2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

Now, there is the existing CT5-V (or "V-Series"), which has a slightly more powerful version of the CT5's optional turbocharged V6. It also has a decent mix of performance upgrades, but it's still a far cry from the big bruiser of yesteryear.

How are your s'mores coming along, son? Great. So, as I was saying, Cadillac's been missing a replacement for the CTS-V. But now, finally, there's the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. Though it doesn't fit the original so-called Blackwing engine underhood (that particular motor was only ever sold in the recently retired CT6-V), the CT5-V Blackwing will instead use a familiar powerplant with gobs of torque. More on that coming up next! It also has unique features and options not available on other CT5 models, including a row-your-own transmission. I'll get to all the good stuff below.

With the automatic, Cadillac says the Blackwing can hit 60 mph from a stop in 3.7 seconds. That's pretty quick overall, but costlier rivals such as the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz AMG E 63 S are quicker still.

I don't expect the CT5-V Blackwing to be a lightweight, so stopping this beast from its top speed of more than 200 mph requires a set of sizable stoppers. GM says the drilled 398 mm front and 373.5 mm rear rotors are the largest ever fitted to a Cadillac, and the Brembo six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes should be up to the job. If you plan on pushing your Blackwing to the limit, the available carbon-ceramic brakes reduce unsprung mass by 53 pounds and should remain fade-free even after heavy use.

I expect the Blackwing will have the same hits and misses as the standard CT5 on the practicality front. The CT5 sits a little lower than its competitors, so tall folks might have a hard time entering and exiting gracefully. There's a good amount of legroom in both rows, but the sloping roofline reduces headroom in the rear. People with long torsos will have to compromise their seating position to fit.