Liam White 
We posted a video on our official MC&T Youtube channel today of the brand-new 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing driving the Virginia International Raceway Grand Grand Course. It’s being professionally driven by a GM vehicle dynamics engineer who seems to know exactly what the car wants.The onboard performance data recorder clocked the CT4-V at a lap time of 02:52.50. Hold onto your horses. That’s a faster time than what Car & Driver achieved in either a 625 hp F90 BMW M5, and a 603 hp Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG S 4Matic+.
Granted, there’s a significant gap in driving skill between a GM vehicle dynamics engineer, and even the best of auto media professionals that didn’t come up in motorsports. The video below captures all of the action of the Virginia International Raceway hot lap, as captured by the car’s onboard Performance Data Recorder.
2022 CT4-V Blackwing: A Top Tier Track Star
The 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing appears to be more of a complete vehicle than the ATS-V ever was. Far more attention to detail can be found in the cabin by comparison, while the exterior sees optional carbon fiber aerodynamic bits, such as a carbon fiber rear spoiler, a protruding front splitter, and even dive planes. Yes, those are carbon fiber, too.
Cadillac also took the liberty to upgrade the LF4 twin-turbo V6 engine from the ATS-V. Previously, the 3.6L TTV6 pushed out 464 horsepower. Now, it’s delivering 472 horses and 445 pound-feet of torque. The standard 6-speed manual transmission with no-lift shifting will undoubtedly make for a thrilling and engaging driving experience, while a (faster-shifting) 10-speed automatic is optional. If you decide to get the carbon fiber aero package on your CT4-V (a no-brainer), lift will be reduced by 214%. If you really want to get acquainted with the CT4-V’s engine specs and performance, check out this MC&T article for the full details.
The Last Of The High-Octane Cadillac V-Series
Despite the confusing naming, the 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, and the more powerful CT5-V Blackwing are the culmination of almost 20 years of world-beating performance sedans. The performance bar is higher, and the power targets are farther, and largely because Cadillac set them for the segment. Looking forward, a Cadillac Escalade-V, or whatever they end up calling it, will take that performance formula to the body-on-frame SUV space for a limited time. Because shortly after, Cadillac is expected to go all-electric. And while we’re sure the performance pedigree will continue, it will certainly not be the same.
