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2022 CT5-V BLACKWING ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION: THE MOST POWERFUL CADILLAC EVER

What You Need To Know About the 668 Horsepower Caddy

2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

Just like that, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing has debuted as the fastest, most powerful and most track-oriented Cadillac model ever. The automaker says that this new take on an American sports sedan was designed with driver engagement and performance front of mind, as they prepare to once again try and beat the Germans at their own game. Like with any proper enthusiast machine, this focus begins with building a killer powertrain. Here is everything you need to know about the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing engine and transmission combinations, starting with its super-powerful LT4 V8.

Long-time readers of MC&T may recall that we were the first to confirm that the CT5-V Blackwing would arrive with the same 6.2L supercharged LT4 V8 as the outgoing CTS-V. And while this is true, Cadillac has evolved the powertrain for this new sedan. In CT5-V Blackwing spec, the LT4 V8 now produces 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque. This is thanks to a number of tweaks, which include a higher flow air-intake, titanium intake valves, and a revised exhaust system. That upgraded intake now allows some 46 percent more airflow through than the one found on the CTS-V. Furthermore, Rotocast A356T6 aluminum cylinder heads replace the standard units, due to their increased strength and heat resistance. A ready wet-sump oiling and vent system have also been installed, complete with an external oil separator and drain-back. Boost is provided by a 1.7L four-lobe Eaton supercharger, which now features small-diameter rotors that enable boost to be generated earlier in the power band.

2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
Image Via Cadillac.

Thanks to that near-700 horsepower output, General Motors says that the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing and its LT4 V8 will be able to top out at over 200 mph. With the automatic transmission equipped, Cadillac estimates a 0-60 mph time of just 3.7 seconds. That is the benefit of using a hand-built engine from Bowling Green, we suspect.

Speaking of the automatic transmission, the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is slated to be offered with two gearbox options. A six-speed Tremec manual transmission is the standard option, a rare sight in today’s sport sedan segment. This transmission may be old-school, but it is not low-tech by any means. A LuK twin-disc clutch should bring great pedal feel, as well as the toughness needed to hold over 650 lb-ft of torque. A physical barrier stop for the clutch pedal is also in place instead of a hydraulic master cylinder stop, which Cadillac hopes will bring better feedback for the driver. The pedal box has been specifically laid out for heel-toe downshifts, with active rev-matching available via a dash-mounted toggle switch. For optimal lap times, Cadillac has also integrated a no-lift-shift mapping into the gearbox, as well as a shorter shift throw than before. In order to ensure the gearbox in responsive lap after lap, the car also comes with upgraded transmission and rear differential cooling.

2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Engine Transmission LT4

For those unwilling to row their own gears, Cadillac will also be offering a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional gearbox provides more forward ratios than any other sedan in the segment, which should help to keep the V8 in its peak power band. The driver will be able to shift the gearbox manually via a pair of magnesium shift paddles, though the gearbox features its own performance shift mapping as well. In Sport Mode for instance, the gearbox will automatically adjust to reduce shift busyness and improve performance. Furthermore, Dynamic Performance Mode is calibrated to deliver track-focused shift patterns, and will automatically activate when high g-forces are detected in either Sport or Track mode. The car also underwent 24 hours of track testing to ensure that the transmission is up to task, resulting in a unique oil pan design and priority valve changes. The automaker has installed an auxiliary pump to help the gearbox shift better when cold upon startup, as well.

Reservations for the 2022 CT5-V Blackwing open up tonight on the automaker’s homepage, with deliveries expected to take place later this summer. All of this track-focused powertrain equipment doesn’t come cheap however, as the sports sedan carries an MSRP of $84,990. That said, this might just be the greatest Cadillac of the modern era.

2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
Image Via Cadillac.

Written by Lucas Bell

Lucas holds a journalism degree from Wayne State University, and is a Automotive Press Association scholarship recipient. While an American muscle fan through and through, he once wrote a fascinating comparison review about eScooters.

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