- the 2022 cadillac ct4-v blackwing is here with a 472-horsepower twin-turbo v-6.
- it features notable improvements over its predecessor, the ats-v, including more power and bigger brakes.
- the ct4-v blackwing starts at $59,990 and will arrive at dealerships this summer.
given how much we liked the old cadillac ats-v, we're not too upset that the new 2022 ct4-v blackwing follows so closely in its predecessor's footsteps. the similar look and mostly carryover mechanicals are easily forgiven now that we know cadillac added a bit of power, upgraded the brakes, and kept the manual transmission on board—all while somehow lowering the base price by $2600 compared with the ats-v sedan that went out of production in 2018.
the basics are familiar: this new top-dog version of the ct4 rides on the same rear-wheel-drive alpha platform, uses the same twin-turbo 3.6-liter v-6 engine, and offers the same tremec six-speed manual transmission as the ats-v. but the updates are noteworthy. the v-6 gets improved thermal management and a few other tweaks that bring on an additional 8 horsepower, for a new total of 472 horsepower (torque remains the same at 445 lb-ft). and the optional automatic transmission is now a 10-speed unit rather than an eight-speed unit.
chassis upgrades include larger front and rear brake rotors, a newer version of the standard magnetorheological dampers, and michelin pilot sport 4s tires instead of the old pilot super sport rubber. these tires wrap around 18-inch wheels with a staggered-width setup; the magnesium wheels that cadillac teased earlier won't be available until later in the production run. the housing for the electronic limited-slip differential is now aluminum, which cadillac says saves 22 pounds. overall curb weight is up by a claimed 77 pounds.
the only area where we're not sold on the ct4-v blackwing over the ats-v is in the aesthetics department. while we don't take any issues with the aggressive spoilers, vents, and diffusers that the blackwing gets, we have yet to come around on the ct4's shape, especially the dumpy rear end. there's an optional carbon-fiber package with aerodynamic elements that are said to reduce lift. those with a keen eye will enjoy the various racing-themed easter eggs scattered throughout the engine bay, the interior, and even on the underbody.
standard equipment includes a digital gauge cluster, leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an akg-branded premium audio setup. and the list of optional extras is long: in addition to two levels of nicer interior trim packages, there's also a carbon-fiber aerodynamics package that's said to reduce lift, two types of more aggressive sport seats, and gm's performance data recorder system.
cadillac has yet to release pricing for these various options, but we would guess that the sub-$60,000 base price will balloon past $75,000 with all the goodies. orders for the new ct4-v blackwing are already open, and deliveries will start this summer.