Manoli Katakis 
The 2021 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing teased this morning before the start of the IMSA race on Belle Isle will hopefully calm the nerves of American performance car enthusiasts.
After this week, the “V” in V-Series now stands for “Value.” Or “Volume.” Or perhaps even “Vapid.” Because no longer will the moniker designate some of the most aggressive passenger cars on the planet, but instead more of a sportier trim level relative to the base model. Cadillac also admits that the first-ever 2020 Cadillac CT4-V and Cadillac CT5-V will be the most “affordable” V-Series Cadillacs ever. In other words – not the expensive apex predators the sub-brand used to be.
Also on the track was the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing prototype, wrapped in a promotional red camouflage. The two vehicles were driven by GM President Mark Reuss and Vice President of Product Ken Morris.
The 2021 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing will be the direct replacement to the dynamic ATS-V. Despite the ATS-V out-dueling vehicles such as the BMW M3 around the track, its compromised interior and unfamiliar branding left the Cadillac spinning its wheels when it came to sales. The new CT4-V Blackwing is expected to deliver notable improvements in the interior, as seen with the debut of the lower-end CT4-V, and will also deliver improved ride quality, thanks to a more refined A2XX platform.
Powering the CT4-V Blackwing remains a mystery, but sources of Muscle Cars & Trucks tell us to expect a twin-turbocharged V6 engine like ATS-V before it. While we’d prefer a naturally aspirated V8, this at least means that the CT4-V Blackwing will deliver north of 460 horsepower. Couple that with the improvements in interior quality, plus a smoother ride, the ATS-V replacement could help turn the tables for Cadillac passenger car sales in the coming years.
Expect the CT4-V Blackwing to launch in the 2021 model year.
