, aesthetic appeal, and superior road manners. The latest V Series performance technology was adapted into the CT5-V, including a brand new Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 that was specially modified for V Series models. The CT5-V featured new drive modes and either an RWD or AWD layout. Brembo front brakes and an electronic limited-slip differential were also standard equipment on the 2020 CT5-V.
The new V Series models also included the optional exclusive Super Cruise feature, which was Cadillac's first truly hands-free driver assistance system for use on the freeway. Feature highlights for the 2020 CT5-V are as follows:
- 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine making 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Performance Traction Management
- Vehicle Control Mode with customization options
- 19-inch wheels and summer performance tires (or all-season tires for AWD models)
- V Series mesh grille and darkened exterior accents and details
2021 CADILLAC CT5-V
For 2021, an all-new fastback design became available for the CT5. The CT5-V was still the top trim in four trims available for the CT5. The second-highest trim was the CT5 Sport, and the main visual differences between this trim and the CT5-V were the dark accents, performance aesthetics, and performance wheels on the CT5-V. All trims, including the CT5-V, were outfitted with LED exterior lights.
A Platinum Package was an available upgrade for the CT5-V and two other CT5 trims. This package included semi-aniline leather upholstery, leather-trimmed armrests, carbon fiber trim, a thicker steering wheel, alloy pedals, and more. It also featured an exclusive color theme in Sedona/Jet Black.
Most of the equipment from 2020 was carried over for 2021, including the 3.0-liter V6 engine, the 10-speed automatic transmission, available AWD, Performance Traction Management, Drive Mode Selector, and much more. The only new options included a unique performance personal gauge cluster and a steering wheel with a V-Mode button.
The Technology Package for the CT5-V added a new 12-inch diagonal HD gauge cluster as well. Two new paint colors were available only for the V Series in Infrared Tintcoat and Rift Metallic.
The Climate Package and Cold Weather Package for the V Series included heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
2022 CADILLAC CT5-V BLACKWING
For 2022, Cadillac went a bit farther in its performance V Series by releasing the Blackwing. This car is considered the true successor to the CTS-V, and it also makes the CT5-V into simply a sportier trim of the CT5. The CT5-V Blackwing is the true performance CT5 model. The engine featured for this model is the LT4 small-block V8 with a 1.7L LT4 supercharger, and it makes 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque.
Two optional carbon fiber packages are available on the 2022 Blackwing. The smallest one adds a front splitter, rear extra aero spoiler, and front wheel well deflectors. The larger package adds a grille header, rear valance diffuser, rocker moldings, and rocker extensions. The Brembo braking system is standard, but a carbon-ceramic braking system is available.
Unlike the CT5-V, the Blackwing is quite a bit more expensive than the standard CT5. It starts at $84,990, which is well over twice as much as the standard CT5.
CT5-V Fast Facts
- The CT5-V Blackwing can go zero to 60 in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of over 200 MPH.
- The CT5-V is the top trim of the standard CT5, and most exterior and interior details are the same.
- The base colors for the CT5-V are Summit White and Black Raven.
- The CT5-V provides seating for five adults.
- Pricing for the CT5-V is only about $10,000 more than the standard CT5 at $48,790.
- COVID-19 delayed the release of the CT5-V and Blackwing models by about a year.
- The 2022 CT5-V shares the same LT4 motor as the 6th Gen Camaro ZL1, C7 Corvette Z06 and V3 CTS-V.
Legacy of the CT5-V
The legacy of the CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing will be as the last gas-powered models debuted by Cadillac. The automaker intends to go fully electric into the future and does not intend to debut any new models with gas engines. It's uncertain how long Cadillac intends to continue the CT5-V or the Blackwing, but it's unlikely that there will be any significant upgrades or refreshes considering the automaker's goal of a fully electric lineup in the near future.
More CTS-V History: 1st Gen (2004 - 2007) · 2nd Gen (2009 - 2015) CTS-V · 3rd Gen (2016 - 2019) CTS-V