Spied: Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
Our spy photographers got a new glimpse at the upcoming Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, which was busy testing on GM’s Milford, Michigan, proving ground. Things are looking promising for sport sedan fans.
The Blackwing will top the CT4 range, above the confusingly named CT4-V, which has now become the mid-tier performance model powered by a 325-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder. Cadillac teased the CT4-V Blackwing previously at Detroit’s Belle Isle Grand Prix in 2019, but it wasn’t until the past April that we learned the top-tier CT4 and CT5 would get the Blackwing name and not the DOHC twin-turbo V-8 engine of the same name.
To differentiate itself from the rest of the CT4 lineup, the CT4-V Blackwing will wear a unique fascia that’s barely camouflaged at all in these photos. The lower grille opening appears to be a bit larger, with the outboard portion adding horizontal slats. Brake-cooling ducts perhaps? Other CT4-V exclusive panels include the air vents in the front fenders behind the wheel openings and a more pronounced decklid spoiler.
Since the Blackwing engine is off the table, it’s looking ever more likely that we’ll see a return of the twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-6 that was used in the ATS-V. In its previous iteration, it was backed only by an eight-speed automatic, but now we’re expecting a 10-speed. Fortunately for three-pedal fans, a six-speed manual is also reportedly in the cards. With 464 hp on tap in its ATS-V configuration the turbo-six provided plenty of thrust, although Cadillac may have even more power in mind this time around.
Big power in a (relatively) small car is usually a potent formula, and given that the standard CT4-V is just about the best ride and handling experience you can get for the money, we expect the Blackwing version to similarly undercut its competition on performance value.
