Best and Worst Cadillac Blackwing Years: What to Buy & Avoid

Betti Holt

Betti Holt

As you step on the gas, the Corvette-powered engine of the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing roars to life, delivering an unparalleled driving experience. You’re not just driving a car – you’re owning a piece of automotive history.

But, have you ever wondered what makes this model stand out, and what factors might affect its value in the years to come?

The answer lies in its exceptional performance, luxury features, and the looming threat of electric vehicles, which could render combustion-powered sedans like this rare collector’s item.

Cadillac Blackwing Best And Worst Years

Key Takeaways

  • The 2022 CT5-V Blackwing is the last chance to own a piece of automotive history, making it a unique collector’s item.
  • The 2022 model boasts exceptional performance, luxury features, and a lower price point than German cars with similar build quality.
  • There is no “worst year” for the Cadillac Blackwing, as it’s a limited-production model with high-performance features and a unique driving experience.
  • The CT5-V Blackwing’s performance, luxury features, and price make it a stellar value proposition compared to German cars.
  • The 2022 CT5-V Blackwing is a rare collector’s item with high significance, retaining its value well due to its unique driving experience and rarity.

Engine and Performance

As you step on the gas, the 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing’s 472 HP twin-turbo V6 engine releases 445 FT-LBS of torque, making it a force to be reckoned with – literally, as its con rods (exclusive to manual transmission models) attest.

You’ll appreciate the characterful, powerful, and tractable sound, even if it’s artificially augmented.

If you opt for the CT5-V Blackwing, you’ll get a wonderfully thunky shifter with no-lift shift, allowing for heel-toe shifting without lifting off the accelerator, attached to a 668 HP turbocharged small-block V8 – considered one of the best engines ever fitted to a road car, especially with the V8 manual.

Interior, Design, and Features

Step inside the Cadillac Blackwing, and premium materials, meticulous assembly, and thoughtful design converge to create a cohesive, top-tier sporty luxury cabin.

You’ll notice the interior is nicer inside, thanks to the automaker’s focus on combining materials to create a cohesive whole.

The variety of fun upholstery options, including novel stitching, perforation, and embossing, adds to the luxurious feel.

While there’s a single piece of incongruous sparkly black plastic trim, the carbon work is well-executed, making the interior highly comfortable and premium.

Design, Engineering, and 3D Printing

As you delve into the design, engineering, and 3D printing behind the Cadillac Blackwing, you’ll discover the innovative touches that set it apart.

The manual transmission, for instance, features a 3D-printed medallion on the shifter that showcases the shift pattern, a unique detail that adds to the car’s appeal.

You’ll also find that 3D printing enabled the creation of complex parts, such as manual-compatible wiring brackets and ducting, which were vital to including a manual transmission option.

Manual Transmission Magic

You’ll appreciate the manual transmission’s meticulous design in the Blackwing cars, where 3D printing plays a pivotal role. The designers and engineers prioritized the manual transmission for driving enthusiasts, recognizing its importance for a truly engaging driving experience.

Feature Description
3D-printed medallion Shows the shift pattern on the shifter
Manual-compatible wiring brackets Created at a lower cost using 3D printing
Unique touch Adds an underdog appeal to the cars

The attention to detail in the Blackwing cars is impressive, with the 3D-printed parts showcasing the care and dedication that went into designing and engineering the vehicles.

3D Printed Perfection

The fusion of design, engineering, and 3D printing in the Blackwing cars yields a masterclass in precision and attention to detail that define the D Printed Perfection.

You’ll notice a 3D-printed medallion on the shifter, showcasing the shift pattern in a unique design touch.

The use of 3D-printed brackets and ducting enabled the inclusion of a manual transmission at a lower cost.

This attention to detail is impressive, allowing for complex parts like wiring brackets and ducting that would be too costly or difficult to manufacture using traditional methods.

Underdog Appeal

By incorporating 3D printing into their design and engineering process, Cadillac’s Blackwing cars gain an underdog appeal that resonates with driving enthusiasts‘ appreciation for innovative solutions.

You’ll notice the manual-equipped Blackwing cars feature a 3D-printed medallion on the shifter, showcasing the shift pattern in a unique touch.

This attention to detail highlights the designers’ and engineers’ prioritization of driving enthusiasts’ needs, making the car more appealing to potential buyers who value unique features and innovative design.

