2022 Cadillac CT4V Blackwing Review
MSRP: Starting at $59,990
Specs: Twin Turbo V6 : 473 HP , 445 TQ
0-60: 3.9 Seconds
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Guy who did stuff: Yousef Alvi
Additional Content: Manufacturer
As a brand and as a marque, Cadillac supersedes a mere automotive manufacturer, it’s DNA is intertwined with America and it’s contributions to the history of automotive engineering is nothing short of tremendous.
“- First high-volume manufacturer of a fully enclosed vehicle
- First to incorporate electrical starter, ignition and lighting
- First dual-plane V8
- First synchro-mesh manaul
- First V16 (!)
- First shatter resistant glass in an automobile
- First all steel roof in an automobile
- First adaptive high beams (1953!)
- First fully automatic AC
- First production Night Vision system”
So saying all of that leads me to this: Back around June of last year, Cadillac announced they are ceasing development of gas powered (ICE) engines with the goal of a fully EV lineup by 2030.
With that seismic announcement, Cadillac will become one of the first legacy automobile manufacturers to go fully electric in entire world.
Before they do…they are sending their gas powered vehicles off with Viking-esque funeral. Starting with this 2022 Cadillac CT4V Blackwing.
Brushing aside it’s dyslexia inducing nomenclature, the CT4V Blackwing is the modern day version of the venerable ATS-V. Using a massaged version of the ATS-V’s chassis and engine but throwing the rest away gives us the following:
“One of the best sports sedans on sale today”
Let’s go ahead and break it down:
The Great
- Drivetrain
- Ride and Handling
- Steering
- Braking
Drivetrain
This CT4V Blackwing is powered by the same engine found in the old ATS-V…but don’t let the fool you. It’s a sledgehammer of power, torque and noise!
Producing a hilariously underrated 473 HP and 445 ft/lbs of torque, it will fling the CT4V Blackwing in a tire-spinning dash to 60 in 3.9 seconds. All with a soundtrack that will make you smile from ear to ear!
Aiding that wall of power is a choice of transmissions. A (w00t!) 6 speed manual or our tester’s 10 speed automatic. Which is to say…get the manual but if you must have an auto…this unit is bleeding fantastic! At full tilt, it doesn’t just shift…it ‘cracks’ with each gear change!
Ride & Handling
The heralded magride system is in it’s billionth iteration and it still surprises. Expertly swallowing road imperfections and yet allowing road feel to permeate through without unsettling the ride...it’s outstanding. Even in ‘Touring’ mode the CT4 Blackwing tackles corners with aplomb, tenacity and laser focused precision.
Steering
As we fade into the inevitable EV future…I hope one thing will be remembered. Feel. Feel is what differentiates truly great cars from the mundane…and feel is what you get with the CT4 Blackwing.
The organic, analog and beating heart of the the CT4 can be found within it’s steering. Communicative and yet easy to steer…you are connected to it and it is connected to you.
Braking
This and the Ford Mustang Mach 1 have the best brake feel out of all the vehicles I have driven in 2021. Immediate and yet easy to modulate with superb pedal feedback the CT4 Blackwing’s brakes are the best in its class.
The Good
Infotainment and controls
Infotainment and Controls
Simple controls for the most used functions and an easy to use interface for the infotainment, the CT4 Blackwing is a vehicle you just get in and drive.
Which stands in stark contrast to most vehicles which requires a YouTube video breakdown to adjust the temperature.
The Bad
Plasticky interior
Plasticky Interior
The CT4’s driving characteristics are as good as it’s interior is bad.
Unfortunately, nothing screams out premium in the CT4. From it’s cheap feeling trim pieces to it’s flimsy door cards…if there is a tradeoff in the CT4 Blackwing…there it is. BUT at least in this model, the saving grace are the stunning looking seats.
The Ugly
Nada
None
Nope
So here is a cat
The Overall
A swansong to the gasoline powered American Compact Sports Sedan, this CT4 Blackwing is a testament to American Automotive Engineering knowhow, might and strength. So long and farewell my friend.
