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Cadillac V-Series Will Continue To Offer Manual Transmissions, Says Reuss

The Cadillac Performance Division Will Continue To Keep The Faith

2022 Cadillac V-Series Blackwing CT4-V CT5-V

Worry mongers have insisted that the manual transmission will eventually go extinct. And that might be true, but not yet. And marques preserving this traditional method of shifting are coming from unlikely places. In this case, the Cadillac V-Series.

“Cadillac will make manuals in V-Series,” General Motors President Mark Reuss told reporters during the reveal of the 2020 Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V sedans.

That said, the Cadillac V-Series sedans that were revealed that day were not meant to directly replace the 464 horsepower ATS-V, or the 200 mph CTS-V, based on performance metrics alone. What Cadillac is doing instead is commodifying the V-Series family to what can almost be described as a trim level. Previously, Cadillac V-Series vehicles were known to be some of the fastest and highest-performing passenger cars on the market, even surpassing the likes of vehicles from the BMW M division and the Mercedes AMG division. The V-Series sub-brand turned 15 this year.

The 2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing In Promotional Camo

Reuss noted that one of the reasons behind the repositioning of the sub-brand was because “people were intimidated” by V-Series cars.

Knowing that the V-Series fanbase thus far would be understandably upset by this news, Cadillac teased a pair of high-performing sedans that will slot above the CT4-V and CT5-V the next day at the 2019 Belle Isle Grand Prix in Detroit. We have it on good authority that these outright replacements for the ATS-V and CTS-V will don the “Blackwing” name, which is currently the branding given to the 550 hp, 627 lb-ft twin-turbo DOHC V8 powering the Cadillac CT6-V.

It’s not expected that the base-level CT4-V and CT5-V will offer manual transmissions. However, the CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing are likely candidates receiving a DIY gearbox. Especially the CT4-V, since it’s the smaller and more youthful of the two, like the ATS-V before it.

These new Cadillac sedans will be built in the Lansing Grand River Assembly plant in central Michigan, and will introduce the A2XX vehicle architecture. We’re told by GM insiders that this new platform is very similar to the previous Alpha platform, but introduces more refinement and comfort into the architecture. These are Cadillacs, after all. Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Camaro, currently on the Alpha platform, is not expected to transition to A2XX, and the sixth-generation model is expected to run its course by 2023.

The Upcoming Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing At Belle Isle.

Written by Manoli Katakis

Muscle Cars & Trucks was founded by Manoli Katakis - an automotive media veteran that has been covering the latest car news since 2009. His journalism has uncovered dozens of major product changes, updates, plans, and cancellations long before automakers were ready to make things official.

Some highlights over the years of his reporting include the uncovering of the Zora trademark before anybody else reported on the coming of a mid-engine Corvette, as well as the dead-accurate reporting of the coming of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, two years before it hit the market, and even before the debut of the concept vehicle. This type of reporting has immediately continued here, with reports of the original seventh-generation Camaro plans being shelved, as well as what's in store for the Chevrolet Silverado.

Some of his work can be found on massive automotive media outlets, such as Motor1. He also has been a guest on the 910AM Radio Station with Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne, as well as the enthusiast-oriented Camaro Show podcast.

Over the years, Manoli has interviewed various automotive industry titans, leaders, and people that make things happen otherwise. These include figureheads such as GM CEO Mary Barra, GM President Mark Reuss, automotive aftermarket icon Ken Lingenfelter, Dodge firebrand Tim Kuniskis, along with various chief engineers of vehicles such as the Ford F-150 & Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro & Corvette, and many more.

At MC&T, Manoli is taking his journalism expertise, deeply planted sources, driving abilities, and automotive industry knowledge to new levels, covering more vehicles and brands than ever before. This is the place where you will continue to read groundbreaking stories about American performance vehicles, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Here is where you’ll also read insights and quotes from various automotive subject matter experts on the latest relevant products, as well as some of the latest official news from their manufacturers.

Fun facts: he also once beat Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner in an autocross with a Chevrolet Bolt EV. The biggest vehicle he’s ever driven is a John Deere mining truck. Besides a go-kart, the smallest vehicle he’s driven has been a Hyundai i10. He’s also spent time in the cockpit of various American performance vehicle icons, including the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Dodge Challenger Demon, and Ford Mustang GT350R. He has reviewed dozens of trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles over the years.

One of his favorite new vehicles on the market today happens to be the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. He is also a card carrying member of the Sports Car Club of America, and regularly participates in Detroit Region autocross events.

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