The underdog appeal stems from the story behind the 3D-printed parts, adding a layer of exclusivity to the Blackwing experience.

Competition, Perception, and the Future of Performance Cars

Cadillac’s high-performance sedans, like the Blackwing, face stiff competition from a handful of established brands, making it harder for you to justify the choice.

  1. You’ll have to explain why you chose a Cadillac over a Mercedes.
  2. The internal combustion era is ending, and EVs will provide a different driving experience, making combustion-powered sedans’ sensations and experiences lost.
  3. Used gas cars will still be available, but the unique driving experiences provided by combustion-powered sedans will be missed.
  4. The Blackwing’s rarity, being a Corvette-powered stick shift sedan, will make it retain its value well.

Car Features and Specifications

You step into the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, and its powertrain specs immediately grab your attention.

The 6.2-liter LT4 V8 engine produces 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque.

A standard six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive provide a driver-focused experience.

The optional ceramic brake system features 15.6-inch six-piston calipers.

Weighing 4,123 pounds, the CT5-V Blackwing is 200 pounds lighter than an M5 CS and 800 pounds lighter than an RS7.

The car rides on meaty 305/30R19 PS4S tires in the rear and 275/35R19 tires in the front, providing exceptional grip and handling.

Performance and Handling

As you put the pedal to the metal, the CT5-V Blackwing’s performance and handling capabilities come alive.

With a wide power band, you’ll go from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and 0-125 mph in 11.5 seconds.

  1. Magnetic ride control 4.0: Processes data four times faster, with sensors in new places, including shocks, which detect temperature.
  2. Great body control and spread: Agile feel, thanks to magnetic ride shocks, great weight distribution, and sharp steering.
  3. Impressive clutch, brake, and shifter feel: Wonderful thunky shifter with no-lift shift, allowing for heel-toe shifting without lifting off the accelerator.
  4. Customizable performance traction management: Adjust brake feel and PTM via a switch, allowing for individualized driving experiences.

Interior and Comfort

Step inside the CT5-V Blackwing’s cabin, and you’re surrounded by an interior that’s been carefully crafted to rival its top-tier sporty luxury car’s counterparts. The materials, design, and assembly are all exceptional, with a focus on creating a premium feel.

You’ll notice the extra attention to detail in focal points throughout the interior.

Feature Description Comfort Impact
Heated and cooled massage seats Luxurious seating with advanced temperature control High
Carbon fiber trim High-quality, premium material Medium
Single piece of sparkly black trim Incongruous, but minor Low
Heavy curb weight Impacts comfort and handling Low

Comparison to Other Cars

The CT5-V Blackwing’s performance and luxury features are put into perspective when compared to other high-performance sedans on the market.

You’ll find it stands out among sports sedans in several key ways.

  1. Weight advantage: The Blackwing is 350 pounds lighter than an E63 S and 800 pounds lighter than an RS7, making it a more agile and responsive driving experience.
  2. Suspension superiority: Its magnetic ride control 4.0 provides better body control and comfort compared to its predecessors.
  3. Priced to sell: The Blackwing is priced lower than a base Z German car, making it a more affordable option for those seeking a high-performance sedan.
  4. Premium feel: It has similar build quality to a Tesla Plaid, but at a lower price point, and a better interior than the CT4-V, making it a more premium driving experience.

Value and Conclusion

You’ll find the CT5-V Blackwing offers a stellar value proposition, boasting similar performance and luxury to German cars at a lower price point.

As possibly the last chance to buy a Corvette-powered stick shift sedan, it’s an attractive option for those seeking a unique driving experience.

Additionally, it’s likely to retain its value well, making it a smart investment for enthusiasts who want a high-performance sedan that will hold its worth over time.

Stellar Value Proposition

Cadillac’s CT5-V Blackwing offers an exceptional value proposition that’s hard to ignore, especially when considering its price point.

As you weigh your options, bear in mind that this sedan provides a unique driving experience that will likely retain its value well.

Take into account that the CT5-V Blackwing is a stellar value:

  1. Unbeatable price: With a starting price lower than a base model German car, you get similar build quality to a Plaid.
  2. Value retention: The CT5-V Blackwing’s potential to retain its value well makes it a smart buy for car enthusiasts.
  3. Unique experience: As one of the last chances to buy a Corvette-powered stick shift sedan, you won’t find this value elsewhere.

