2022 CADILLAC CT5-V BLACKWING TEASES CARBON FIBER SEATS

Cadillac is in the middle of what can only be described as an omnipresent identity crisis. After nearly two decades of chasing the Germans in the performance sedan segment with their V-Series sub-brand, GM has gone and revised the meaning of what that badge means. For instance, the Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V are more representative of the previous “V-Sport” package from the last-generation CTS. Taking place of the original V-Series in the brand hierarchy will be the Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V “Blackwing” models. These vehicles will target the BMW M and Mercedes AMG divisions in both performance and price. While the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing and CT4-V Blackwing aren’t expected to arrive until Summer 2021, GM has just given us a new taste of what the interior look be like.

General Motors has uploaded a new image to the V-Series Blackwing page, which highlights some new carbon interior work. The image confirms the presence of carbon-backed bucket seats in the CT5-V Blackwing, which you may be used to seeing in cars from manufacturers like McLaren, Ferrari, and Porsche. The image is accompanied by a quote from Cadillac’s Executive Chief Engineer Brandon Vivian, which states that the company’s love of racing had the team obsessing over every performance advantage they could find. The choice to implement carbon-backed bucket seats hints at the fact that GM expects these cars to spend time on the racetrack. More information about the “customer-centric” seat innovations are expected to arrive at a later date.

The second image that Cadillac has uploaded, which we’ve seen previously, shows the steering wheel destined for the CT5-V Blackwing. The wheel also features some carbon fiber in its construction, though the rim does look leather-wrapped. Over on the left we can see a button carrying the letter V. This is perhaps a mirror to BMW’s M button, or it could be the car’s ignition switch. On the right we can also see what appears to be a copy of Ferrari’s Manettino switch, which adjusts the electronic systems in their cars for varying levels of performance.

As we get closer to the official debut of the Cadillac V-Series Blackwing models, we can expect more details about the sport sedans to start to come out. So far we know it will feature the 6.2L supercharged LT4 V8 found in the previous Cadillac CTS-V, despite sharing a name with Cadillac’s first exclusive V8 engine since the NorthStar. We also know that the sedans will be offered with a manual gearbox once again, which is always a welcomed addition. If this rebranding exercise is going to work however, the cars are going to need to finally beat the Germans at their own game.