Last Chance Sedan

As the curtain draws on the internal combustion era, buying a CT5-V Blackwing sedan becomes a unique opportunity to own a piece of automotive history. This is your last chance to buy a Corvette-powered stick shift sedan, making it a potentially lucrative collector’s item.

Feature Value Significance
Corvette-powered High Last chance to own a combustion-powered sedan
Stick shift High Rare collector’s item
Historical significance High Piece of automotive history

With its stellar value proposition, the CT5-V Blackwing is a smart investment for car enthusiasts.

Retains Value Well

The CT5-V Blackwing‘s exceptional performance, premium interior, and advanced features like magnetic ride control 4.0, guarantee it will hold its value remarkably well.

You’ll appreciate the following reasons why the CT5-V Blackwing retains value well:

  1. Unique driving experience: It’s a Corvette-powered stick shift sedan, making it a rare find.
  2. Stellar value: It’s priced lower than a base model German car, offering similar build quality to a Plaid.

4. Rarity: Only a handful of companies produce high-performance sedans with similar features and performance.

As the internal combustion era comes to an end, the CT5-V Blackwing’s value is likely to increase, making it a smart investment for car enthusiasts and collectors.

The Last Combustion-Powered Sedans That Matter

With the curtain closing on internal combustion, you’re left with the CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing as the final, formidable sedans that truly matter. These last combustion-powered sedans boast exceptional performance, handling, and luxury features. Notable features include the CT5-V Blackwing’s 668 HP turbocharged small-block V8 engine and manual transmission-equipped cars’ 3D-printed medallion on the shifter.

Feature Description
Engine 668 HP turbocharged small-block V8
Transmission Manual with 3D-printed medallion
Shifter Thunky with heel-toe shifting
PTM System Adjustable via wheel switch
Performance Exceptional handling and luxury features

2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

You’re behind the wheel of the 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, a performance powerhouse that packs a punch with its 472 HP twin-turbo V6 engine, which puts out 445 FT-LBS of torque.

The CT4-V Blackwing’s engine is characterful, powerful, and tractable, making it not a weak point in an otherwise excellent car.

  1. Powerful Engine:
  2. Smooth Transmission: The manual transmission features a wonderfully thunky shifter with no-lift shift, allowing for heel-toe shifting without lifting off the accelerator.
  3. Customizable Interior: The interior has a variety of fun upholstery options, including novel stitching, perforation, and embossing, with a focus on combining materials to create a cohesive whole.
  4. Innovative Design: The manual-equipped CT4-V Blackwing has a 3D-printed medallion on the shifter, and 3D printing allowed for the creation of manual-compatible wiring brackets and ducting at a lower cost.

The 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

You’ll experience the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing’s powerful engine performance, which boasts a 6.2-liter LT4 V8 engine making 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque.

This luxury sedan also features a luxurious interior design, although we’ll delve that in more detail later.

For now, let’s focus on its unique features, such as its impressive power band and exceptional handling capabilities.

Powerful Engine Performance

The 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing’s powerhouse lies in its 668 HP turbocharged small-block V8 engine, considered one of the best engines ever fitted to a road car.

You’ll appreciate the engine’s wonderfully thunky shifter with no-lift shift, allowing for heel-toe shifting without lifting off the accelerator.

  1. The 6.2-liter LT4 V8 engine makes 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque.
  2. The engine has a wide power band, allowing the car to go from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and 0-125 mph in 11.5 seconds.
  3. The engine’s characterful, powerful, and tractable performance makes it not a weak point in an otherwise excellent car.
  4. The turbocharged engine provides an exhilarating driving experience.

Luxurious Interior Design

Inside the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, a sumptuous atmosphere awaits, crafted from a thoughtful blend of materials, meticulous assembly, and design flourishes that amplify the driving experience.

You’ll find a variety of fun upholstery options, including novel stitching, perforation, and embossing, creating a cohesive whole.

Creature comforts abound, with premium materials and attention to detail, making the interior feel luxurious and well-executed.

The automaker’s focus on combining materials creates a stellar value compared to German cars, with a unique touch that sets it apart.

Unique 3D Printing

Cadillac’s innovative approach to design and engineering is evident in the 2022 CT5-V Blackwing‘s unique 3D-printed features.

You’ll notice the 3D-printed medallion on the shifter, which shows the shift pattern.

  1. Cost-effective production: 3D printing allowed for the creation of manual-compatible wiring brackets and ducting at a lower cost.
  2. Driver-centric design: The use of 3D printing enabled the inclusion of a manual transmission, which was prioritized by designers and engineers for driving enthusiasts.
  3. Unique touch: The 3D-printed parts add a unique touch to the Blackwing cars and knowing about them can make the car more appealing to potential buyers.
  4. Underdog appeal: The story behind the 3D-printed parts gives the car an underdog appeal.

The Rise of Electric Vehicles

As you gaze into the automotive crystal ball, electric vehicles (EVs) emerge as the clear winners, poised to transform the driving experience and leave combustion-powered sedans in their dust.

You’re likely to experience a different thrill with EVs, which will alter the performance car landscape.

The unique sensations of combustion-powered sedans will be lost, but used gas cars will still be available for purchase in the future.

The shift towards electrification may make combustion-powered sedans like the CT5-V Blackwing sought-after collector’s items in the future.

The Future of High-Performance Sedans

You’re likely to wonder what the future holds for high-performance sedans that have given you an adrenaline rush.

As the internal combustion era comes to an end, you’ll need to adapt to a new driving experience.

  1. EV shift: High-performance sedans will likely provide a distinct driving experience than combustion-powered sedans, making the sensations and experiences provided by combustion-powered sedans a thing of the past.
  2. Used cars still available: You’ll still be able to purchase used gas cars, allowing enthusiasts to continue experiencing the thrill of combustion-powered sedans.
  3. Brand perception: The perception of the Cadillac brand affects its appeal to potential buyers, making it less widely recognized than established brands like Mercedes-Benz, and impacting its sales.
  4. Uncertain future: The future of high-performance sedans is uncertain, and the Cadillac Blackwing may be one of the last chances to buy a Corvette-powered stick shift sedan, making it a valuable purchase for enthusiasts.

A Stellar Value for Its Price

You’re getting a lot of car for your money with the CT5-V Blackwing’s price to performance ratio, which is unmatched by its German competitors.

As one of the last chances to buy a Corvette-powered stick shift sedan, it’s a unique value proposition that’s likely to retain its value well.

With its lower price point, you’re getting a similar build quality to more expensive cars, making it a stellar value for its price.

Price to Performance

The 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing stands out as a stellar value in its class, boasting a price tag under $85,000 that’s hard to beat.

You’ll be impressed by its exceptional performance-to-price ratio, especially when compared to its German counterparts.

  1. A 668 HP engine and a wonderfully thunky shifter, similar to a Plaid build quality.
  2. A 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds and 0-125 mph time of 11.5 seconds, unmatched at its price point.
  3. A 200-pound lighter weight than an M5 CS and 800 pounds lighter than an RS7, contributing to its exceptional performance.
  4. A 6.2-liter LT4 V8 engine making 659 pound-feet of torque, paired with its standard six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive.

Last Chance Sedan

Its time is limited, and its value is unmatched – the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing stands as a last chance sedan that offers an unparalleled driving experience at its price point.

You’ll get a Corvette-powered stick shift sedan, a unique opportunity for driving enthusiasts.

With a price tag cheaper than a base model German car and build quality similar to a Plaid, it’s a stellar value.

You’ll experience a unique driving sensation that will disappear with the end of the internal combustion era, making this a last chance to own a high-performance sedan that will provide years of driving pleasure.

Retains Value Well

Buying a high-performance sedan like the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing isn’t just about the driving experience – it’s also a smart investment.

You’ll appreciate that it retains value well due to its stellar value for its price compared to German cars.

  1. The CT5-V Blackwing’s price tag is lower than a base model Z German car and a Plaid, offering a unique combination of performance, features, and luxury at an unbeatable price.
  2. Its exceptional performance, handling, and features, coupled with its relatively affordable price, make it a sound investment.
  3. As the last chance to buy a Corvette-powered stick shift sedan, it’s likely to appreciate in value over time.
  4. Its unique features, such as its manual transmission and turbocharged V8, will continue to appeal to car enthusiasts, ensuring the car will hold its value well.

When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Cadillac Eldorado, Cadillac Escalade-V, Cadillac DeVille and Cadillac Lyriq. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.

Betti Holt
About the author
Betti Holt